The 370th 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 April 1990.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1417 hours with WB Watanabe PM, SW, (Acting) WM in the East, Bro. McCauley, JW, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Lindstrom, JD, (Acting) JW in the South.
He announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of April 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 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 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.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges was pleased to submit a negative. WB Watanabe advised that he has been unsuccessful in contacting MWB Nishiyama by phone and has written a letter.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Lindstrom reported that arrangements for the installation banquet at the Navy Club have been made. WB Hodges moved and WB Heath seconded that the lodge defray all costs for the banquet except for alcoholic beverages up to a total of $10.00 per person. MOTION CARRIED.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe reported on the progress of our younger Brethren.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Heath reported that MWB Washizu GM is expected to attend our installation and explained the procedures to be followed when receiving the GM in an "open" lodge.
AUDIT: No report required.
IHVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that the sum of US$2,000.00 was transferred from our dollar account to our yen account at an exchange rate of ¥155.17/$1.00 for a total of ¥309,840 of which ¥300,000 will be invested in a 1 year CD.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that Masonic Hall Ltd has purchased a copy machine for the joint use of Lodge Star in the East No 640 S.C and Far East Lodge No 1. The lodges will have to pay maintenance and for supplies consumed.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 March 1990 and after the lodge was raised he read a letter from the GM concerning the Annual Children's Festival. WB Hodges moved and WB Heath seconded that the lodge donate ¥100,000 to this very worthy and important event. MOTION CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: Bro. Lindstrom and WB Hodges volunteered to plan and execute a lodge picnic this year. Details to be discussed at future meetings. WB Watanabe expressed the desire to have a "pot luck" supper sometime this year.
Bro. Lindstrom provided some literature on the Yokohama International Women's Club for WB Watanabe's review to determine if any of their projects are suitable for support by the lodge.
At the conclusion of all business the lodge was called free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East. At the sound of the gavel in the East MWB Washizu, Grand Master of Masons in Japan and his corps of officers was received with public honors. The installing officer MWB Chester L. Ditto PGM then declared all chairs vacant and assisted by WB Heath, Grand Lodge Inspector for Far East Lodge No. 1, installed the following named brethren in the position indicated:
Upon conclusion of the installation ceramony, WB Watanabe gave his acceptance speech which was followed by remarks by various dignitaries in attendance. MWB Washizu, GM, concluded the ceremony with appropriate remarks and at the request of WB Watanabe, MWB Washizu closed the lodge in public short form, with Bro. McCauley, SW, in the West and Bro. Lindstrom, JW, in the South, at 1712 hours.
There were 8 members present for the opening of the lodge and a total of 24 members and guest present for the installation.
APPROVED:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary