The 439th 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 14th day of September 1996.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1413 hours with WB Warnell, WM, in the East, Bro. Masaki, SW, in the West, and WB Watanabe, PM, 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 WB Leo L. Noel, PM, who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 26 May 1996. After prayer, the WM ordered the charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed brother.
The WM then recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tiler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of September 1996, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings. The Acting Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as read.
WB Hodges, PM, then gave the Treasurer's Report and moved that the report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. WB Welsh, PM, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges, Acting Secretary, then read the bills for the period and moved that the bills be paid. WB Katagiri, PM, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
With the exception of the Sick & Visitation, House Committee, and Coaching, all committee reports were negative. WB Katagiri reported that WB Nakano, PM, is still at a hot springs recovering from his accident or perhaps simply enjoying the hot springs. WB Hodges reported that the Directors of Masonic Hall are seeking an additional quote to rebuild & recover the chairs. While one quote has been obtained, for the sake of good business they are trying to obtain one more quote before finalizing a contract. It is believed that the chairs will be refurbished before the end of this year.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: After raising the lodge, WB Warnell read the Grand Master's letter of 13 September 1996 waiving the requirement for Mr. Walter M. Johnson "to assume any position which might cause undue stress or discomfort to his left leg during any part of the ritual of the three degrees of Masonry." The Acting Secretary then read the GL Bulletins of 20 July and 20 August 1996.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Welsh moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion that the lodge purchase a PM Jewel, Apron and Case for presentation to the outgoing WM. MOTION CARRIED.
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 the following named candidate:
The above-named candidate was obligated as an Entered Apprentice Mason with WB Warnell, WM, in the East, Bro. Masaki, SW, in the West and WB Watanabe, PM, JW, in the South. WB Welsh presented the Lambskin Apron; WB Watanabe presented the Working Tools; WB Katagiri gave the Lecture and MWB Robinson delivered the charge.
The lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating our newly obligated Brother. After Bro. Johnson retired from lodge and at the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised to the Third Degree.
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 1715 hours with WB Warnell, WM, in the East, Bro. Masaki, SW, in the West and WB Watanabe, PM, JW, in the South.
There were 9 Brethren present of which 1 was a visitor.
APPROVED:
JIMMIE D. WARNELL
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Acting Secretary