The 476th 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 08th day of April 2000.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, SW, acting WM, in the East, WB Masaki, PM, Organist, Acting SW, in the West, and MWB Watanabe, Grand Master, 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 Brother John William Hopkins, who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 11 December 1996. 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. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of April 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 corrected.
Next was the Treasurer's Report given by WB Katagiri, PM. It was moved by WB Katagiri and seconded by MWB Watanabe, 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 that the bills be paid, including a ¥30,000 donation to Grand Lodge for the Annual Children's Festival. The motion was seconded by MWB Watanabe. MOTION CARRIED.
Next were the reports of the several committees:
With the exception of the following, all Committee reports were negative:
CHARITY: WB Hodges requested the Brethren to consider whether a BENEVOLENT FUND should be established. He gave a number of reasons why he thought such a fund should be established. He finished by requesting the Brethren to consider the proposition with the understanding that a more formal approach will be made providing there are no objections.
SICK & VISITATION: MWB Heath reported WB Purdy passed away and that a Masonic Funeral was performed for him by the Grand Lodge. He extended the sincere gratitude of Mrs. Purdy and advised that Bro. Purdy was cremated and his ashes scattered at sea in keeping with his wishes.
FRIENDLY TIPS: WB Hodges reported that the master's Annual has been mailed to all members and with the April Notice for the in-country members.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bros. Marigundon and Santos were not ready to give their proficiency and that it may be June or July before they are ready as military duty and out of country leave will remove them from the country until sometime in late May or late June.
AUDIT: MWB Heath reported that the audit could not be conducted due to the absence of the other two members of the committee. He anticipated that it will be completed by the May meeting.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that the changes to the ante-room were motivated by the need to make space for two computer systems, one for Far East #1 and one for Lodge Star in the East No. 640 and for esoteric reasons.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read the application for Dual Membership submitted by Bro. George Okuhara-Caswell, a member of Lodge Star in the East No. 640, S.C. MWB Heath instructed that the application take the usual course.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 March 2000; a letter from Bro. Floyd and Roberts and after the lodge was raised, two letters from the Grand Master introducing our GL lnspector for Masonic year 2000 and the other advising of the Annual GL Children's Festival.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: MWR Heath requested WB Masaki to place himself west of the altar and then called on MWB Watanabe to present him with his Past Master's certificate.
MWB Watanabe then moved and WB Katagiri seconded a motion that the lodge purchase a computer system, including access to the internet. Cost of the computer system not to exceed $2500.00. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges requested assistance to develop a Home Page for the lodge. MWB Watanabe volunteered to oversee the preparation of our Home Page.
MWR Watanabe then spoke briefly on the absence of Bro. Mendoza and about Bro. Purdy's funeral. He thanked the Brethren for their support and assistance.
WB Masaki advised that he would be unable to attend our May meeting.
Bro. Turney, RWM Lodge Star in the East, brought fraternal greeting from the OBs and Brethren of his lodge. MWB Heath requested Bro. Turney to convey our warmest fraternal greeting to the Brethren of his lodge.
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 due and ancient form at 1530 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, SW, Acting WM in the East, WB Masaki, PM, Organist, Acting SW in the West, and MWB Watanabe, Grand Master, Acting JW in the South. There were 9 Brethren present of whom 1 was a visitor.
APPROVED:
RODOLFO C. HERRERA
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary