The 397th 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 July 1992.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:26 hours with WB McCauley, PM, WM in the East, WB Heath, PM, SW in the West, and WB Katagiri, PM, 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 July 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 Otani, PM. It was moved by WB Otani and seconded by WB Heath that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
After explaining that the computer program is not suitable for use in the Scottish lodge, WB Hodges PM moved and WB Heath seconded a motion that the program be purchased by this lodge since it is designed for Japanese Lodges. 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 McCauley was pleased to receive a negative.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB McCauley was pleased to receive a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that Picnic invitations and information has been mailed. Response still slow as of this date.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: It was reported that Bro. Welsh is prepared to give his proficiency in the second degree and awaits without.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB McCauley submitted a negative.
AUDIT: None required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported a negative.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 June 1992.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB McCauley lowered the lodge to the 2° for the purpose of listening to the proficiency in this degree by Bro. Welsh. After giving an excellent proficiency Bro. Welsh was declared proficient by WB McCauley. MWB Chester L. Ditto, PGM, Grand Secretary MWGLOJ, conducted the examination. WB Mcauley then requested MWB Ditto and WB Hunt, PM, to present themselves West of the Altar and with appropriate remarks presented them both with Honorary Membership Certificates and thanked them for their support of he lodge and requested they continue their support in the future. MWB Ditto and WB Hunt responded with appropriate remarks. Congratulations were then extended by the Brethren present and after Bro. Welsh was conducted from the lodge, it was again raised to the 3° and called from labor to refreshment while Bro. Welsh was being prepared to receive the 3°.
At the sound of an alarm at the door of the preparation room, the lodge was called from refreshment to labor for the purpose of conferring the 3° on Bro. Welsh. Bro. Welsh was then obligated as a Master Mason with WB Heath, PM, SW, acting WM in the East, WB McCauley. PM, WM, Acting SW in the West and WB Katagiri in the South. It being high twelve, the Craft was called from labor to refreshment for the purpose of raising to the Sublime Degree of MM the above named Brother. MWB Ditto, PGM, gave the Lecture, Charge and presented the Masonic Bible. WB Hodges gave the Working Tools and presented Bro. Welsh with his Lambskin Apron. Upon conclusion of the ceremony Bro. Welsh, being the youngest MM in the lodge, was privileged to address the lodge over all other Brethren. Bro. Welsh, with great emotion, expressed his deepest thanks for being raised to the sublime degree of MM.
Due to the lateness of the hour, WB McCauley requested MWB Ditto to close the lodge in short form. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was then closed in short form at 18:25 hours with MWB Ditto in the East, WB Heath in the West and WB Katagiri in the South.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
There were 11 Brethren present of whom 3 were visitors.
APPROVED:
JOHN A. McCAULEY, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary