The 367th 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 13th day of January 1990.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1432 hours with WB Watanabe, SW, (Acting) WM in the East, WB Heath, PM, SD, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro Oliver MM, (Acting) JW in the South.
The WM called the lodge up for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bro. Stanley J. SAWICKI, L/M #143, who passed away in the summer of 1989 of lung cancer. After prayer, the WM ordered the Charter draped for 30 days.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of January 1990, 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 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: The WM was pleased to submit a negative. Bro. Lindstrom took the floor to ask the Brethren if they would be receptive to donatating the sum of $200.00 to a Boy Scout Troop in Yokosuka which would be used to purchase new scouting equipment. After considerable discussion the matter was tabled to permit further time for research. The Secretary and WB Heath to report their findings at the February stated meeting.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative. WB Watanabe reported on the status of MWB Nishiyama who says the cold weather is very hard on him and is the primary reason he has been unable to attend lodge. We await the warmer months with anticipation of having our dearly beloved "Nish" back with us.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: A negative report was submitted.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe reported on the status of our younger Masonic Brethren's progress noting that February is generally a slow month in Japan and therefore reasonable progress may be possible.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE: WB Hodges noted that the Grand Historian is requesting the lodge's annual history update. He requested that the WM ask Bro McCauly if he would be willing to prepare this year's report as he did for 1988. Bro. McCauley most gratiously accepted th WM's request for assistance.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that G/L has forwarded the full amount of interest earned by our investment in the Consolidated Investment Fund for 1989. The amount of ¥886,898 was deposited to our checking account in Citibank in December 1989. The Secretary also advised that he has not yet written to G/L concerning our investment and requested authorization to pursue this matter verbally thru WB Heath rather than in writing. Permission was granted.
HOUSE WB Ashenden requested WB Hodges to inform Masonic Hall Ltd that the sink in the toilet has sprung a leak and that the water to the sink has had to be secured. Repairs are needed.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletin of 20 December 1989.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Ashenden then asked WB Watanabe if a date for the installation of officers has been determined. WB Watanabe spoke in detail of the situation he is faced with in his mother lodge, Harmony #18. Upon completion of the discussions it was determined that this lodge should request a Special Dispensation granting us an additional 30 days to complete the installation of our officers for 1990. The Secretary reported that Bro. Odom who was one of those who was suspended for non-payment of dues on 31 December 1989, did send his dues which was received on 03 January 1990. Consequently, Bro. Odom was reinstated on that date and the net loss in 1989 for non-payment of dues was three (3) rather than four (4) members.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Ashenden then announced that he has received a promotion from his company but with that good news came to the news that he must leave Japan to take up his new duties almost immediately. Consequently, he announced that he must decline the position of Senior Deacon for 1990. He then called the lodge briefly free from restraint to permit WB Watanabe and his Wardens an opportunity to select a replacement. At the sound of the gavel in the East WB Watanabe requested WB Heath to be Senior Deacon and Bro. Oliver to be Marshal. Both Brethren accepted with pleasure.
Apologies were received from WB Ohashi who sent word that as this will be his last year with his company, he expects to be very busy but is looking forward to retirement when he will be able to attend lodge regularly.
Bro. McCauley expressed the feelings of all the members when he took the floor to tell WB Ashenden that he will be greatly missed as a Brother, a friend and a staunch supporter and worker in the lodge. He wished him God speed in his future travels and every success in his future endeavers.
WB Ashenden responded and voiced his deepest thanks to the Brethren for their support and for making his two years as Master the most memorable of his life. He voiced his intention to maintain his membership in the lodge and to communicate periodically. He ended with his hope that Far East Lodge No. 1 continue progress on into the future.
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 1554 hours with WB Ashenden PM, WM in the East, WB Watanabe, SW in the West, and Bro. McCauley, JW in the South.
There were 9 Brethren present.
APPROVED:
C. R. ASHENDEN, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary