The 448th 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 June 1997.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1412 hours with WB Warnell, PM, WM, in the East, Bro. Masaki, SW, in the West, and Bro. Montgomery, 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 June 1997, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings. The Secretary read the minutes and they were approved as read.
WB Katagiri, PM, TR, then gave the Treasurer's Report and moved that the report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. WB Watanabe, PM, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges, PM, Secretary, then read the bills for the period and moved that the bills be paid. WB Katagiri, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
With the exception of the following, all committee reports were negative:
COACHING: It was noted that the Grand Master has approved a short version of the proficiencies in the Japanese language. With that in mind, it is anticipated that our three Japanese Entered Apprentice Masons will be able to progress. As soon as the revised proficiencies have been received, copies will be furnished our Japanese EAs.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Hodges read extracts of the items of general interest published in the GL Executive Committee Meeting minutes of 26 April 1997. MWB Robinson remarked that the Japanese version of a Lodge of Sorrow was written by MWB Nishiyama, a PGM of this lodge.
INVESTMENT: At the request of WB Warnell, WB Katagiri gave his views of the future of interest rates in Japan, speculating that they will start rising in the next year or so. WB Warnell appointed WB Katagiri the Chairman of a study committee consisting of WB Watanabe, MWB Robinson, and WB Hodges keep up with the market as best they might be able to and make recommendations when appropriate to the Lodge Finance Committee for the reinvestment of lodge funds.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletins for April and May 1997 and an 'E Mail' letter from Brother William A. Forest.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Warnell appointed Brothers Herrera and Johnson to plan the details of a Masonic Function to be held at the Negishi Housing Area on 12 July 1997 in lieu of our Stated Meeting. Assistance to be drawn from any member of the lodge who might be available to assist, including himself. Event is to the in the form of an outdoor picnic. Funding to be determined after the Event Committee has determined the scope of the event. Secretary to request dispensation for the lodge to be dark during July and August in order to host the event in July and to permit our Japanese Brethren to observe the Obon holidays.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Warnell presented Bros. Masaki, Miyata and Johnson with their Master Mason's Diploma. He then proceeded to install Bro. Miyata as Junior Steward. WB Katagiri made proclamation.
He then called the lodge free from restraint for the purpose of conducting a lodge of instruction. At the sound of the gavel in the East, labors in this lodge of MMs was resumed. Bro. Campbell gave fraternal greetings from the Master and Brethren of Kunitachi Lodge #4 and provided details of a Special Meeting to be held by that lodge on 01 October 1997. He concluded his remarks by inviting the Brethren to attend, as a lodge if possible, but as individuals if a lodge visit is not feasible.
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 1700 hours with WB Warnell, PM, WM, in the East, Bro. Masaki, SW, in the West and Bro. Montgomery, JW, in the South.
There were 11 Brethren present of which 1 was a visitor.
APPROVED:
JIMMIE D. WARNELL
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Secretary