The 324th 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 11th day of May 1985.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1425 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 announced the death of Brother John J. Mehaffey after which he called the lodge up for a moment of silent prayer and ordered the lodge draped for a period of 30 days in remembrance of Brother Mehaffey.
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 May 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 reported that there were no bills for the period.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Hodges reported a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to report a negative. MWB Yamada reported on the status of WB Narusai, indicating that some of the Brethren were able to answer the call for blood donations previously made.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Otani submitted a negative.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that current issue is being prepared for mailing together with the Masonic Shimbun.
COACHING: MWB Yamada and WB Hodges submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada reported that the GM will make his Annual visit to FE#1 on 13 July 1985. WB Otani suggested and the WM and Brethren agreed to hold the GM's Annual Dinner after his official visitation if convenient. WB Otani to determine the location and other details while he or MWB Yamada would consult with the GM. This year is to be a Chinese Dinner.
AUDIT: A negative report was submitted.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada reported on the status of our uninvested funds in GL advising that they are still uninvested.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative. MWB Yamada reported that Bro. Reinbold of Lodge Star in the East No. 640 had informed him that there would be a cornerstone laying ceremony for the new lodge building sometime fairly soon. We should receive an invitation with details when date and other details are firm.
BALLOTTING: The Brethren voted favorably to restore Brother Frank Rufus Copeland, Jr. to good standing in the lodge.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary advised no petitions have been received.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of April 20, 1985 and other pertinent correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Nishiyama reported that his son, Jun, is not yet ready to receive the 1st degree; perhaps at the end of May or sometime in June. WB Ohashi reported on the status of Bro. Nakayama. He also indicated that a member of his company may be interested in joining the fraternity. To be reported on further. WB Ohashi reported that the GL Children's Festival will be held on the last Sunday of May (the 26th). Tokyo Yuai #11 intends to have a Memorial Service on 22 June 1985 at about 1500 hours in memory of our departed Japanese Brethren.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Yamada reported that the 3 lodges in Tokyo, with the permission of the GM, intend to publish the date and time of their meetings in the Mainichi or some other English language newspaper. These lodges have invited FE#1 to participate. The Brethren unanimously approved the idea. WB Ohashi requested MWB Yamada to work with the Tokyo Brethren to include us in this proposed action.
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 1555 hours with WB Ohashi, WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, PGM, SW in the West, and WB Otani, PM, JW in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present)
APPROVED
TADASHI OHASHI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY