The 318th 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 13th day of October 1984.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1656 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.
The WM recognized the GM, MWB Paul E. Newman and other 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 October 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 PGM. 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 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 was pleased to submit a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Ohashi submitted a negative but did remind the Brethren that immediately after lodge everyone is invited to adjourn to WB Fred Weinberger's place where the Grand Master's Dinner is to be held.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that the next issue or the FT's has not been completed due to a number of personal problems. He hopes to have the next issue completed by the next stated meeting.
COACHING: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative but was pleased to announce that Saturday, 20 Oct 84 there would be a meeting of the Right Twelve Club, the Grand Lodge executive committee and two separate 3rd degrees are scheduled to be conferred in Tokyo, one by Tokyo Yuai #11 and the other by Yokosuka Lodge #20. A large attendance is hoped for.
AUDIT: Due to the absence of Brother Norman, no report was submitted.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada reported that interest from our investment with Merril Lynch had recently been received. The amount was ¥14,000.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: The Secretary announced that there are no petitions for ballotting.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary announced that no petitions have been received.
CORRESPONDENCE: WB Hodges read the GL Bulletin dated Sep 20, 84 and a "Thank You" letter from the WM of Kyoto Masonic Lodge No. 5 for our donation to the Japanese Eye Bank Fund.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Otani directed that Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the GL Constitution and Article II Sections 1 and 2 of the Lodge By-Laws be read.
After the reading he called on MWB Newman, GM to say a few words. MWB Newman pointed out that he will be amenable to granting requests to reduce the catechism examinations when the WM and Brethren of the lodge feel that such is needed, that Masonry will be served by granting such a request when the Brother for which the request is made is otherwise worthy of such consideration.
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 8 Brethren present)
APPROVED
KATSUHIKO OTANI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY