The 311th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 31, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan on the 18th day of February 1984.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1344 hours with Bro. Otani, WM in the East, Bro. Norman, SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama, CH, (Acting) JW in the South.
WB Otani called the Lodge up for prayer on behalf of Brother George A. Hayden who died on 16 January 1984. After prayer, WB Otani ordered the Lodge draped for a period of 30 days in remembrance of Bro. Hayden.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of February 1984, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings.
The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as read.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by MWB Yamada. It was moved by MWB Yamada and seconded by WB Hodges that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and WB Hodges moved and MWB Yamada seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Hodges moved and MWB Yamada seconded a motion that the Life Membership Fee in the amount of $150 be returned to the widow of Brother George A. Hayden for it is known that Mrs. Hayden is in need of money. MOTION CARRIED
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative report.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported on the results of the Installation Banquet.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reminded Bro. Otani that he is waiting for his "Message from the East" so that he can publish the next edition. WB Otani indicated it would be ready on 25 February 1984.
COACHING: WB Hodges and MWB Yamada submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Nishiyama and MWB Yamada submitted a negative.
AUDIT: MWB Yamada requested the Audit Committee to plan on making their audit after March 1984.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada discussed the investment of uninvested lodge funds and reviewed his amendment to the annual (1983) Financial Statement, enclosure (1) hereto, for the benefit of the Brethren.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: The Secretary advised there were no petitions for ballotting.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary advised that no petitions had been received.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of January 20, 1984; two letters from the GM, one dated 7 Jan and the other 14 January 1984; and a very lengthy letter from the GL Grand Lecturer.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges moved and MWB Yamada seconded a motion that the By-Laws of this lodge be changed as follows: "Under ARTICLE III - Of Meetings of the Lodge. Section 1 is proposed to be changed as follows: "Section 1. The Stated Meetings of this Lodge shall be holden on the second Saturday in each month at 2:00 P.M o'clock." IAW Article 159 of the Constitution of the GL and Article XIII of the By-Laws of this lodge, WB Otani directed that the proposed amendment to the By-Laws shall lay over until the next Stated Meeting when a vote will be had which must be approved by two thirds of the members then present. He further directed the Secretary to notify all members of this lodge residing in the Kanto Plain, by letter, of the proposed amendment and charge them to be present by his order. He further directed that these instructions be reflected in the minutes of this meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion that "Every member of this Lodge who attains a combination of age and lodge membership of 100 years or more who are not already Life Members shall be made a Life Member and that the General Fund shall reimburse the Life Membership Fund in the amount of ¥67,500 for each member thus made a Life Member; SUCH FUNDS to revert to the General Fund automatically upon the death of each Brother thus made a Life Member." MOTION CARRIED
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of MMs, we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this Lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 1606 hours with Bro. Otani, WM in the East, Bro. Norman, SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama, CH, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present)
APPROVED
KATSUHIKO OTANI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY