The 357th 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 29th day of January 1989.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1420 hours with WB Ashenden, WM in the East, WB Heath, PM, Acting SW in the West, and WB Hodges, PM, Acting JW in the South.
WB Ashenden raised the lodge for silent prayer in remembrance of Bro. William C. McCauley, who died on 09 December 1988. He afterwards ordered the Charter draped for a period of 30 days.
He 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 January 1989, 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 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 WB Heath 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 had called yesterday and apologized for not being able to attend today. He is suffering a bout of rheumatism and is uncomfortable. Nothing serious but doesn't like to drive at times like this.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that the arrangements are complete for the Installation Dinner at the Negishi Club this evening.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative but requested WB Ashenden to consider what can be done to revive our communications with the Brethren.
COACHING: No report.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Ashenden called for a status report from Bro. McCauley on the porgress being made to provide Grand Lodge with our history for 1988. Bro. McCauley noted that he has received copies of the minutes for 1988 and will commence work on compiling the history very soon.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletins of Dec 20, 1988 and 20 Jan 1989 and a letter from the Grand Master dated 10 Dec 1988 concerrning a concert of Masonic music of Mozart on April 13,1989. A "Thank You" letter from Kyoto Masonic Lodge No. 5 F. & A. M. was also read.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges then presented to the lodge the problems besetting Mr. Palmer. After discussion and clarification, WB Hodges moved and WB Heath seconded a motion to return Mr. Palmer's degree fee of ¥18,000. MOTION CARRIED
WB Hodges reported that Bro. Mahnke was suspended for NPD on 31 December 1988. WB Ashenden requested a status report on the Lecture Charts and was advised by Bro. Lindstrom that they would be ready by the meeting of 02/04/89.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. White (first time visitor) was escorted West of the Altar and presented with a Masonic pin by WB Ashenden to commemorate his visit. WB Ashenden then instructed the Secretary to request a SD to change our February meeting to 18 February due to 11 February being a Japanese holiday. Upon conclusion of all business, WB Ashenden declared all chairs vacated and called the lodge off until commencement of the Installation Ceremony at 1700 hours.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the following Brethren were installed in the position indicated by MWB Nishiyama, PGM and WB Ashenden and ably assisted by WB William M. Heath, PM, Grand Lodge Inspector for Far East Lodge No. 1:
Officers not listed herein were absent and will be installed at first opportunity.
WB Ashenden addressed the lodge and especially thanked all the Brethren for their outstanding support during 1988 and the confidence in him by returning him to the Oriental Chair. He asked for their continued support during the ensuing year and closed with the hope that 1989 will be as successful as 1988. He then called upon MWB Fujino, Grand Master, for his remarks. MWB Fujino congratulated the Brethren recently installed and charged them to continue their efforts for the good of the Fraternity. Upon conclusion of his remarks, MWB Fujino closed the lodge in due and ancient form at 1840 hours with MWB Fujino, GM, Acting WM in the East, WB Otani, PM, TR, Acting SW in the West, and Bro. McCauley, JW, in the South.
(There were 10 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY