The 365th 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 14th day of October 1989.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1423 hours with WB Ashenden, PM, 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 October 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 corrected.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Otani, PM. It was moved by WB Otani and seconded by WB 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. McCauley 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 was pleased to submit a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Taken up under Unfinished Business.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe reported on the progress of Bros. Murata and Yoshitake. WB Hodges reported that he has heard nothing further from Bro. Yamaguchi.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that the 2nd semi-annual TTF interest payment of ¥110,000 by Merril Lynch was received and invested in a 1 year CD at 3.95% interest p.a. by Citibank.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: Bros. Charles Emric Norman and Thomas (n) Hunnicutt submitted requests for Demit. Their dues being paid thru 31 December 1989 and their being otherwise in good standing, the WM ordered the Demits granted.
CORRESPONDENCE: After raising the lodge the WM instructed the Secretary to read the GM's proclamations concerning MWB KIYOSHI TOGASAKI WEEK and GL ENDOWMENT FUND MONTH. The Secretary passed out copies of RWB Washizu's letter on the Masonic workshop. The Secretary then read the GL bulletin of 20 Sept 1989. Discussions were had WRT the GL Endowment Fund resulting in the WM instructing the Secretary to write GL for more information on this fund.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The WM asked Bro. McCauley on the status of the survey on our Stated Meeting date and time. Bro. McCauley advised that he would provide the information at our November meting. WB Hodges advised that he has not yet checked with the Negishi to determine current situation and process for reserving seats for a Thanksgiving dinner for lodge members and promised to get the information asap. WB Ashenden announced that due to lack of support, the planned Christmas Party is cancelled. We shall attempt to assist other organizations here in Yokohama such as the International Christian Ladies Annual Christmas party for orphans. He then asked Bro. Murata to try to arrange for the mounting of the picture board donated by Bro. Murata. Suitable space must be found in the reception area rather than in the lodge room as originally considered. Bro. Murata took the matter for action.
NEW BUSINESS: The WM requested the secretary to read Article II Sections 1 & 2 of the lodge By-Laws together with Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution with any other appropriate articles. After reading the articles mentioned the Secretary recormended that the Brethren read articles 114 thru 117 and read them Articles 100c 100d and 101.
WB Ashenden then requested Bro. McCauley to prepare himself to give the second degree staircase lecture and other appropriate portions of the second degree from the East at our November neeting. Bro. McCauley thanked the WM for the opportunity and indicated that he will be prepared.
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 1543 hours with WB Ashenden, PM, WM in the East, WB Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. McCauley, JW in the South.
(There were 6 Brethren present)
APPROVED
C. R. ASHENDEN, PM
WORSHIPFUL MASTER
ATTEST
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
SECRETARY