The 440th 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 October 1996.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1414 hours with WB Warnell, WM, in the East, Bro. Masaki, SW, in the West, and WB Katagiri, PM, Acting JW in the South.
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 October 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. Bro. Montgomery 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 REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT, all committee reports were negative. WB Hodges asked if it was intended for the lodge to again sponsor a Thanksgiving Dinner as it has done over the last several years. WB Warnell replied that he desired to have the dinner and after receiving the concurrence of the Brethren present, instructed WB Hodges to proceed with the necessary arrangements to hold the dinner on the evening of 29 November at the Seamen's Club. Menu and cost to be the same as in previous years if possible and invitations are to be sent as in prior years.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Acting Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletin of 20 September 1996, which was all the correspondence to be read.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Warnell asked for a status report on the Staircase Canvas Project. Bro. Montgomery advised that the next step would be to get the artist to the lodge for consultations with WB Hodges. He indicated that he would work on that as his circumstances may permit.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Warnell instructed the Acting Secretary to read Sections 1 & 2 of the lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was lowered to the Second Degree for the purpose of listening to the proficiency in this degree by the following named Fellow Craft Mason:
The examination was conducted by WB Warnell and upon conclusion, WB Warnell pronounced Bro. Hayden proficient. The lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro. Hayden. After Bro. Hayden retired from lodge and at the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised to the Third Degree for the purpose of conferring this degree on Bro. Hayden. Bro. Hayden was obligated as a Master Mason with WB Warnell, WM, in the East, Bro. Masaki, SW, in the West, and WB Katagiri, PM, Acting JW, in the South.
It being high-twelve, the craft were called from labor to refreshment for the purpose of raising to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason the above named Brother. Brother Hayden was raised to the Sublime Degree of MM by WB Warnell with Bro. Masaki in the West. After sounding the gavel in the East, WB Hodges gave the Lecture; MWB Robinson delivered the Charge; WB Warnell presented the Masonic Bible, Masonic Pin and Apron; and WB Hodges presented the By-Laws, Constitution, Monitor, Dues Card and the book of the Master Mason together with a copy of the lodge history.
The WM then informed Bro. Hayden that as the youngest MM in the lodge he had preference to address the lodge over all others. Bro. Hayden reponded with appropriate remarks. The WM then called the lodge briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulation our newly raised brother.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, 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 Katagiri, PM, Acting JW, in the South.
There were 8 Brethren present including the candidate.
APPROVED:
JIMMIE D. WARNELL
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Acting Secretary