The 348th 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 16th day of April 1988.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1420 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and WB Hunt, PM, 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 April 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. Lindstrom seconded that the bills be paid. 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 Bro. Oliver was unable to attend due to illness of his wife. He also reported that MWB Nishiyama called earlier today and apologized. He too is not feeling well. WB Ashenden requested WB Otani to express our concern when he visits MWB Nishiyama after lodge.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Ashenden reported that this Lodge and Lodge Star in the East 640 were jointly sponsoring a Ladies Night at the YC&AC on 21 May 1988 and requested all possible to attend this lodge function.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative. WB Ashenden advised that he have his message to the Brethren ready this next week.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro, Lindstrom is ready to give his his 3° proficiency and that courtesy candidate Bro. Eldridge is working on the 1°. WB Otani reported on the progress of Bro. Yoshitake.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report
AUDIT: No report at this time. It is anticipated that the committee will be able to complete their work by next stated meeting.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that GL has provided a detailed analysis of all funds held in GL and that the Audit Committee will be able to report accurately enough on the status of all funds. He also reminded the WB and Brethren that we have too much cash on hand in bank and that we need to find a suitable investment for these funds.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: By secret ballot the Brethren elected Mr. Goro Murata to receive the degrees of Masonry in this lodge. Date & time for 1° conferral TBD.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: WB Hodges reported that we have been requested to perform courtesy work on Bro. Thomas M. Eldrige of Blackmer Lodge No. 442, San Diego, CA.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 March 88, 2 Proclamations issued by MWB Ditto, a letter concerning the Children's Festival and a Letter requesting the assistance of all the brethren as well as thanking them all for electing him by MWB Fujino.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Bro. Lindstrom then gave his 3° proficiency after which the WM declared Bro. Lindstrom proficient.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hunt asked WB Otani to convey to MWB Nishiyama the information that he was elected a member of Harmony Lodge No 18 at their stated meeting. WB Ashenden advised the brethren that he has committed our lodge to providing Harmony Lodge #18 any assistance they may require for degree work. WB Ashenden then instructed the SW the manner he is to respond when asked at the next stated meeting the question "Are all present MMs?" WB Ashenden advised that the Grand Lodge Senior Lecturer wishes to he advised when this lodge intends t confer its next degree. WB Ashenden reported on the status of the library as presented at 640's last meeting. He then indicated that the lodge should purchase a suitable hat as it is not proper to continue to borrow WB Hunt's hat. He instructed the Secretary to check the Masonic supply catalog to determine if a suitable hat that will fit all can he purchased. WB Ashenden then appointed Bro. Lindstrom and Bro. Watanabe, together with himself, as the lodge Charity Committee and requested all to consider worthy projects.
He then recommended that all brethren seriously consider ways of letting people outside the lodge know that they are Masons. He suggested that, when appropriate, they might consider wearing appropriate Masonic jewelry which is possibly the easiest means of letting it be known that a man is a Mason. He recommended this in order to provide the uninitiated an opportunity to initiate discussions concerning the Craft which may lead someone to ask the proper questions. Other appropriate means should be considered as well.
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 7 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY