The 353rd 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 10th day of September 1988.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1433 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and WB Hunt, PM, MA, Acting JW in the South.
At the sound of the gavel the lodge was calledup for silent prayer in rememberance of Bros. Lee Henry KOSTORA who died on 22 June 1988 and Harry Francis ONG who died on 02 March 1988. After prayer, the charter was ordered draped for 30 days by WB Ashenden.
The WM then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of September 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. It was moved by WB Otani and seconded by Bro. Watanabe 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 submitted a negative but apologized for not having called MWB Nishiyama to find out how he is doing. He promised to do so before very long and if there is any problem to advise accordingly.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Lindstrom gave a report on the status of the preparations for the picnic after which WB Hodges moved and WB Hunt seconded a motion to advance $500.00 to Bro. Lindstrom to use for necessary purchases and for the lodge to pay any difference between the cost of the picnic and the money collected from the attendees which was set at ¥1500 per person. After clarification of the motion and some discussion the MOTION CARRIED
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges requested the lodge consider reviving the Friendly Tips and called for assistance in putting out a least 3 issues annually. As a result of the discussions it was decided to forego renewal of the annual subscription to the SHORT TALK BULLETIN.
COACHING: Bro Watanabe reported on the status of Bros Yoshitake and Murata.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: Nothing to report.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: By secret ballot the Brethren elected WBs Jay Lincoln HARRALL, PM and William Melvin HEATH, PM as dual members of this lodge.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 Aug 88 and other correspondence as appropriate. After reading the letter from Yokosuka No. 20 concerning our visit, WB Ashenden announced that our official visit will take place on the 4th of October. He instructed the Secretary to write an appropriate letter and charged the Brethren to provide their full support to make the visit a success.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ballotting was had on the request for Special Dispensation submitted by Mr. Harold Eugene PALMER Jr. to permit the lodge to receive a second petition for the degrees in less than 12 months from his prior rejection. The ballot being unanimous WB Ashenden instructed the Secretary to write the Grand Master for a Special Dispensation on behalf of the lodge.
WB Hodges then brought up the proposed purchase of the pamphlet THE YOKOHAMA TEMPLE. WB Hodges reported that the cost would be about $5.70 each which is considered too expensive. Accordingly, no motion to purchase was forthcoming and the matter has been laid aside without further action.
WB Ashenden then brought up the matter of the survey concerning our stated meeting and informed the lodge that he intends to appoint Bro. McCauley to review the responses and to present to the lodge a comprehensive report together with any recommendations he might have concerning this matter.
Bro. Lindstrom reported that the box to house the Degree Lecture Charts is being made and that it might be finished before the next stated meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: The Secretary then read a request for Demit submitted by Brother David Lee Sommerville. Brother Sommerville being in good standing and with his 1988 dues paid and there being no objections by the Brethren, WB Ashenden ordered the Demit granted.
He then announced that he has to make a short business trip during the first part of the month of October and asked the Brethren if they prefered to hold lodge without him or to request a special dispensation to postpone our October stated meeting until 15 October. WB Hodges moved and WB Hunt, PM, seconded a motion that we request a dispensation to hold our October 1988 stated meeting on 15 October vice 8 October. 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 1612 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and WB Hunt, PM, MA, Acting JW in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY