The 465th 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 10th day of April 1999.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1410 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Herrera, SW in the West, and Bro. Taylor, 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 MWB Masaji Matsumoto, PGM, who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 13 March 1999. 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 and welcomed everyone. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of April 1999, 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.
The Treasurer's Report was then given by WB Katagiri, PM, who moved and RWB Watanabe, DGM, seconded that the report be accepted as read subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges 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:
REFRESHMENT & ENTERTAINMENT: Bro. Taylor recommended we hold a picnic in July. After discussion, it was decided to wait until next meeting to confirm the actual date. Meanwhile, Bro. Taylor was requested to pencil in reservations for the 3rd and 4th Saturday of July. Bro. Taylor then recommended that we set up a table at the Negishi Navy Friendship Day to pass out literature on the Fraternity. Bro. Taylor indicated that he and some other brothers would be able to do this in connection with the CFAY Negishi Booth. RWB Watanabe was requested to obtain a supply of literature from Grand Lodge to be used as handouts.
COACHING: RWB Watanabe reported that Bro. Mendoza was prepared to give his proficiency in the First Degree. He also reported that Bro. Nakanishi is making progress, having received the First Degree in Yuai #11.
INVESTMENT: WB Katagiri reported that his attempts to find more suitable investments for our money so far have proven fruitless. It is not even possible to purchase Japanese Government Bonds because we don't have enough money. Further discussion was had with regard to our current bank account with WB Katagiri to check on the feasibility of transferring our bank account from Citibank to the Tokyo/Mitsubishi Bank.
BALLOTING: The Secretary reported he had received a request for a Demit from Bro. Anthony F. Posey. Being in good standing and no objections being voiced, the WM ordered the Demit to be granted.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 20 February and March 1999. He reported that we have received correspondence from G/L appointing WB Yuya Hirose, PM, as our Grand Lodge Inspector again this year. After the lodge was called up, the Secretary read a letter from the Grand Master announcing the Annual Grand Lodge Children's Festival and requesting each Brother to contribute assistance if at all possible. WB Hodges moved and RWB Watanabe seconded a motion to donate ¥30,000. MOTION CARRIED.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was lowered to the First Degree for the purpose of listening to the proficiency in this degree by Bro. Luis F. Mendoza. WB Katagiri conducted the examination at the completion of which WB Masaki declared Bro. Mendoza proficient. After Bro. Mendoza was conducted from the lodge, and at the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised to the Second or Fellowcraft Degree for the purpose of conferring this degree on Bro. Luis F. Mendoza. Bro. Mendoza was obligated as a Fellowcraft Mason by WB Katagiri, PM, with WB Masaki, WM, in the East, Bro. Herrera, SW in the West, and Bro. Taylor, JW, in the South.
The Working Tools were presented by Bro. McGuire. The Staircase Lecture was given by Bro. Herrera. The Letter "G" Lecture and the Charge was given by WB Hodges.
The lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating our newly Passed Brother. After congratulations were extended by those in attendance, Bro. Shigetsugu was examined in this degree by WB Katagiri after which WB Masaki declared Bro. Shigetsugu proficient in this degree. After Bro. Mendoza and Shigetsugu were escorted from the lodge and at the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge of FC Masons was closed and labors in the lodge of MMs resumed.
WB Masaki then introduced Bro. Hitoshi Matsushima from Tokyo Yuai #11 and welcomed him. Bro. Matsushima responded with appropriate remarks. WB Masaki then reported that RWB Watanabe had been elected and installed as the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Japan at the Annual Communication in March. The Brethren responded with a warm round of applause. He then announced that Bro. Reyes will be raised in Yokosuka #20 on the 3rd Tuesday of April. WB Hodges expressed his intentions to attend the raising and will make the various presentations to Bro. Reyes.
WB Masaki then extended warm congratulations to Bro. Herrera and WB Hodges for their work today.
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 short form in accordance with Edict #13 at 1710 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM, in the East, Bro. Herrera, SW, in the West, and Bro. Taylor, JW in the South.
There were 10 members, including the candidate, and one guest present.
APPROVED:
TAKUMI MASAKI
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Secretary