The 340th 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 8th day of August 1987.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1425 hours with WB Hunt, PM, WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, PGM, SW in the West, and Bro. Oliver, MM, (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 August 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.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Ohashi. It was moved by WB Ohashi 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 Hunt was pleased to submit a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges moved and WB Ohashi seconded a motion that the lodge sponsor the attendance of all members of this lodge and their guests who attend the Masonic barbecue being sponsored by the Scottish Rite on 28th August 1987 and reimburse them the cost of their transportation and that of their guests should they incur out-of-pocket expenses. MOTION CARRIED
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: MWB Nishiyama was pleased to report that his son, Jun, is present and prepared to give his proficiency in the 1st Degree.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Nishiyama submitted a negative.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hunt still checking on Grand Lodge investments. He hopes to be able to submit a report of his findings at the September stated meeting.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read the petition for the degrees of Masonry in this lodge submitted by Mr. Masahiro Yoshitake. The WM ordered the petition to take its usual course.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of July 20, 1987 and other correspondence as appropriate. WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion that this lodge donate ¥50,000 to the Kanto Plain Special Olympic Committee. MOTION CARRIED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Bro. Ashenden moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion that the annual election of officers for the year 1987 be conducted at the stated meeting of September 1987. 100% of the Brethren present approved the motion. The WM directed the Secretary to seek the necessary Special Dispensation and if approved, to give due notice to the Brethren of the elections.
NEW BUSINESS: At 1527 hours, the WM lowered the lodge to the 1st Degree for the purpose of listening to the proficiency in this degree by Brother Jun Nishiyama. The examination was conducted by MWB Nishiyama, after which the WM declared Bro. Jun Nishiyama proficient in the 1st Degree. Bro. Jun was congratulated by the Brethren present and after being conducted from the lodge at 1620 hours, the WM raised the lodge to the 3rd Degree.
MWB Nishyama then spoke of his feelings with regard to the proficiency given by his son and proclaimed his extreme happiness at the presence of Brother Ed Lawson. The WM requested MWB Nishiyama to arrange the date and place for passing his son, Jun, the the Fellowcraft Degree.
Brother Ed Lawson then spoke on matters pertaining to Masonry after which he made a number of presentations to various members of the lodge, including Bros. Jun and Taku Nishiyama. He rendered the poem by Bro. Rudyard Kipling "Mother Lodge" in a most profound and beautiful manner, to the delight and joy of the Brethren present.
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 1659 hours with WB Hunt, PM, WM in the East, MWB Nishiyama, PGM, SW in the West, and Bro. Oliver, MM, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 9 Brethren present)
APPROVED
ROWLAND P. HUNT, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY