The 409th 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 December 1993.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with WB Heath, PM, WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, SW in the West, and WB Watanabe, PM, JW in the South.
The WM 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 December 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 McCauley, PM. It was moved by WB McCauley 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 then moved and Bro. Welsh 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 Heath was pleased to receive a negative.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that 39 adults and 3 children attended the Thanksgiving dinner, of which 10 adults were guests or over 70 years of age and were not required to pay. Cost to lodge funds was defrayed by funds left over in the Harmony Fund.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that the Mini-shimbun has been mailed and a few returned because of the Brethren having moved.
COACHING: Nothing to report.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Heath submitted a negative.
AUDIT: None required. WB Heath reminded the WM Elect that shortly after his installation, the books should be audited.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges and WB Katigiri reported on their efforts to find a home for our bonds with it being only a 50/50 chance that Nomura will accept.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletins of 20 October and November 1993 as well as a letter from the Grand Treasurer concerning calendars and a letter from Grand Secretary concerning the submission of resolutions to Grand Lodge.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Hodges reported that the following Brethren will be suspended for NPD on 31 December 1993 providing their Dues are not paid by then: Bros. Goro Murata, John L Weaver Jr. and Masahiro Yoshitake.
He certified that the proper notifications had been sent. Even so, he asked WB Katigiri and WB Watanabe to contact the two Japanese brethren to ensure they understand the potential action. WB Heath then instructed WB Hodges to read Article II Sections 1 & 2 of the lodge by-laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution. After these articles were read the WM called the lodge free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East.
NEW BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East labor resumed and WB Heath announced that we would now ballot for office bearers for 1994.
The following named Brethren were elected/appointed to the position indicated
WB Watanabe, WM Elect, announced that the installation will be held on Saturday, 08 January 1994. At WB Katigiri's recommendation WB Watanabe announced that it will be an open installation. WB Heath then called on RWB Yamaya, DGM and Inspector for Far East Lodge No. 1 for a few words. RWB Yamaya extended his congratulations to the newly elected and appointed Officers and wished them a happy and successful year. He then spoke briefly on the things that make a lodge successful, noting that wisdom, strength and beauty, in very large measure, are the primary ingredients necessary for a happy, viable and functional lodge. At the conclusion of RWB Yamaya's remarks, congratulations and fraternal greetings were received from WB Smith, PM of Tokyo Masonic Lodge No. 2 and two visiting Brethren. WB Heath closed by extending his congratulations to WB Watanabe and the other newly elected and appointed officers and wished them a most successful year. He thanked his corp of officers for their diligence and staunch support during his year in office and charged them to continue to support the lodge and WB Watanabe as well or better than they did him during 1993.
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 1605 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 12 Brethren present of which 4 were visitors & 1 Honorary member.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary