The 343rd 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 14th day of November 1987.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1830 hours with WB Ohashi, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. Oliver, 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 November 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 Hodges. It was moved by WB Hodges and seconded by Bro. Ashenden 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 Bro. Oliver seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Ohashi was pleased to submit a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: It was learned just today that MWB Nishiyama has had a relapse of his recurring illness and has again been confined to his bed.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: No report.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges read the note from Bro. Jim Gleason concerning the possible continutation of the FTs and requested the Brethren consider means of implementing Bro. Jim's suggestions. Before closing, WB Hodges asked the Brethren to consider the desirability of purchasing and distributing the Lodge dedication booklet printed by Lodge #640.
COACHING: WB Ohashi indicated that he would be contacting Bro. Yoshitake to make arrangements for an alternate coach in view of MWB Nishiyama's illness.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Ohashi submitted a negative.
HOUSE: WB Hodges pointed out that we received a water bill covering the period Jan thru Oct 1987 and recommended the Brethren be prepared to receive other utility bills in the future.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The petition for Dual Membership submitted by WB Tadamichi Sugai, PM, Harmony Lodge #18 was read. WB Ohashi directed that the petition run its usual course.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 Oct 1987 and other correspondence as appropriate. He then read a letter from Kyoto Masonic Lodge #5 which solicits and annual donation to the Eye Bank. WB Hodges moved and Bro. Ashenden seconded a motion that the lodge donate ¥50,000 as per previous years. MOTION CARRIED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Ohashi designated WB Hodges to read Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution and Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the lodge By-Laws. Bro. John A. McCauley was then obligated a dual member of this lodge.
NEW BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East, labors in this lodge of MMs were suspended and a lodge of EAs opened for the purpose of conferring the 1st Degree of Masonry on Mr. Michial E. Lindstrom, who was elected to received the degrees of Masonry in this lodge at our last stated meeting. Mr. Lindstrom was obligated as an EA Mason with WB Hodges, PM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West and Bro. Oliver, JW in the South. Bro. Ashenden conducted Mr. Lindstrom throughout the ceremony and delivered the EA Lecture. The Lambskin Apron was presented by Bro. Watanabe, the Working Tools by WB Ohashi and WB Hodges delivered the Charge. Upon completion of the ceremony, the lodge was called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro. Lindstrom on his being initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason. After appropriate remarks, Bro. Lindstrom was conducted from the Lodge and at the sound of the gavel in the East, labors in this lodge of EAs was closed and a lodge of MMs resumed.
Before closing, the Secretary reminded the Brethren that next month is election night and that we will have 60 days to prepare for the installation. The present WM and WM Elect should be prepared to set a date for the installation and they also should be considering who the Installing Officer will be as it is probably unlikely that MWB Nishiyama will be able to install our officers as in prior years. His health may preclude his active participation.
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 2220 hours with WB Ohashi, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and WB Hunt, PM, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 7 Brethren present)
APPROVED
T. OHASHI, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY