The 389th 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 December 1991.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:20 hours with WB McCauley, WM in the East, Bro. Lindstrom, SW in the West, and WB Heath PM, JW in the South.
At the sound of the gavel, the lodge was called up for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bros. Frederick Joseph LUDWIG and Robert Lee MITCHELL who passed to the GL above on 03/02 and 11/07/91 respectively. After prayer, the WM ordered the Charter draped for 30 days.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren (and first time visitors) as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of December 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 read.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Hodges, PM. It was moved by WB Hodges 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 moved and Bro. Lindstrom seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Bro. Lindstrom reported on the Orphans Christmas party noting that there were approximately 120 children at the party. WE Hodges then read a letter from the Yokohama International Women's Club thanking the lodge for its continued support over the years.
SICK AND VISITATION: WBs Hodges and Watanabe were pleased to submit a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Lindstrom gave a report of the Thanksgiving Dinner and recommended we do it again next year. WB McCauley thanked all those who came and urged those who were unable to attend to plan early for next year.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Watanabe submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB McCauley submitted a negative.
AUDIT: None required.
INVESTMENT: It was moved by WB Hodges and seconded by WB Heath that the lodge invest a sum not exceeding ¥l6 million in a Japanese Government Bond through Merrill Lynch Japan. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges to report details at January Meeting.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: WB McCauley announced that the Committee of Enquiry has submitted a favorable report on the petition of Mr. Henry Warren Welsh III and he was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in this lodge.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of November 20, 1991.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB McCauley read Article II Sections 1 and 2 of the lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution of the MWGLOJ.
At the sound of the gavel in the East labor in this lodge of MMs was suspended and a lodge of FCMs opened for the purpose of listening to the proficiency in this degree by Bro. Macomb. Bro. Lindstrom conducted the examination at the conclusion of which WB McCauley was pleased to pronounce Bro. Macomb proficient in the Second Degree. After the lodge was called free from restraint, Bro. Macomb was congratulated by the Brethren for a very fine proficiency and then conducted from the lodge. At the sound of the gavel in the East, labors in the lodge of FCMs was closed and labor in the third degree resumed. The Secretary announced that while a number of Brethren are likely to be in arrears on their 1991 dues, no Brother of the lodge will be suspended on 31 December 1991 for non-payment of dues.
NEW BUSINESS: Under the direction of the WM the annual election of officers for Masonic year 1992 was conducted and the following Brethren were elected and/or appointed to the position indicated:
WB McCauley reminded the Brethren that the Installation of Officers will be held on 8 February 1992 and that MWB Chester L. Ditto PGM, Grand Secretary, will be the Installing Officer and WB Heath the Installing Marshal. He also informed the Brethren that the Installation Banquet will be held at the United Seamen's Service International Center and appointed WB Hodges as committee of one to make the necessary arrangements. He then announced that he will confer the Third Degree on Bro. Macomb at our January 1992 stated meeting and on Bro. Masaki on 25 January 1992 at a Special Meeting. Assignment will be made by WB McCauley as soon as possible to permit adequate preperation time.
Prior to the elections being held, Bro. Gustav R. Swanson, PM, District Substitute Grand Master, District Grand Lodge of the Far East, Scottish Constitution, extended fraternal greetings on behalf of the District Grand Master, Bro. Hugh Bryson, and from the RWM and Brethren of Lodge Star in the East No. 640. Bro. Swanson and his delegation of officers then retired from lodge.
WB Watanabe extended regrets from WB Otani and WB Hodges extended regrets from WB Katagiri.
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 17:15 hours with WB McCauley, WM in the East, Bro. Lindstrom, SW in the West, and WB Heath PM, JW in the South.
There were 12 Brethren present. (3 visitors)
APPROVED:
C. R. ASHENDEN, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary