The 346th 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 13th day of February 1988.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1423 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. Oliver, JW in the South.
WB Ashenden then raised the lodge for a moment of silent prayer in rememberance of our departed Brother, WB Richard E. Olmstead, PM, who died on 06 Nov 87 of a heart attack. The Charter was ordered draped for 30 days.
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 February 1988, 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 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
MWB Nishiyama then moved and Bro. Oliver seconded a motion that the Secretary be again paid an ¥18,000 per month honorarium. After discussion, the MOTION CARRIED
WB Hodges then moved that the motion made at the December 1987 stated meeting to purchase a slide projector, screen and slides for the 3 lectures be laid aside. WB Otani seconded the motion. After discussion, MOTION CARRIED
WB Hodges then moved and MWB Nishiyama seconded a motion that the lodge purchase for $185.00 one set of Sherer's Lecture Charts from Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company. After discussion MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Ashenden was pleased to submit a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges reported that WB Ohashi's wife informed him that WB Ohashi is recovering satisfactorily from his operation and that he should be able to join us on the 27th when we confer the 3° on Bro. Lindstrom.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported on the results e.g. number of guests costs etc. of the Installation Banquet after which WB Ashenden extended his thanks and appreciation for the very fine banquet.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Lindstrom will be ready to give his 2° Proficiency on 17 Feb 88 as scheduled. MWB Nishiyama reported on tne status of Bros. Jun Nishiyama and Bro. Yoshitake He advised that Bro. Jun will be prepared to give his 2° proficiency on the 27th and requested that the lodge open 30 minutes earlier than planned to provide time. WB Ashenden directed that the summons be amended to reflect a start time of 1730 vice 1800 hours.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: MWB Nishiyama submitted a negative.
AUDIT: At the recommendation of WB Hodges WB Ashenden indicated that he would appoint an Audit Board at the March stated meeting.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that Grand Lodge has not yet answered our letter concerning our investment interest. MWB Quick, PGM, Grand Treasurer had indicated by phone that a response would be forthcoming by the end of January 1988. However, nothing has been received to date. WB Ashenden indicated that he will follow-up when he attends the next Executive Committee meeting.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 01/20/88 and other correspondence as appropriate.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The Secretary then read a letter from Bro. Steinheimer concerning dues for absent Brethren. WB Ashenden appointed WB Hunt and WB Hodges as a committee to study Bro. Steinheimer's proposal and to submit recommendations for consideration of the lodge. WB Ashenden reported on his visit to Harmony Lodge #18 where WB Hunt was installed in the East and Bro. Watanabe in the West.
NEW BUSINESS: The Secretary reminded the Brethren of the various resolutions and prorosals that will be laid before the GL during its annual communication in March. He recommended that the Brethren be prepared to instruct the lodge delegation how to vote on these matters. WB Ashenden stated that the items will be brought up for discussion during the March stated meeting.
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 1550 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and WB Hunt, PM, (Acting) JW in the South.
(There were 8 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY