The 398th 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 12th day of September 1992.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:18 hours with WB McCauley, PM, WM in the East, WB Heath, PM, SW in the West, and WB Watanabe, PM, JS, (Acting) JW in the South.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bro. Edwin H. Kibble who died in September 1992. After prayer, the WM ordered the charter draped for 30 days.
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 September 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.
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 Watanabe reported on the status of MWB Nishiyama, PGM, who advises that he continues to hold his own.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported on the picnic noting that sufficient funds were collected to cover all expenses. He recommended we reconsider the date of next year's picnic August does not seem like a good time perhaps because of vacations and other events that conflict with the dates we have been holding the picnic. Other Brethren agreed that we probably should try to find a more desirable date.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: It was reported that Bro. Welsh is ready for his 3° proficiency. WB McCauley advised that the matter would be taken up under Unfinished Business.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB McCauley submitted a negative.
AUDIT: None required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that Masonic Hall. Ltd, has decided to change the heating/cooling unit in the lodge due to its high noise factor. MHL also intends to mount the large brass plague and to install a doorbell to alert the lodge when at labor and no tiler is present in the anteroom.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 20 July and 20 August 1992 and a letter from the GLOJ under date of 29 August 1992. Subj: Scottish Rite Scolarships available to dependents.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: After placing himself West of the Altar Bro. Henry W. Welsh III was examined in the 3° by WB McCauley who was most pleased to pronounce Bro. Welsh highly proficient in the 3°. WB McCauley then presented Bro. Welsh with his proficiency and dues cards and called the lodge from labor to refreshment for the purpose of allowing the Brethren to congratulate Bro. Welsh on his fine proficiency.
NEW BUSINESS: WB McCauley announced that it may be necessary to conduct a Masonic trial on a member of this lodge and that the matter may very well be officially raised at our next Stated Meeting. He requested the principal officers of the lodge to carefully review the pertinent articles and laws of the Grand Lodge to ensure a thorough knowledge of procedures and processes.
WB Heath announced that the GM has announced that the next Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge will be held on 12 December 1992. WB McCauley requested the Secretary to confirm and if so to reguest a dispensation to hold our December Stated Meeting on 19 December in order to not conflict with the quarterly communication.
After the lodge was called to labor, WB Hodges recommended that we hold our annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the USS Club on the Friday immediately following Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. Start time and other details similar to last year. The Brethren approved the recommendation. WB McCauley requested the announcements be sent out as soon as possible to permit the other lodges and brethren to plan their calendars as necessary.
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, PM, WM in the East, WB Heath, PM, SW in the West, and WB Watanabe, PM, JS, (Acting) JW in the South.
There were 7 Brethren present.
APPROVED:
JOHN A. McCAULEY, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary