The 382nd 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 11th day of May 1991.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:25 hours with WB McCauley, WM in the East, Bro. Lindstrom, SW in the West, and WB Ohashi PM, SS, (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 May 1991, 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 amended.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Hodges. It was moved by WB Hodges and seconded by WB Watanabe 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 moved and Bro. Lindstrom seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB McCauley was pleased to receive a negative report.
SICK AND VISITATION: WBs Watanabe and Hodges were pleased to submit a negative report.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Lindstrom provided an update of the picnic planning and after some discussion the menu was finalized. Cost will not exceed $10.00 U.S (or equivalent). Final price will be published in the flyer announcing the picnic. For clarification it was reiterated that the rain date is 11 August 1991.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe reported that Bro. Murata is out of country and will not give his proficiency as planned.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB McCauley submitted a negative.
INVESTMENT: WB McCauley reported that he had been advised at the last Executive Committee meeting that a "check was in the mail". However WB Hodges reported that nothing has been received to date. A lengthy discussion then took place concerning the management of the lodge's money. It was the consensus of the Brethren that we should consider the matter very carefully and at our June stated meeting, make a decision as to continue to let Grand Lodge manage our funds, to withdraw our funds and manage them ourselves. WB McCauley instructed the Secretary to include this matter in the agenda for our June stated meeting.
AUDIT: Bro. Lindstrom reported that the audit had been conducted and no discrepancies were noted. At the request of WB McCauley he presented the written report of the findings of the audit committee which are attached
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: By secret ballot Mr. Takumi MASAKI was accepted to receive the degrees of Masonry in this lodge.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of April 20, 1991.
There was no other correspondence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East WB William Thomas Bill Orvosh PM was obligated as a Dual Member of this lodge. After signing the By-Laws and receiving his copy of same, WB Hodges informed WB Orvosh of his responsibility to pay dues not only in this lodge but in all other lodges which WB Orvosh remains a member of. After acknowledging his responsibility WB McCauley called the lodge briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating and welcoming WB Orvosh.
Upon resumption of labor, Bro. Lindstrom moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion that the excess funds left over from the installation banquet be used for future entertainment activities of the lodge. These funds are not to be intermingled with lodge funds. MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS: WB McCauley extended regrets from WB Hunt. He requested WB Watanabe to inform Mr. Masaki of his election set the date of Mr. Masaki's initiation tentatively for 13 July 1991. He requested WB Watanabe assisted by WB Ohashi to make the necessary arrangements to conduct the ceramony in Japanese but to feel free to call on any of the western Brethren to take part in the ceremony as may be appropriate.
Bro. Smith extended greetings from the WM and Brethren of Tokyo Lodge No 2 and Research Lodge. WB McCauley requested Bro. Smith to convey his warmest fraternal greetings in return.
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 16:14 hours with WB McCauley, WM in the East, Bro. Lindtrom, SW in the West, and WB Ohashi PM, SS, (Acting) JW in the South.
There were 8 Brethren present. (7 members/1 visitor)
APPROVED:
C. R. ASHENDEN, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary