The 451st 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 08th day of November 1997.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with Bro. Masaki, SW, Acting WM, in the East, WB Warnell WM. Acting SW, in the West and Bro. Montgomery, JW, in the South. After the lodge was open and before any matters were discussed, WB Warnell and Bro. Masaki switched positions.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the WM then welcomed everyone and then recognized the Distinguished Brethren and first time visitors as listed in the Tiler's register of this date. Re then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of November 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, then gave the Treasurer's Report and moved that the report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MWB Robinson, PGM, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges read a portion of a letter from the Grand Secretary requesting donations to offset the cost of flowers for the Lodge of Sorrow being held today and then read the bills for the period, which included a ¥10,000 donation to Grand Lodge, and moved that the bills be paid. MWB Robinson, PGM, seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Warnell then called the lodge up for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of those Brethren of this lodge that were being remembered at the Lodge of Sorrow.
Next was the report of the several committees:
with the exception of the following, all committee reports were negative:
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT; WB Warnell and Hodges requested the Brethren to make their reservations as soon as possible to permit timely planning for the Thanksgiving Day Dinner.
COACHING: WB Warnell reported that Bro. Ogui continues to make no progress but it is hoped that he will make the effort to give his proficiency in the First Degree sometime in the near future.
INVESTMENT: WB Warnell spoke briefly on the matter of lodge investment, re-emphasizing that no decisions will be made without vote of the lodge.
BALLOTING: After reporting a full and favorable report by th. members of the Enquiry Committees on the Petition for the Degrees of Masonry submitted by Mr. Anthony Fitzgerald Posey, WB Warnell announced that a secret ballot would be had on Mr. Posey's petition. Upon conclusion of the ballot, WB Warnell announced that Mr. Posey had been elected to receive the degrees of Masonry in this lodge. After some discussion, WB Warnell announced that a Special Meeting will be held on 06 December 1997 for the purpose of initiating Mr. Posey.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletin of October 20, 1997 as well as a portion of a letter from Grand Secretary advising that all proposed resolutions for consideration of Grand Lodge at its annual communication in March of 1998, must be submitted by 15 December 1997.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Warnell instructed WB Hodges to read Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the Lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution.
Bro. Montgomery reported that he has not yet discussed the Staircase project with the Artist.
NEW BUSINESS: After switching places with WB Warnell, and at the sound of the gavel in the East, Bro. Masaki lowered the lodge to the First Degree and announced that this lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons had convened for the purpose of conferring the First Degree of Masonry on Mr. Melvin H. McGuire, IV and Mr. Renato Q. Protacio. The named candidates were obligated as Entered Apprentice Masons with Bro. Masaki, SW, Acting WM, in the East, WB Warnell, WM, Acting SW, in the West and Bro. Montgomery, JW, in the South. WB Katagiri presented the Lambskin Apron, Bro. Taylor the Working Tools, Bro. Herrera gave the Lecture and MWB Robinson delivered the Charge.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised to the Third Degree after which Bro. Masaki 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 1723 hours with Bro. Masaki, SW, Acting WM, in the East, WB Warnell, WM, Acting SW, in the West, and Bro. Montgomery, JW, in the South.
There were 14 Brethren present, of whom 2 were visitors and two were candidates.
There were 8 Brethren present.
APPROVED:
JIMMIE D. WARNELL
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Secretary