The 322nd 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 March 1985.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1430 hours with WB Ohashi, WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, PGM, SW in the West, and WB Otani, PM, 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 March 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 that the cost for the Installation Banquet was $159 for the food. A very good time was had by all.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that he has received WB Ohashi's message "From the East" and that the next issue of the FTs is at the printers. Mailing by the end of the month is anticipated.
COACHING: MWB Yamada and WB Hodges submitted a negative. WB Ohashi reported that he has been successful in contacting Bro. Nakayama and commenced coaching him. WB Ohashi fully expects that Bro. Nakayama will progress.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative.
AUDIT: No report.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada submitted a report on the amount of money presently uninvested and held by GL. He also reported on a new bond purchased by GL for this lodge. WB Hodges recommended that the Finance Commitee determine a suitable investment for money presently uninvested as such funds earn nothing for the lodge. WB Ohashi indicated he would take the matter under advisement.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: WB Hodges read a Petition for Restoration submitted by Bro. Frank Rufus Copeland, Jr. who was suspended for NPD on 4 Feb 1981. WB Ohashi directed that the petition lay over until next Stated Meeting at which time Brother Copeland's request will be voted on.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of Feb 20, 1985 and a portion of the GL Executive Meeting Minutes of Feb 23, 85 pertaining to the upcoming GL Children's Festival after which MWB Yamada moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion that the lodge donate 30,000 to the Children's Festival. MOTION CARRIED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Nishiyama reported that Mr. Jun Nishiyama is unable to be initiated this month and desires to be initiated at a convenient date during April. WB Ohashi then called for a vote on the change in the hour of the stated meeting. After considerable discussion, the MOTION WAS DEFEATED.
WB Ohashi requested the Brethren to consider a more appropriate date and time for our Stated Meetings for future discussion and resolution.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Yamada reported that the Shrine Committee has not yet completed the annual booklet for last year. Attendance at the GL Communication was discussed. MWB Yamada suggested that we consider reestablishing the custom of donating to the Harmony Fund. The suggestion was well received by the Brethren as a means of raising funds for programs or uses that use of lodge funds might not be appropriate.
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 1615 hours with WB Ohashi, WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, SW in the West, and WB Otani, JW in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present)
APPROVED
TADASHI OHASHI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY