The 325th 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 8th day of June 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 deaths of Bros. Sidney P. Kretlow and Omer J. Turner, after which he called the lodge up for silent prayer and ordered the lodge draped for 30 days in remembrance.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren (and first time visitors) as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date.
The WM then called the ldoge free from restraint for th purpose of preparing to receive the GM. At the sound of the gavel in the East, MWB Carl L. Potts, GM of Masons in Japan and his party were received with Grand Honors.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of June 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 report a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Otani reported on the arrangements for the GM's Chinese Dinner.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that a new issue was sent to the printer on 07 June 1985.
COACHING: MWB Yamada and WB Hodges submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Yamada submitted a negative.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: MWB Yamada reported that the sum of ¥1,200,906 from the General Fund has been invested in a bond thru Merrill Lyncn and also the investment of ¥700,000 in a time deposit with ClTIBANK will be made in the near future due to a surplus of funds in the General Fund.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that the furniture for the five stations will be removed for refinishing on/about 15 July 85 by Masonic Hall Ltd in preparation for the opening of the new Temple here in Yokohama. He was also advised that the cornerstone laying ceramony will be held sometime soon however, final date and other details have not yet been advised.
BALLOTTING: WB Ohashi reported a favorable report on the petition of Mr Takeaki Yamaguchi who was then elected to received the degrees by secret ballot.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of Jun 20, 1985. WB Ohashi reported on the correspondence with Brother Jewell and his efforts to secure employment for Bro. Jewell.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Ohashi reported that the lodge will go dark during the month of August 1985 due to the scheduled renovation of the furniture and instructed the Secretary to request a Dispensation. He also discussed the preliminary arrangements for conferring the first degree on Mr. Nishiyama and Mr. Yamaguchi. MWB Yamada then moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion that the lodge donate ¥50,000 to the GL Endowment Fund. MOTION CARRIED
MWB Yamada then reported that four lodges in Tokyo plan on having a fellowship dinner. Appropriate details were provided. After appropriate remarks by many of the visiting Dignitaries and Brethen present MWB Carl L. Potts, Grand Master of Masons in Japan address the Brethren assembled.
After which 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 1725 hours with MWB Potts, GM, (Acting) WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, PGM, SW in the West, and WB Otani, PM, JW in the South.
(There were 16 Brethren present of which only 6 were members of this lodge.)
APPROVED
TADASHI OHASHI
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY