The 364th 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 9th day of September 1989.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1428 hours with Bro. Vaughn, MM, Acting WM in the East, WB Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. McCauley, 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 September 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, PM. It was moved by WB Otani and seconded by WB Heath, PM, 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: The WM was pleased to submit a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges reported that MWB Nishiyama was not feeling well and is unable to attend lodge today.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported on the situation of the postponed picnic.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe reported that Bro. Murata has been quite busy for the 2 months and is not yet ready to give his proficiency in the 3 degree. Bro. Hodges reported that Bro. Yamaguchi, an EA, is again working on his 1 degree proficiency.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that the semi-annual interest on the TTF investment w/Merrill Lynch is a gross of ¥137,500 and a net of ¥110,000 vice the ¥184,965 and ¥147,980 as previously reported.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Chester F Skaggs has requested a Demit. After confirming that Bro. Skaggs is all paid up and otherwise in good standing the WM ordered the Demit granted.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read two proclamations issued by the GM concerning the GL of Hawaii and International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and the GL Bulletins of 20 July and August 1989.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Ashenden brought up the matter of the picnic Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Party. After discussion WB Ashenden moved and WB Hunt seconded a motion that we do not have a picnic this year and that appropriate functions be planned for the balance of the year. MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS: After speaking on his time here and his association with Far East Lodge No 1, Bro. Ralph Vaughn thanked the WM and Brethren for their kindness and Brotherly Love and then presented WB Ashenden with a Japanese Sword to be used as the Tiler's Sword. WB Ashenden responded with appropriate remarks.
On behalf of Bro. Murata WB Hodges then presented WB Ashenden with a beautiful officer's picture board and clock purchased by Bro. Murata for the lodge. WB Ashenden accepted the board on behalf of the lodge and responded with approopriate remarks.
WB Ashenden reguested WB Hodges to maintain close liaison with GL concerning their computerization program with the view in mind of this lodge following suite.
WB Ashenden moved and seconded a motion that the lodge sponsor a Thanksgiving Dinner. MOTION CARIED. He then requested WB Hodge to investigate the arrangements that can be made with the Negishi Club and to report his findings to WB Ashenden as soon as possible so that final plans can be made and suitable announcement of details made.
WB Watanabe announced that Harmony #18 will hold its monthly meeting on 13 Sept at 1830 hours and invited all to attend. He also announced that Tokyo Yuai #11 will meet on 18 September at 1900 hours and invited all to attend.
Bro. McCauley talked about his visit to Harmony #18.
WB Watanabe extended apologies on behalf of WB Ohashi.
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 1535 hours with Bro. Vaughn, MM, Acting WM in the East, WB Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. McCauley, JW in the South.
(There were 8 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY