The 355th 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 November 1988.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1425 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. Oliver, JW in the South.
The lodge was raised for silent prayer and the charter draped for 30 days in rememberance of RWB's George M. Hamasaka and Robert N.Nishigawa, both PSGW's of the Grand Lodge of Japan.
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 November 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 read.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Otani. It was moved by WB Otani and seconded by WB Heath 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
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Ashenden was pleased to submit a negative. At the request of Bro. Lindstrom the Secretary presented a report on the activities ot the Yokohama International Women's Club (YIWC) after which he moved and Bro. Vaughn seconded a motion that the lodge donate ¥30,000 to be used to purchase christmas trees and decorations and an amount NTE $100.00 to purchase turkeys for the christmas dinner for the orphans of Kofu Kodomoen here in Yokohama and Kodomo no Sono in Chigasaki, both orphanages sponsored by the YIWC. After appropriate discussion, MOTION CARRIED
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: On behalf of Bro. Lindstrom the Secretary rendered a report on the response to the proposed Thanksgiving Dinner to be held on the 25th. Thus far 14 responses have been received of which 8 are positive for a total of which 22 are adults and 11 children. Additional responses are expected due to the late mailing of the questionnaire. WB Ashenden determined that there is sufficient interest to justify having the dinner and directed that final preparations be made He then brought up the matter of a Christmas Party for family and children. After preliminary discussions, Bro. Vaughn moved and WB Heath seconded a motion that the lodge sponsor a Christmas Party for lodge members, families and friends. After further discussion, WB Ashenden directed the Secretary to send everybody a questionnaire to determine interest. Results to be discussed at the December stated meeting and a final decision made at that time. Voting on the motion to be held over until the December 1988 stated meeting.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that a brief news letter was recently mailed to all the brethren together with their dues notice of life membership cards. He still hopes to revive the Friendly Tips next year providing assistance from the Brethren is forthcoming. WB Heath requested that he be provided a copy of the letter for use by Grand Lodge
COACHING: Bro. Watanabe reported that Bro. Yoshitake is ready for his 2° proficiency and that Bro. Murata is still working. MWB Nishiyama tentatively proposed that a 3° be conducted early in December for both Bros. Yoshitake and Jun. Plans to be finalized by phone.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: Bro. John Scriver McDowell was elected a Dual member of this lodge. WB Ashenden reported that the investigating committee has not yet rendered a report in the case of Mr. Palmer, therefore no ballot could be had on his petition.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletin of 20 October 1988.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: At the direction of WB Ashenden the Secretary read Article II Sections I and II of the lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the constitution. The Secretary then reported that Bro. Stephen R. Mahnke will be suspended for NPD on 31 December 1988 unless his dues are paid or that the lodge rescinds his dues. He confirmed that proper notification of this action was posted to Bro. Mahnke on 11/12/88.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Ashenden directed that WB Otani be escorted west of the altar where he was pleased to present WB Otani with his commission as the Grand Lodge of the State of Sao Paulo (Brazil), A.F.&A.M., representative near the Grand Lodge of Japan. WB Heath then reported on the G/L Executive Committee meeting of October and the Sayonara for MWB Kashiwagi. He advised that MWB Newman may he leaving soon also. WB Ashenden extended regrets on behalf of WB Hunt.
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 1540 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, Bro. Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. Oliver, JW in the South.
(There were 9 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY