The 321st 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 9th day of February 1985.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1443 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 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 1985, 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 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 again pleased to submit a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported on the arrangements for the Installation Banquet and other similar matters. Bro. Ohashi submitted a negative.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that he was still waiting for Bro. Ohashi's message "From the East" after which the next issue of the FTs will be printed.
COACHING: MWB Yamada and WB Hodges submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative.
AUDIT: MWB Yamada reported that the annual audit was conducted by the Audit Committee and no deficiencies were noted.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada submitted a negative and then he distributed copies of his annual report a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that the new temple is progressing and that indications are that it may be ready to occupy before year's end. He also reported on the cost of utilities for the period July thru December 1984.
BALLOTTING: WB Otani reported that the Committee of Investigations had returned a favorable report on the petition for the degrees of Masonry submitted by Mr. Jun Nishiyama. The Brethren then by secret ballot elected Mr. Nishiyama to receive the degree of Masonry in this lodge. The Brethren the, by secret written ballot, voted to restore Bro. George J. King to all the rights and privileges of Freemasonry.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary reported a negative.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of Jan 20, 1985; the GM's Resolution on International Demolay Week; and the notification of a Memorial Service for RWB Lassleben, PSGW. The Secretary passed out copies of three resolutions to amend the GL Constitution for review by the Brethren prior to the GL Communication.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East the lodge was called from labor to refreshment for the purpose of installing the elected and appointed officers as indicated below, for the ensuing Masonic Year. Ably assisted by WB Tommy R. Brown, PM, GL Inspector for this lodge, MWB Yoshio Yamada, PGM, duly installed the following officers in their respective offices:
Upon conclusion of the public installation and after suitable remarks by WB Ohashi and other dignatiaries present, MWB Paul E. Newman, GM of Masons in Japan, addressed the Brethren and guests present. After his remarks, MWB Newman closed the lodge in public form at 1827 hours with MWB Nishiyama, SW in the West and WB Otani, JW in the South.
The members and several guests present then journeyed to the Negishi Navy Club where they enjoyed rest and refreshment prior to their journey home. A good time was had by all.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Ohashi discussed the hour of our Stated Meeting at the conclusion of which he moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded that the time for our Stated Meetings be changed from 1400 hours on the Second Saturday of each month to 1900 hours on the Second Saturday of each month. After discussion WB Otani ordered the motion tabled until next Stated Meeting and ordered the Secretary to prepare and distribute the necessary notification that a change in the lodge's By-Laws would be voted on the next Stated Meeting (09 March 1985).
(There were 7 Brethren present for the Stated Meeting Portion)
(There were 21 Brethren and guests present at the Installation Portion)
APPROVED
TADASHI OHASHI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY