The 426th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M. was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 50 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku. Yokohama, Japan on the 10th day of June, 1995.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 14:10 hours with WB Welsh, WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, SW in the West, and Bro. Masaki, JW in the South.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the WM, by order of the Grand Lodge of Japan, ordered that the Charter be draped for 30 days in mourning for the death of Right Worshipful Brother Masao Murotake, Past Senior Grand Warden.
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 June 1995, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of the last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings.
The Secretary read the minutes for the Stated Meeting of 13 May, and they were approved as read.
Next was the Treasurer's report given by WB Hodges. 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 Bro. Warnell moved and WB Hodges seconded that the bills he paid as modified. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Nothing to report
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Katagiri provided an update on WB Ohashi's medical condition.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WM Welsh suggested that we continue having barbecues to enhance fellowship among the brethren. He suggested that we have another before our next Stated Meeting in July and again in September.
FRIENDLY TIPS: Nothing to report.
COACHING: WB Hodges was appointed coach for Bros. Leyeza and Magno.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: Nothing to report.
AUDIT: Nothing to report.
INVESTMENT: WB Katagiri reported that we should be ready to discuss Lodge investments at the September Stated Meeting.
HOUSE: WB Hodges provided an update on his attempts to get Masonic Hall Limited to provide new carpet, chairs, etc. for the Lodge.
BALLOTTING: Nothing to report.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: Nothing to report.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read one piece of correspondence from the GM, the subject of which was "Letter on Committees of the Grand Lodge". Then the Secretary read two other communications from the GL, one regarding the Masonic Summer Barbecue and Charity Concert & the other, the introduction of RWB William D. Patterson as our Grand Inspector for the Masonic Year of 1995. Finally, the Secretary read the GLOJ's monthly bulletin dated 20 May 1995.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Nothing to report.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Welsh will advise the Japan Bodies that Far East Lodge #1 will not be participating in this year's Masonic Summer Barbecue and Charity Concert.
The lodge was lowered to the First Degree at 15:10 hours and Messrs. Leyeza and Magno were obligated as Entered Apprentice Masons with WB Welsh, WM in the East, WB Katagiri, SW in the West, and Bro. Masaki, JW in the South.
WB Watanabe presented the Lambskin Apron. WB Welsh presented the Working Tools. WB Hodges gave the first two sections of the Lecture and Bro. Warnell gave the third. WB Welsh delivered the Charge.
The Lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating our newly obligated Brothers.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, Bro. Kenichi Miyata was examined in the proficiency of the 2nd degree by WB Watanabe and was declared proficient by the WM.
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 17:37 hours with WB Welsh, WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, SW in the West, and Bro. Masaki, SW in the South.
There were 12 Brethren present.
APPROVED:
HENRY W. WELSH III
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
JIMMIE D. WARNELL
Secretary