The 468th 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 July 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 recognized Bro. Alan J. Turney, RWM, Lodge Star in the East No. 640 and invited him to a seat in the East. He then recognized the other 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 July 1999, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes o 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. WB Welsh. PM, 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 provided an updated status on the proposed picnic after which he recommended that the picnic be postponed until the third Saturday in September 1999 to permit proper and adequate planning. Hearing no objections, WB Masaki so ordered.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read the petitions submitted by Messrs. Francisco Evestain MARIGUNDON, Jr. and Roderick Filio SANTOS. WB Masaki ordered the petitions to run the usual course.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 June 1999; three letters from the GS concerning WB Caliboso, two petitioners of Tokyo Yuai #11, revised procedures for paying G/L for supplies, including special dispensations; and a Thank You card from Bro. Michael Halliday for the 50 year pin that was sent to him. After the lodge was raised, the GM's Proclamation 1-99 was read.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: It being high twelve, the Craft were called from labor to refreshment for the purpose of raising Bro. Luis Francisco MENDOZA to the sublime degree of MM. Bro. Mendoia was raised by Bro. Herrera with Bro. Taylor in the West. Bro. Herrera gave the Lecture with a little help from WB Hodges. MWB Robinson delivered the Charge. WB Hodges presented the Bible/Apron/MM Pin/Constitution/ByLaws/Monitor/Book of MM and Dues Card. The WM then informed Bro. Mendoza that as the youngest MM in the lodge, he had preference to address the lodge over all others. Bro. Mendoza responded with appropriate remarks. The lodge was then called free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating our newly raised Brother.
NEW BUSINESS: At the sound of the gavel in the East, WB Masaki instructed Bro. Shigetsugu to place himself West of the Altar where he was presented with him Master Mason's Proficiency Card and congratulated by WB Masaki for his continued progress.
WB Welsh then moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion that this lodge write a letter to Grand Lodge recommending that WB George I. Purdy be awarded the Komatsu Award. MOTION CARRIED.
Bro. Turney, RWM, Lodge Star in the East No. 640, extended fraternal greetings from the Office Bearers and Brethren of Lodge Star in the East No. 640 and invited everyone to attend their meeting on 14 September 1999 at which time the Third Degree will be conferred. He also intimated that he would canvas the senior members of his lodge and if they agree, they, will join us in sponsoring the picnic.
Due to the lateness of the hour and the fact that no degree work is scheduled for our September meeting, WE Hodges postponed his "Lodge of Administrative Instruction" and reminded the Brethren that the lodge will be dark in August.
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 14 Brethren presents including the candidate and one visitor.
APPROVED:
TAKUMI MASAKI
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES
Secretary