Minutes 12 March 1988

The 347th 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 March 1988.

A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1435 hours with WB Ashenden, 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 March 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 Bro. Oliver seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED

Next was the report of the several committees:

CHARITY: WB Ashenden reported that MWB Nishiyama had sent his apologies through WB Hodges and that he is not feeling well. WB Otani was requested to call after lodge to ascertain his condition and to see if was anything the lodge could do.

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: Bro. Oliver submitted a negative.

FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Ashenden reported that he is preparing a short message to be mailed to the Brethren together with other items.

COACHING: Bro. Lindstrom gave a report on his learning the 3° proficiency. He stated that it is still his intention to give his proficiency at the April stated meeting.

MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.

AUDIT: WB Ashenden appointed Bro. Watanabe and Bro. McCauley to audit the Secretary and Treasurer's books as soon as practicable.

INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that we have received no correspondence from Grand Lodge concerning the interest due this lodge from the Consolidated Investment Fund.

HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.

BALLOTTING: None.

RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read a petition for the degrees submitted by Mr. Goro Murata. The WM directed the petition to run the usual course.

CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 February 1988 and other correspondence as appropriate. After reading a letter from the Order of Rainbow Girls, WB Hodges moved and WB Hunt seconded a motion that the lodge donate ¥30,000 to the Order of Rainbow Girls to help defray some of the expense of their annual communication. MOTION CARRIED

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Ashenden called for a report on Bro. Steinheimer's letter concerning dues for absent Brethren. WB Hunt submitted a most comprehensive report at the conclusion of which it was determined that the lodge cannot independently establish a two-tier dues schedule on its own authority. To do so will require a change in the Grand Lodge Uniform Code of By-Laws for subordinate lodges. Such change can only be made by the Grand Lodge in session. Due to the lateness, with Grand Lodge next meeting on 18/19 March 1988, it was determined that the necessary resolution could not be submitted for consideration this year. If interest in the matter is sufficient, it can be brought up for consideration at the 1989 Grand Lodge communication. Meanwhile, the WM directed the Secretary to inform Bro. Steinheimer of the situation.

WB Ashenden then presented his agenda for the year (attached hereto and made a part hereof). It was agreed that an official visit will be made to Harmony Lodge on April 13, 1988 and that all other agenda items will be discussed at the April stated meeting at which time dates and details of the proposed functions will be taken up in detail.

WB Hodges then advised that the lodge needs to purchase 4 Past Master's Bars for presentation to WB Katagiri, WB Hodges, WB Hunt, and WB Ohashi. He advised that he now knows where to purchase these bars and moved that the lodge purchase 6, four to be presented the Brethren herein named and two for lodge stock. WB Hunt seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED

WB Hodges then moved and WB Hunt seconded a motion that the lodge purchase a WM's Jewel, Apron and Case from Grand Lodge. Cost will be ¥91,000. After discussion, MOTION CARRIED

WB Ashenden then brought up the various proposed resolutions to be laid before Grand Lodge for consideration and by discussion and comments, gained a sufficient understanding of the Brethren's thinking to be able to vote appropriately on these matters.

NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges reported that it appears that Lodge Star in the East No. 640, S.C., is interested in establishing a Masonic Library and suggested that we may wish to join them in this effort as the need for such a library is self-evident. WB Ashenden indicated that we would be receptive to any overtures extended by Lodge No. 640 in this matter but that for the moment it might be better to wait for further developments.

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 1620 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 9 Brethren present)

APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN
WORSHIPFUL MASTER

ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY

Proposed Agenda for 1988