The 335th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F. & A. M. was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 250, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan on the 10th day of January 1987.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1435 hours with WB Hunt, PM, WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, PGM, SW in the West, and WB Ohashi, PM, TR, (Acting) JW in the South.
The WM then 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 January 1987, 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.
The Treasurer requested postponement of his report until the next stated meeting as he has not had time to update his records. The WM approved.
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: The WM submitted a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: No report.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported on the progress of Brother Phillips prior to his departure noting that Bro. Phillips had, for all practical purposes, proven his proficiency.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported on the status of funds at Grand Lodge. WB Hunt reiterated the responsibilities of the lodge officers with regard to the lodge funds and the necessity for them to remain aware at all times of the status of lodge funds, the location of any certificates and any negotiable documents and the necessity for their safe keeping.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that Mrs. Nagumo has retired and that for the time being, no custodian will be hired. Reasons for this decision were given. He also informed the Brethren that MHL is charging each of the using bodies a rental fee of ¥10,000 per month.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read the Petition for Restoration submitted by Bro. Thomas Hunnicutt and for Dual Membership submitted by Bro. Clifford Roland Ashenden. The WM directed that the petitions run their courses.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletins of 20 Nov/Dec 1986 and other appropriate correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The Secretary reported that Bro. Robert A. Moore was suspended for NPD on 31 December 1986. He then moved that the dues for Bros. Rupert E. Eastham and James M. Rorick be remitted for the year 1985 to permit these Brethren additional time to respond. After being seconded, the MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS: The matter of the lodges' abilitiy to remain open was then taken up and after much discussion, WB Hodges moved and WB Ohashi seconded a motion that the Lodge Charter be surrendered due to lack of attendance. In accordance with Article 167a of the Constitution, the WM directed that the motion be tabled; that the Secretary mail a summons to all members of the lodge; and that a proper Resolution be submitted for consideration at the stated meeting scheduled for 14 February 1987, The Secretary to also request a Special Dispensation to postpone our annual elections until the fate of the lodge is determined.
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 1605 hours with WB Hunt, PM, WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, PGM, SW in the West, and WB Ohashi, PM, TR, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 4 Brethren present)
APPROVED
ROWLAND P. HUNT, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY