The 475th 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 11th day of March 2000.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with WB Herrera, WM, in the East, MWB Heath, PGM, SW, in the West, and WB Masaki, PM, Org., Acting JW, in the South.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised for a moment of silent prayer in memory of Brothers Houston Wyatt Blackledge, Thomas Lee Brack, and Bert Ruddel Jones, who passed to the Celestial Lodge February 2000, 20 July 1999, and January 2000 respectively. After prayer, the WM ordered the charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brethren.
The WM then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of March 2000, 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.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Katagiri, PM. it was moved by WB Katagiri and seconded by MWB Heath, PGM, that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read the bills for the period. He then moved and MWB Heath seconded a motion that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
With the exception of the following, all Committee reports were negative:
SICK & VISITATION: MWB Heath and MWB Robinson reported on the health and status of WB Purdy. He continues to grow weaker but remains in good spirits. WB Herrera asked the Secretary to purchase a Get Well card and circulate it among the Brethren for mailing to WB Purdy as soon as possible.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that the total cost of the Installation banquet was ¥56,411 and that 17 people attended, including the Grand Master.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges that the Master's Annual has been prepared and will be mailed later this month to the overseas members and with the April Notice for the in-country members.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that he will start coaching Bros. Marigundon and Santos next week. He hopes both will be prepared to give their E.A. proficiency at our April meeting. He requested WB Herrera to prepare the line up of officers for a second degree to be held at our April meeting.
AUDIT: WB Herrera appointed MW's Heath and Robinson and Bro. Mendoza to audit the Secretary/Treasurer's Books and to submit their report at our April meeting unless further time is needed.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges advised that we should receive our Annual Statement from Eagle Star sometime in April.
HOUSE: WB Hodges spoke at some length on the status of Masonic Hall, Ltd., and advised that it is highly likely that the two lodges will have to vacate this space at the end of another 5 years.
BALLOTING: WB Hodges read a request for Demit from Bro. Walter Cyril Volinic. He reported that Bro. Voliriic has paid his dues thru 31 December 2000 and is otherwise in good standing. After ascertaining that there were no objections, WB Herrera ordered the Demit granted.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 20 January and 20 February 2000; a letter from TMA naming the Trustees, Supervisors and Counselors of the TMA for 2000. After the lodge was raised, he ready Grand Master's Edict Fifteen.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: RWB Watanabe, DGM, brought fraternal greetings from MWB Ditto, PGM, GS, and our Installing Officers. Additionally, MWB Ditto expressed his hope that the lodge would do well this year and that WB Herrera have an enjoyable year in the East.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Herrera then informed the Brethren that we are in receipt of three resolutions to Amend/Change the Constitution. After considerable discussion, it was moved and seconded and approved by the Brethren that the officers attending Grand Lodge vote favorably on Resolutions 1 and 3 and as each see fit on Resolution 2.
RWB Watanabe reminded the officers attending the Grand Lodge Communication to bring their Regalia.
VWB Hirose, Grand Chaplain, GLOJ, and our Grand Lodge Inspector, announced that Rising Sun Lodge No. 1401, E.C, operating in Kobe, will hold its 1000th meeting on the 3rd Saturday of April 2000. Lodge will open at 1600 hours. There will be a special Festive Board after lodge and all Master Masons are invited. Those wishing to attend should contact VWB Hirose to make arrangements.
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 at 1657 hours with WB Herrera, WM in the East, MWB Heath, PGM, SW in the West, and MWB Robinson. PGM, JW in the South. There were 10 Brethren present of whom 1 was a visitor.
APPROVED:
RODOLFO C. HERRERA
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary