The 419th 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 November 1994.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:13 hours with WM Watanabe, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Welsh (Acting) SW in the West, and RWB Yamaya (Acting) JW in the South.
The WM 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 November 1994, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings.
The Acting Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
Next was the treasurer's report given by Bro. Warnell. It was moved by Bro. Warnell and seconded by WB Heath that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Acting Secretary then read the bills for the period and Bro. Warnell moved and WB Heath seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: WB Hodges moved that the lodge donate the cost of 3 turkeys to be donated to Yokohama Women's Association for their annual Christmas party. The motion was seconded by Bro. Welsh and approved by the brethern.
SICK AND VISITATION: WM Watanabe and WB Hodges provided updates on the medical conditions of WB Ohashi, WB Katagiri, and WB Hunt.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that things are going well in regard to the lodge's 26 November Thanksgiving Dinner.
FRIENDLY TIPS: A negative report was submitted. COACHING: A negative report was submitted.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: A negative report was submitted.
AUDIT: A negative report was submitted.
INVESTMENT: A negative report was submitted.
HOUSE: A negative report was submitted.
BALLOTING: A negative report was submitted.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: WM Watanabe announced that he has received another petition and that it might be better if we hold a special meeting to hold the initiation, perhaps a week after a stated meeting. A petition for restoration of Bro. Raymond Beach was read. Bro. Beach was suspended in 1971 for nonpayment of dues.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Acting Secretary read four communications from the GM, the first concerning the "Grand Master's Day Concert" on 26 November, the second a Directive on Ritual, third, a Direction on Masonic Dress and Conduct, and fourth, a communication concerning the Grand Lodge Calendar Campaign. The Acting Secretary then announced that anyone wanting to read the GL Report on the 1994 Challenged Athlete Training Seminar could do so after the meeting. Finally, the GLOJ Monthly Bulletin of 20 October 1994 was read.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WM Watanabe then read Article II, Sections 1 & 2 of the lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a, and 100Ob of the Constitution. He announced that elections would be held at our December stated meeting and that the Installment Banquet would be held following our stated meeting on 14 January.
NEW BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East, the Lodge was lowered to the first degree for the purpose of conferring this degree on Mr. Satoshi Onoda, who was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in this Lodge at a previous stated meeting. Mr. Onoda was conducted by Bro. Masaki, SD, and was obligated by WM Watanabe in the East, Bro. Welsh in the West and RWB Yamaya in the South. Bro. Welsh presented the Lambskin Apron; WM Watanabe the Working Tools and Bro. Campbell the first part of the lecture and WM Watanabe the second part. RWB Yamaya delivered the Charge. Bro. Onoda was conducted from the Lodge for the purpose of restoring himself to his personal comfort.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, Bro. Onoda returned to the Lodge and the degree work concluded. After being instructed in various matters pertaining to Masonry, Bro. Onoda was invited to be seated among the Brethren. MWB Robinson, Grand Master of Masons in Japan, concluded the ceremony with his remarks and then declared the Lodge free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the Lodge was raised to the Third Degree to close the Lodge.
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 by MWB Robinson in short form at 17:32 hours with WB Watanabe, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Welsh (Acting) SW in the West and RWB Yamaya (Acting) JW, in the South.
There were 17 Brethren present. (6 MM members, 4 EAs, and 7 visitors).
Special Verbal Dispensation to open with less than 7 MM members was granted by the visiting GM.
APPROVED:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
JIMMIE D. WARNELL
Acting Secretary