Minutes 21 March 1992

The 393rd 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 21st day of March 1992.

A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:17 hours with WB Heath, PM, SW, (Acting) WM in the East, WB Smith, MM, (Acting) SW in the West, and WB Katagiri, PM, JW in the South.

At the sound of the gavel in the East, MWB Richard Allen Cripe, Sr., GM of Masons in Japan, was received with his corps.

WB Heath announced that WB Hosaka has been called to the Grand lodge above.

The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tilers Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of March 1992, 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 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 WB Watanabe seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.

Next was the report of the several committees:

CHARITY: WB Heath was pleased to receive a negative.

SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges reported that WB Otani, PM, our Treasurer called just prior to lodge to advise that he has been having some problems with his stomach and extended his regrets. WB Otani did say that he expects to be able to come to lodge next month. WB Heath requested a "Get Well" card be sent to WB Otani from the lodge.

REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges gave a quick wrap-up report on the installation banquet and reported that the cost to the lodge was only ¥18,000.

FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.

COACHING: WB Watanabe submitted a negative.

MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Heath submitted a negative.

AUDIT: WB Heath submitted a negative.

INVESTMENT: WB Hodges submitted a negative.

HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.

BALLOTTING: None.

RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.

CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 February 1992, and after the lodge was called up, he read a letter from the Grand Master concerning this year's annual Children's Festival.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges reminded the Audit Committee that they need to complete their audit as soon as possible. After consulting with WB Watanabe, WB Heath advised that the audit would be performed just prior to the next Stated Meeting and requested the Secretary to have all necessary records available.

NEW BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East the lodge was lowered to the First Degree for the purpose of conferring this degree on Mr. Henry Warren Welsh III who was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in this lodge at a previous Stated Meeting. Mr. Welsh was conducted by WB Watanabe, Acting SD, and was obligated by WB Heath in the East, WB Smith in the West, and WB Katagiri in the South. WB Smith presented the Lambskin Apron, WB Hodges the Working Tools, and WB Katagiri the Lecture. MWB Ditto, PGM, Grand Secretary, MWGLOJ delivered the Charge. Bro. Welsh was conducted from the lodge for the purpose of restoring himself to his personal comfort. During his absence the lodge was called briefly free from restraint and during this time MWB Cripe, Grand Master, spoke briefly on his objectives for the forthcoming year. They are:

1. To expand involvement of the family in Masonry. He announced an ambitious program to accomplish this objective.
2. To create "Fun in Masonry". Again, he verbalized a number of ways he would use to accomplish this objective and called on the Brethren to contibute their ideas as well.
3. To build committments to the Grand Lodge Endowment Fund to US $1,000,000 during his year in office. He suggested a rather painless way for all of us to assist in gaining this objective and that is to purchase a Life Insurance Policy and name the Grand Lodge as the beneficiary. Other fund raising projects are envisioned and all are encouraged to participate.

At the sound of the gavel in the East, Bro. Welsh returned to the lodge and the degree work concluded. After being instructed in various matters pertaining to Masonry and after being informed that MWB Ditto and WB Heath would be his coaches, Bro. Welsh was invited to be seated among the Brethren.

Fraternal greetings were received from WB Smith and RWB Robinson. RWB Yamaya congratulated all and admonished the Brethren to practice the ritual as often as possible. The Grand Master then concluded the ceremony with his remarks and afterwards closed the lodge at 16:53 hours with WB Smith, MM, Tokyo Lodge #2 in the West and WB Katagiri, PM, JW in the South.

APPROVED:
JOHN A. McCAULEY, PM
Worshipful Master

ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary