The 404th 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 10th day of April 1993.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1416 hours with WB Heath, PM, WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, SW in the West, and WB Watanabe, PM, JW in the South.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge as raised for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of MWB Shigeru Nishiyama who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 26 March 1993. After prayer, the WM ordered the charter draped for 60 days to honor our departed Brother.
The WM (then) recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of April 1993, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our 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 Bro. Welsh 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. Welsh seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Katagiri reported that four Japanese Brethren of the lodge assisted the Spinal Cord Injured Person's Association during their training seminar.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Katagiri reported that he and WB Watanabe attended the funeral services for MWB Nisiyama and represented Far East Lodge No. 1. He noted that a number of other Masons were in attendance as well. WB Katagiri also reported that the G/L will conduct a Memorial Service for MWB Nishiyama on 05 June 1993 and advised that Grand Lodge will make all arrancments and will take all parts except for the Eulogy.
They request that Far East Lodge No. 1 as MWB Nishiyama's Mother Lodge appoint a Brother to be Orator at the service and read the Eulogy. WB Katagiri recommended that WB Hodges be appointed. WB Heath did so and WB Hodges accepted with the understanding that if Bro. Lawson, who is a very close friend of Bro. Nishiyama, is here and wishes to do so, WB Hodges will defer to Bro. Lawson. This was agreeable to to the Brethren.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT/FRIENDLY TIPS/COACHING: Nothing to report.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: Nothing to report.
AUDIT: WB Watanabe reported that a review of the Treasurer's records identified an error, which was immediately corrected and that no other discrepancies were noted and that the audit was complete.
INVESTMENT: Nothing to report.
HOUSE: Nothing to report.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None
CORRESPONDENCE: After the lodge was raised the Secretary read the GM's Proclamation proclaiming the week of March 14-21 1993 as INTERNATIONAL DeMOLAY WEEK. He then read the Grand Secretary's reminder concerning the Mini-Shimbun after which WB Heath again called for a volunteer to fill this requirement. The Secretary then read the G/L bulletins of 20 February and 20 March 1993.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Further discussion of the proposal to establish a lodge Benevolent and Harmony fund was had with a number of pros and cons discussed. No decisions were made and the matter is still under study. WB Hodges brought up the matter of aprons and collars and requested the Brethren to review, after lodge, some catalog data to determine if suitable.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Heath then read a proposal made by WB Katagiri to establish a lodge "Recruiting Program" the details of which are outlined in the attached paper in English and Japanese under date of 10 April 1993. WB Heath urged the Brethren to seriously consider WB Katagiri's proposal as it has the potential to revitalize the lodge. He indicated that it will be discussed further at our May Stated Meeting. Other proposed means of revitalizing the lodge were brought up by Bro. Welsh and WB Heath. In conclusion WB Heath requested the Brethren to consider all proposals and decide which ones we can accomplish.
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 1543 hours with WB Heath, PM, WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, SW in the West, and WB Watanabe, PM, JW in the South.
There were 7 Brethren present of which 0 were visitors.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary