The 466th 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 8th day of May 1999.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1412 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM in the East, Bro. Herrera, SW in the West, and Bro. Taylor, JW, in the South.
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 May 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 WB Welsh, PM, seconded that the report be accepted as read subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges then read and moved that the bills be paid. MWB Robinson, PGM, 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 reported that Bro. Johnson spent all of Negishi's Navy Friendship Day handing out Masonic literature to those who were interested. It was recommended and agreed that the lodge sponsor a picnic on 17 July 1999. Bro. Taylor and Bro. McGuire to make reservations and make all arrangements. Assistance to be provided by the Brethren as may be needed. There will be a charge (to be announced at our June/July meeting) except for guests of the lodge.
COACHING: WB Katagiri reported that Bro. Mendoza was prepared to give his proficiency in the Second Degree.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: RWB Watanabe, DGM, reported that the Grand Master has changed the 'monthly' Grand Lodge Meeting to once every quarter starting with the July meeting. This announcement engendered an extensive discussion concerning the Grand Lodge Committee Meetings.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that we have received our first annual statement from Eagle Star and that anybody who wishes to see it may do so. WB Katagiri reported that it has proven impossible to transfer our bank account to another bank and retain check writing privileges. No bank will accept our account.
BALLOTING: The Secretary reported he had received a request for a Demit from Bro. Anis Makdisi. 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 Bulletin of 20 April 1999. Copies of the Grand Master's letter concerning Life Membership Funds was passed to the Brethren with the understanding that it will be discussed at a future meeting after the contents of the letter have been digested and when sufficient time is available.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: 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 Bro. Luis F. Mendoza. WB Katagiri conducted the examination at the completion of which WB Masaki declared Bro. Mendoza proficient. After Bro. Mendoza and Bro. Shigetsugu were conducted from the 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. Naoki Shigetsugu. Bro. Shigetsugu was obligated as a Master Mason by 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 WB Hodges.
It being high twelve, the craft were called from labor to refreshment for the purpose of raising Bro. Shigetsugu to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Bro. Shigetsugu was raised by Bro. Herrera with Bro. Taylor in the West. After the gavel was sounded in the East, WB Masaki gave the Lecture and WB Hodges delivered the Charge. WB Hodges presented the Bible, Lambskin Apron, MM Pin, Constitution, By-Laws, Monitor, Book of the MM and Dues Card. WB Masaki then informed Bro. Shigetsugu that as the youngest Master Mason in the lodge, he had preference to address the lodge over all other. Bro. Shigetsugu reponded with appropriate remarks and was seated among the Brethren.
At the sound of the Gavel in the East, WB Masaki requested Bros. Reyes and Shigetsugu to place themselves West of the Altar where he presented them with their Master Mason's Diploma.
Bro. Reyes thanked the Brethren for assisting him to become
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being transferred to the United States for duty. The Brethren wished Bro. Reyes fair winds and following seas.
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 1815 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM, in the East, Bro. Herrera, SW, in the West, and Bro. Taylor, JW in the South.
There were 14 members, including the candidate and one other Fellowcraft present.
APPROVED:
TAKUMI MASAKI
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Secretary