The 410th 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 January 1994.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1416 hours with WB Heath, PM, WM in the East, WB Smith, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, WB Watanabe, PM, JW in the South.
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 January 1994, 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 WB Hodges, PM, 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: Nothing to report.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that banquet arrangements have been made and await our arrival. He then moved and Bro. Welsh seconded a motion that the lodge defray the entire cost of the banquet except for any alcoholic beverages. MOTION CARRIED.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Macomb has requested assistance so he can give his 3° proficiency as soon as possible. WB Hodges will assist.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Heath submitted a negative.
AUDIT: WB Watanabe, WM Elect, appointed Bros. Welsh, Masaki & Katagiri to audit the books and report their findings.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that Nomura Securities has accepted our bonds for safe keeping and that we did receive our semi-annual interest of ¥390,000 on 21 December 1993 as scheduled. The Certificates of Deposit are in hand and properly filed.
HOUSE: WB Hodges submitted a negative.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 Dec 93 and a letter of thanks from the Y.I.W.C for our annual turkey and Xmas tree donation to their party for orphans. He also read 3 letters from the G/M under dates of 12/24/93, one concerning Ritual, the second concerning the qualifications for membership into the Craft, and the third thanking us for inviting him to our annual Thanksgiving Dinner and the opportunity to address the gathering. He then read an excerpt from the GLEC Meeting of 27 Nov 93 concerning fees for the G/L Communication. Bro. Welsh moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion to defray these fees from lodge funds. MOTION CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: The Secretary reported that Bros. John Lewis Weaver Jr. and Masahiro Yoshitake were suspended on 31 December 1993 for NPD. He indicated that it is very likely that Bro. Yoshitake will pay his dues shortly and will be automatically reinstated.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Heath then announced that we would conduct the Annual Installation of Officers. After ascertaining that the officers lately chosen were present and ready to be installed in their respective offices he declared the chairs vacant and called the lodge free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East.
At 1645, after recognizing the Distinguished Brethren present and seating RWB Akira Yamaya, DGM, in the East, WB Heath, assisted by WB Hodges and others, proceeded to install the following named Brethren in the office indicated:
Upon conclusion of the installation, WB Watanabe read prepared remarks that were originally written by MWB Shigeru Nishiyama, PGM, some 16 years ago, which he had found to be as true today as when they were written. After receiving congratulations and greetings from many of the Brethren present on behalf of various lodges, the DGM, RWB Yamaya, spoke on several appropriate matters and at the conclusion of his remarks he offered his congratulations and best wishes to the Brethren for a successful and happy year. He concluded his remarks by conveying the fraternal greetings and best wishes of MWB Pogue, Grand Master, who, unfortunately, was unable to be in attendance today.
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, the lodge Was closed in short form at 1755 hours with WB Heath, PM, WM in the East, WB Smith, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Welsh, JW in the South.
There were 10 Brethren present of which 4 were visitors.
APPROVED:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary