The 317th 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 08th day of September 1984.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1450 hours with Bro. Otani, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, JW, (Acting) SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama, CH, (Acting) JW in the South.
Immediately after opening, WB Otani raised the lodge for prayer on behalf of our departed Brother Thomas T. Richardson, who died on 03 July 1984 and the lodge was ordered draped for 30 days in remembrance.
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 September 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. After some discussion, MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary then read the bills for the period and WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges submitted a negative but WB Otani reported on the progress of Mrs. Nagumo advising that she is out of the hospital and doing well. She had developed water on the knee and required a few days of hospitilization while the knee was drained.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Ohashi submitted a negative but MWB Nishiyama reported on his efforts to make arrangements for the GM's Chinese Dinner. Cost is much too high for a small group. He advised that the cost at WB Weinburger's DeliCarte would be much more reasonable. He also reported on the number of Masonic Widows who might attend. The matter to be discussed further after close of lodge and decision made as to what will happen.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that he has started work on the next issue and hopes to have it in the mail by the October stated meeting.
COACHING: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative.
AUDIT: No report due to the absence of Brother Norman.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada submitted a negative. WB Hodges pointed out that the semi-annual Financial Report for the period ending 20 June 1984 is inaccurate in that it does not reflect the transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Life Membership Fund to pay for the "Golden 100 Club" members. The amount to be transferred is ¥1,957,500. MWB Yamada acknowledged that the record is inaccurate and that he will issue a revision to the Financial Report.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that "rumor" has it that construction of the building that will house the new lodge is set to start this month and finish sometime next year. Confirmation is being sought and will be provided when or if available.
BALLOTTING: WB Hodges reported that there are no petitions for ballotting.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: WB Hodges reported that no petitions have been received. WB Otani granted Bro. Livernois' request for Demit.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletins for July and August 1984 and other correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Nishiyama moved and Bro. Ohashi seconded a motion that the lodge donate ¥10,000 to Kyoto Masonic Lodge #5 to be used as a donation to the Japanese Eye Bank. MOTION CARRIED
MWB Nishiyama presented WB Otani a 25 year letter and pin from the International Order of DeMolay in recognition of WB Otani's 25 years as a DeMolay.
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 1545 hours with Bro. Otani, WM in the East, Bro. Ohashi, JW, (Acting) SW in the West, and MWB Nishiyama, CH, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 5 Brethren present)
APPROVED
KATSUHIKO OTANI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY