The 434th 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 9th day of March 1996.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with Bro. Warnell, SW, Acting WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, JS, Acting SW in the West and Bro. Masaki, 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 March 1996, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and any subsequent Special Meeting. The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as corrected.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Hodges, PM. It was moved by Bro. Hodges and seconded by WB Watanabe, PM, 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 WB Hodges moved and MWB Robinson, PGM, seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
CHARITY: Nothing to report.
SICK AND VISITATION: Nothing to report.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges submitted a brief report on the Installation Banquet and was given a round of applause by the Brethren for making the arrangements.
FRIENDLY TIPS: Bro. Hodges reported that Bro. Montgomery has expressed and interest in reviving the Friendly Tips and it is hoped that Bro. Montgomery will find the time to take on the job as it is something that truly needs to be done if at all possible.
COACHING: WB Watanabe submitted a negative.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: Nothing to report.
AUDIT: Nothing to report.
INVESTMENT: Bro. Hodges submitted a negative.
HOUSE: Bro. Hodges reported that MHL purchased a new copy machine and that the copy charges will be passed to the using bodies. He also reported that the official address of MHL has or will soon be changed to this location as it has been determined that this building should be the proper legal address for the company. The office in the ante-room is now the office for not only the two lodges using this facility but is also the official office of MHL. Bro. Hodges is currently the Acting Secretary of MHL subject to the confirmation of the BOD.
BALLOTTING: The petition for the degrees of Masonry submitted by Mr. Walter Cyril VOLINIC was favorably ballotted and Mr. Volinic was elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in this lodge.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Acting Secretary reported that no new petitions have been received.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Acting Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 February 1996 and reported that several items pertaining to the upcoming Annual Communication of GL had been received and copies provided the pillars. Anybody else desiring copies were invited to contact the Secretary after lodge. He also indicated that there was a resolution to change the Constitution that needed to be voted on. The WM indicated that the matter would be taken up under new business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: The resolution to abolish recognition of the 25 Land Marks of Masonry was then brought up for a vote. A motion was made and seconded that the pillars be instructed to cast a favorable ballot on this resolution when presented in Grand Lodge for action. MOTION CARRIED.
At 1505 pm, Bro. Leyeza knocked and was obligated as a MM by Bro. Warnell, SW, Acting WM in the East, with WB Katagiri, PM, JS, Acting SW, in the West and Bro. Masaki, JW, in the South. Bro. Leyeza was subsequently raised to the Sublime Degree of MM by the same officers with the following officers and brethren participating as indicated: The Working Tools were presented by RWB Patterson, DGM, and GL Inspector; the Apron Lecture by WB Katagiri; the Lecture was delivered by WB Hodges; and the Charge by RWB Patterson. After Bro. Leyeza signed the Bye-Laws and while standing West of the Altar, the Bible, Constitution, Monitor, Lodge Bye-Laws and Masonic Pin were presented by WB Hodges with WB Welsh presenting the candidate with his Lambskin Apron. The WM then informed Bro. Leyeza that as the youngest MM in the lodge, he had preference to address the lodge over all others. Bro. Leyeza responded with appropriate remarks.
Greetings were then received from the WM of Harmony Lodge #18, WB Caliboso and WB Hasrouni, PM, Dural Lodge #973, Australia. RWB Patterson spoke briefly and after extending fraternal greetings from the GM, MWB Yamaya, he congratulated Bro. Leyeza on his raising and the officers who conferred the degree, noting that the work was well presented. He especially noted Bro. Montgomery's performance as SD throughout the entire meeting.
WB Hodges then moved and WB Watanabe seconded a motion to pay the ¥12,000 fee to Grand Lodge for the annual Attendance Fee for this lodge. MOTION CARRIED.
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 1720 pm with Bro. Warnell, SW, Acting WM in the East, WB Katagiri, PM, JS, Acting SW in the West and Bro. Masaki, JW in the South.
There were 15 Brethren present of which 4 were visitors.
APPROVED:
HENRY W. WELSH III
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Acting Secretary