The 670th Special Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M., was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 250 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama on the 16th day of May 1998.
A lodge of Master Masons was opened in due and ancient form at 13:40 hours with Bro. Masaki, WM, in the East, WB Warnell, PM, Acting SW, in the West, and RWB Wataiiabe, SGW, Acting JW, in the South.
WB Masaki welcomed the Brethren, especially the guests and recognized the Distinguished Brethren and first time visitors present as listed in the Tiler's register of this date. lie then announced that the Lodge of MMs had convened for the purpose of Raising to the Sublime Degree the following named Fellowcraft Masons, who had made the necessary proficiency in the proceeding degree:
The above named candidates were obligated as Master Masons with WB Masaki, WM, in the East, WB Warnell, PM, Acting SW, in the West, and RWB Watanabe, SGW, Actiiig 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 Brethren.
Bros. Posey and McGuire were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason by WB Katagiri, PM, with RWB Watanabe in the West. After the gavel was sounded in the East:
WB Hodges, PM gave the Lecture. MWB Yamaya, PGM, delivered the Charge. WB Hodges presented the Lambskin Apron, the Masonic Bible and the Masonic Pin, together with a copy of the Constitution, Lodge By-Laws, Monitor, and booklets "Book of the Entered Apprentice/Book of the Fellow Craft/and Book of the Master Mason".
The WM then informed Bros. Posey and McGuire that as the youngest Master Masons in the Lodge, they had preference to address the Lodge over all others. Bros. Posey and McGuire responded with appropriate remarks. Bros. Posey and McGuire were then invited to a seat among their Brethren.
After WB Masaki thanked all of the Brethren for their assistance today, the following Brethren spoke briefly:
WB Katagiri spoke on behalf of the members, thanking WB Warnell for his many contributions to the lodge and for being such a warm, friendly and always supportive, Brother. He wished WB Warnell the very best in his future endeavors and admonished him to be sure and visit us when he comes back or through Japan in the future.
The WM then announced that there being nothing further to come before this Lodge of Master Masons, we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, the lodge was closed in due and ancient form at 17:20 hours with WB Masaki, WM, in the East, WB Warnell, PM, Acting SW, in the West and RWB Watanabe, SGW, Acting JW, in the South.
There were 16 Brethren present: 10 members, including the candidates and 1 EA (who remained outside) and 6 visitors.
APPROVED:
TAKUMI MASAKI
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Secretary