The 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 10th day of February 1990.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1425 hours with WB Watanabe SW, (Acting) WM in the East, Bro. McCauley, JW, (Acting) SW in the West, and WB Heath PM, SD, (Acting) 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 February 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 Ohashi 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 PM moved and WB Heath seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Watanabe was pleased to submit a negative. WB Hodges reported that the use of Lodge funds to donate money to the Boy Scouts as suggested by Bro. Lindstrom at the January meeting would not be in keeping with Grand Lodge rulings in these matters. Moneys donated to the Boy scouts or similar organizations must be done for other than Charitable purposes.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Heath reported that WB Harrall continues to make very good recovery from his car accident. He now only uses a cane rather than crutches and has regained almost total use of his leg. We look forward to seeing WB Jay in lodge soon.
WB Watanabe recommended that the Brethren write MWB Nishiyama an occasional note to let him know we miss him at our gatherings.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Watanabe reiterated the lodge's desire that WB Ashenden will be able to share one last evening with us when he returns next month. WB Watanabe recommended that we try to have a Masonic Fellowship Dinner in connection with the event. WB Heath moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion that the lodge expend up to a maximum of $300.00 for the Fellowship Dinner. MOTION CARRIED.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe reported that our young Master Masons continue to make progress towards their proficiency but that more time is needed.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: Bro. McCauley reported that work on the lodge history for 1989 is in hand and progressing.
AUDIT: WB Hodges recommended that WB Watanabe appoint his Audit Committee to review the books after his Installation. WB Otani submitted the financial cial report for 1989. WB Hodges moved and WB Heath seconded a motion that the report be accepted as submitted subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
INVESTMENT: WB Heath reported on the status of the Consolidated Investment Fund investment advising that we have been receiving our fair share of the interest earned on investments but that because most lodges leave their interest at Grand Lodge without reinvesting or withdrawing the money simply keeps accumulating which gives the appearance that lodges with lesser amounts invested are earning more interest than lodges with larger investments. He also gave some very interesting insights into the situation at Grand Lodge and Grand Lodge's approach in solving some long standing problems
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: NONE.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: NONE.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletin of 20 January 1990.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Watanabe reported on the situation at Harmony Lodge #18 noting that the re-election of officers for that lodge will be held on 14 February 1990. He expects that their installation will take place towards the end of February however, he is unable to say what day, therefore we cannot yet dëtermine when the installation of officers for this lodge can be done.
WB Heath reported that the GM has rescheduled the February 1990 Executive Committee Meeting to 03 March 1990 so no other Masonic Activity can take place on that date. He also remined the WM that the Grand Lodge Communication takes place on 16/17 March 1990 and no other Masonic Activities can take place during that period. It is also possible that MWB Carlos RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ, the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Japan will be visiting Japan towards the end of March and should his visit materialize, it would not be good to try to have our installation during his visit as it would conflict with the desire of many Brethren to pay their respects to MWB RODRIGUEZ-JIMENEZ. WB Hodges recommended that WB Watanabe keep his ear to the ground and if he can see a suitable date sometime during March to let WB Hodges know who will made arrangements and send notices to all the Brethren. If March proves impossible, it may be necessary to hold our installation in early April.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Heath spoke on matters that are expected to be brought before Grand Lodge at the March Communication at the conclusion of which he noted that the communication should be interesting and those that can should attend.
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 Watanabe, SW (Acting) WM in the East, Bro. McCauley JW, (Acting) SW in the West, and WB Heath, PM, SD, (Acting) JW in the South.
There were 8 Brethren present.
APPROVED:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE PM
For Worshipful Master
ATTEST:>
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary