The 354th 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 15th day of October 1988.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1427 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and WB Harrall, PM, Acting JW in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren (and first time visitors) as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of October 1988, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings. Before proceeding with business, WB William M. Heath, PM, Grand Lodge Inspector for this lodge was received with grand honors.
The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Otani. It was moved by WB Otani and seconded by Bro. Lindstrom 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. McCauley 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. Bro. Lindstrom gave an update on his efforts to locate a suitable charity for the lodge to support.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Oliver called this A.M. to express his regrets. He is unable to attend as he is recovering from cataract surgery. He spent 5 days in the Yokosuka Hospital but is home now and recovering satisfactorily.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Ashenden spoke briefly on the picnic after which he called for a vote of thanks for the efforts of Bro. Lindstrom. The Brethren expressed their thanks with a hearty round of applause. WB Hodges reported on costs and receipts noting that the final cost to the lodge was only ¥12,600, which is considered quite reasonable.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: Bro. Watanabe reported that Bro. Yoshitake is ready to give his 2° proficiency. No report on the progress of Bro. Murata was available.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that he will continue to post estimated receipts from the consolidated investment fund investments to ensure continued visibility of these earnings.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The petition for dual membership submitted by Bro. John Scriver McDOWELL was read and the second petition for the degrees of Masonry resubmitted by Mr. Harold Eugene PALMER, Jr. was read in accordance with SD 13-88. The WM directed that the petitions run their usual course.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 September 1988 and other appropriate correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Ashenden obligated WB Jay L. Harrall and William M. Heath as dual members of this lodge. The Secretary read article 102a of the constitution to the newly obligated members. WB Ashenden then directed the Secretary to read Article II Sections I and II of the Lodge By-Laws and Article 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution. He then appointed Bro. McCauley to prepare a synopsis of the Stated Meeting survey for presentation to the lodge together with any recommendations he may find appropriate. Bro. Lindstrom reported on the status of the Lecture Chart container. WB Ashenden reported on the visit to Yo]cosuka Lodge No. 20, F&AM.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Ashenden indicated that the planned Thanksgiving dinner will probably be revised. WB Heath then spoke and provided the Brethren of an update on happenings at Grand Lodge. WB Hodges advised that MWB Kashiwagi, Grand Secretary, was retiring and returning to the states. A "Sayonara" for MWB Fred is planned to be held immediately after the Grand Lodge Executive Committee meeting on the 22nd. All Brethren were urged to attend. WB Hodges then reported on the status of MWB Carl L. Nakamura, PGM who is in the States being treated for cancer. Indications are that MWB Carl is holding his own at the moment. Bro. Vaughn advised that he will be departing Japan in approximately 7-1/2 months. He will be returning to the US for retirement from the Navy.
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 1538 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and WB Harrall, PM, Acting JW in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY