The 405th 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 8th day of May 1993.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1418 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 was raised for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bros. Ralph S Griswald and John W. Valentine who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 03/30 & 03/07/93 Res.
After prayer, the WM ordered the charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brethren.
The WM (then) recognized the Distinguished Brethren (and first time visitors) as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of May 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 WB Katagiri 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 Katagiri reported that commencing 15 May 1993, there will be a "Toy Library" every month at the Tokyo Masonic Center. Additional information about this event can be obtained from the Grand Lodge office.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Heath was pleased to receive a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: No report.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that copies of the Masonic Mini-Shimbun and a copy of our financial report was mailed to all members.
COACHING: Nothing to report.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: Discussions were had concerning a "lodge reporter", "lodge historian" or other person or persons so appointed. It was pointed out by WB Heath that it appears that Grand Lodae is having difficulty in determining exactly what kind of reports they would like to receive from the Daughter Lodges. As a result of this apparent confusion, he believes the lodges are unsure of exactly what is "required" or "desired" since many of the reports being requested appear to be available at Grand Lodge right now in various forms. Recognizing that most lodges have limited human resources to assign to prepare and submit reports, information, etc., he feels that this matter will not become sufficiently clear until such time as Grand Lodge not only determines exactly what is needed but determines that the information can be obtained in no other manner than to task the lodges to provide. Even then, Grand Lodge should be more specific as to what is needed/required, even to the extent that appropriate forms or format be be developed and forwarded for use by the lodges. To the extent possible, Daughter lodges should assist Grand Lodge to develop a means of acquiring data that is needed by Grand Lodge but only when it is clear that such information will serve a useful purpose. In this regard, he indicated that he and Bro. Hodges will attempt to approach the Grand Lodge with this problem and will work with Grand Lodge to the extent possible to ensure all legitimate needs are covered.
AUDIT: No report required.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges informed the Brethren of the status of our accounts with Merrill Lynch. No action is required at this time.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 April 1993 and after the lodge was raised he read a letter from the Grand Master dated 10 Apr 93 which sets forth the particulars of this year's "Children's Festival". After discussion it was moved by WB Watanabe and seconded by WB Hodges that the lodge donate ¥100,000 to this function. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read correspondence from Mrs John W. Valentine, WB Bruce Riffle, PM, Bro. Jacobs De Rooy and Bro. Mike Lindstrom.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Further discussions concerning a Benevolent and Harmony Funds were had without decision. WB Hodges moved and WB Katagiri seconded a motion that the lodge purchase new working aprons collars and jewels NTE a total of US$600.00. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Katagiri's paper outlining a means of revitalizing the lodge was further discussed. WB Katagiri was requested to submit a formal motion at the next Stated Meeting to permit the Brethren to formalize the proposal contained in his paper. WB Katagiri agreed to prepare such a motion.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Heath opened discussions on a "Masonic Appreciation Night" at which the lodge would sponsor a social function which would be limited to lodge members and their ladies and which would be used by the lodge to show its appreciation to those members and families that have done so much to keep the lodge operating. He requested the Brethren to determine a suitable function and proposed date, including and alternate. We will discuss the matter further next month and if sufficient interest in having such an affair is expressed by the Brethren a planning committee will be appointed to work out the details.
Bro. Dave Tait, a first time visitor from Canada, was recognized by the WB and was requested to carry the fraternal greetings of Far East Lodge No. 1 to his Mother Lodge when he returns to Canada. He was also invited to attend lodge as often as circumstances permit during his time here in Japan. Bro. Tait responded with appropriate remarks.
WB Watanabe extended regrets for Bro. Yabe and spoke of Harmony Lodge No. 18's monthly luncheon and other methods being used to introduct non-Masons to Masonry. WB Hodges remarked that the Grand Lodge of Scotland is in the process of formally allowing members to openly solicit men whom they consider worthy of becoming a member of the Fraternity. He also noted that there are presently means of informing non-Masons of the procedures to become Masons without open solicitation and encouraged their use.
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 1637 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 8 Brethren present of which 1 were visitors.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary