The 420th 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 December 1994.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:17 hours with WM Watanabe, PM, WM in the East, WB Fullerton, PM, (Acting) SW in the West, and Bro. Welsh, 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. Joseph Frye, James Ackerman, and George Gage who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 23 July 1994, 1 October 1994, and 29 April 1994 respectively.
The WM then recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tiller's Register of this date. He announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of December 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: Bro. Welsh stated that the GLOJ was having problems determining what various lodges in Japan have contributed to charities. Bro. Welsh suggested that we start restating our yearly donations in the December minutes in order to help the GLOJ compile a year-end figure. WB Hodges stated that our minutes have, in fact, been spelling out what we've donated, and if the GLOJ wants these figures they can just as easily dig the information out themselves. WB Hodges went on to say that there probably isn't a way of improving our existing system of reporting.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Katagiri reported on the medical conditions of Bros. Ohashi and Masaki.
WB Katagiri said that Bro. Masaki would be recuperating from his compound fracture of the elbow for about 2 months and, since he is self-employed, may run into financial difficulties. It was decided that WB Katagiri would investigate the matter with the Masaki family and find out if they need financial assistance from the Lodge. WB Hodges reported that he hasn't heard anything from WB Hunt andhoped that his condition hasn't deteriorated any further.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that 50 people attended the Thanksgiving Dinner and that everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves.
FRIENDLY TIPS: A negative report was submitted.
COACHING: WB Katagiri reported that Bro. Masaki was concerned that he wouldn't be able to coach Bro. Onoda as planned. WB Watanabe said that he, WB Watanabe, would to the coaching himself until Bro. Masaki's return. WB Watanabe suggested that we set aside the first Saturday of each month to devote to coaching the four new EA's and the fourth Saturday for conferrals. After some discussion, it was decided to tentatively look at these two dates, and since the coaching would be done in Japanese, not all Brethren would be expected to attend Lodge.
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: Bro. Raymond Beach was reinstated after having been suspended for nonpayment of dues in 1971.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Acting Secretary read a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry from Mr. Kiyoshi Ogu.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Acting Secretary read two communications from the GM, the first, Special Dispensation 52-94 for our conducting lodge on 12 November 1994 with less than seven members present, and the second, Edict No. 13 concerning unauthorized Masonic dealings with the Tokyo Masonic Association. Next, the Acting Secretary read the GLOJ Monthly Bulletin dated 20 November 1994 and portions of the GLOJ Executive Committee Meeting Minutes of 24 September and 22 October 1994.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: It was moved and approved that due to our next meeting being well within the new year, that we pay our just dues to the GLOJ promptly upon receipt, probably in late December or early January — before our next stated meeting.
The Acting Secretary reported that the following Brethren will be suspended for NPD on 31 December 1994 providing their dues are not paid by then: Bros. Edward M. Reyna, William T. Orvosh, PM, and Demetrios P. Tzoannos. The Acting Secretary was asked to send certified, return receipt requested, letters to each Bro. advising them of the suspensions.
The WM then 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 Watanabe announced that we would now ballot for the office bearers for 1995. The following named Brethren were elected/appointed to the positions indicated:
The WM then announced that the installation will be held on 14 January at 14:00 hours. The WM then called the lodge free from constraint until the sound of the gavel in the East.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the GM made brief closing remarks congratulating the new office bearers. 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 16:47 hours with WB Watanabe, PM, WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, SW in the West and Bro. Welsh, JW in the South.
There were 8 Brethren present. (6 MM members and 2 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