The 344th 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 12th day of December 1987.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1430 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 December 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 Otani, PM. It was moved by WB Otani and seconded by WB Hunt, PM that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary reported no bills for the period.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Ohashi was pleased to submit a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Oliver submitted a negative.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion that the lodge purchase sufficient copies of the pamphlet "The Yokohama Temple" to provide each member of the lodge a copy. After discussion, it was decided to hold the motion in abeyance pending cost information. (Correction made at January 1988 Stated Meeting. T. H. Hodges, PM, Sec)
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Lindstrom will be ready to give his 1st Degree proficiency on 19 December 1987. MWB Nishiyama reported that Bro. Yoshitake is about 70% ready for his 1st Degree proficiency and the Bro. Jun Nishiyama is about 50% ready to give his 2nd Degree proficiency. Both should be ready in January 1988.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Nishiyama submitted a negative.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges moved that this lodge pay no more money to Grand Lodge pending receipt of an accounting of lodge funds held by GL. The motion died due to lack of a second. Bro. Ashenden then moved and WB Hunt seconded a motion that we request GL to send all uninvested funds and all interest earned on funds invested directly to the lodge, now and in the future. After discussion, MOTION CARRIED
HOUSE: WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded that the lodge purchase battery operated candles, a slide projector and a screen, and suitable visual aids to be used with the Staircase and other lectures. After discussion, the MOTION CARRIED
BALLOTTING: WB Tadamichi Sugai, PM, petition for dual membership in this lodge was favorably balloted on by the Brethren.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 Nov 1987 and other correspondence as appropriate. WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion that the lodge purcase 3,000 each of two types of dues card holders. After discussion, 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. The Secretary reported that the following named Brethren will be suspended for NPD on 12/31/87 unless their 1986 dues are received: Bros. Michael Anthony Colburn; Edward Lee Edwards; Asa Gogolin; Edward Medrano Reyna; and James Mathew Rorick.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Ohashi presented Bro. Oliver with his 25 year pin and letter. At the sound of the gavel in the East the lodge was called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of the annual election of officers. At the sound of the gavel in the East, the following Brethren were elected to the position indicated:
WB Ohashi and Bro. Ashenden, WM Elect, then announced that the installation of officers will be held approximately 45 days from today and the the Installing Officers as well as the lodge appointed officers and committee members will be named at the January 1988 stated meeting. WB Hodges was appointed to make suitable arrangements for the banquet. After congratulations were extended to the newly elected Brethren, WB Ohashi announced that we will hold a Special Meeting commencing at 1800 hours on 19 December 1987 for the purpose of passing Bro. Lindstrom to the 2nd Degree of Masonry. Before closing, WB Hodges moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion that the lodge contribute $150.00 to the Masonic Service Association Hospital Visitation Program. After discussion, MOTION CARRIED
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 1730 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 9 Brethren present)
APPROVED
T. OHASHI, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY