The 366th 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 December 1989.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1430 hours with WB Ashenden, PM, WM in the East, WB Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. McCauley, JW in the South.
The WM then raised the lodge and announced the death of Brother Oscar R. Stobb on 22 Sep 89. He called for a moment of silent prayer after which he ordered the Charter draped for 30 days.
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 December 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. 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 WB Heath seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: The WM was pleased to advise that the lodge has again been requested to donate 4 turkeys and the tree for the Yokohama International Women's Club annual Xmas party tor orphans and underprivileged children. Bro. Lindstrom extended an invitation on behalf of the Chair Lady for those who can to attend the party being held today.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Heath gave a progress report on WB Jay Harrall who is back in Japan but still convalescing from his car accident. WB Ashenden asked if anyone had any news of MWB Nishiyama and was advised that there is none.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Ashenden noted that it had been necessary to cancel both the Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Party due to non-support of the Brethren.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe reported no progress by Bros. Murata and Yoshitake due to their very busy schedule.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: No report.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: The lodge's investment in the G/L Consolidated Investment Fund was extensively discussed at the conclusion of which the WM instructed the Secretary to write a letter to see if clarifying information could be obtained and to report further at the January meeting.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: WB Hunt verbally requested he be issued a Demit. After confirming that WB Hunt is in good standing with dues paid until 31 December 1989, he very reluctantly granted WB Hunt the Demit but requested WB Hunt to visit the lodge as often as possible. WB Hunt responded with thanks and indicated he would continue to visit.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletins of 20 Oct & Nov 1989. He then read a request for Demit from Bro. Frederick J. Ludwig and noting that Bro. Ludwig would have qualified for Life membership on 1 Jan 1991 under the "Golden 100 Resolution of 1984". Since Bro. Ludwig indicates that finances is his problem, WB Hodges moved and WB Heath seconded a notion that Bro. Ludwig's 1990 dues be waived and that he be made a Life Member effective 01/01/90. MOTION CARRIED
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The WM requested the Secretary read Article II Sections 1 & 2 of the lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution. The Secretary reported that the following named Brethren will be suspended for non-payment of dues on 01 January 1990 unless their dues for at least 1988 are received. Bros. Clifford Carroll Holley, Jr.; David Lee Odom; Hayden Matson Pendergraft; and John Barrett Walker, Jr. He then announced that the following-named Brethren will become Life Members on 01 January 1990 under the "Golden 100 Resolution of 1984": Bros. Herbert D. Seger, Jr.; Leonard C. Nash; and Joseph J. Herter.
WB Watanabe reported on the status of the Grand Lodge computerization program.
NEW BUSINESS: Elections were held and the following named Brethren were elected and/or appointed to the position indicated:
After congratulations the WM requested WB Heath to place himself West of the altar where he was pleased to present WB Heath with his Life Membership card and to sign his Certificate. WB Heath spoke briefly and conveyed fraternal greetings from Yokosuka #20 and Grand Lodge. He invited the Brethren to the open installation of #20 that will be held on 16 December 1989 commencing at 1500 hours. WB Ashenden then spoke briefly and requested the Brethren of the lodge to provide their full support to WB Watanabe during his year as our Master.
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 1644 hours with WB Ashenden, PM, 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