The 477th 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 13th day of May 2000.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1412 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, SW, acting WM, in the East, WB Welsh, PM, Acting SW, in the West, and WB Herrera, WM, 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 Harold Almont Homer, who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 05 February 1996. The WM ordered the charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brother.
The WM than 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 May 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 WB Hodges, that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary then read the bill for the period. He then moved and WB Welsh seconded a motion that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next were the reports of the several committees.
With the exception of the following, all Committee reports were negative:
CHARITY: WB Hodges asked if any Brother had any objections to the establishment of a Benevolent Fund. Hearing none, he advised that he would proceeed with the preperation of a suitable Resolution and change to the lodge By-Laws. He then proposed that the lodge donate ¥50,000 to Refugees International, Japan and that their Brochure be sent to every member of the lodge with a cover letter signed by the WM encouraging the Brethren to become a Member, Sponsor or Patron of RJI. MWB Heath instructed that the matter of donating ¥50,000 be taken up under NEW BUSINESS. No objections to the proposed letter and brochure being sent to the members was raised.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bros. Marigundon and Santos hope to give their proficiency in June or July, either collectively or individually. It is probable thut we will need to Pass one or perhaps both of them in July,
BALLOTING: Bro. George Okuhara-Caswell was elected a Dual Meuber of this lodge by secret ballot.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 April 2000.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Welsh spoke of the need to take precautions when using the Internet. There are many unscrupulous people using the net and much damage can be done to the unwary.
Bro. McGuire advised that this would be his last meeting as he and his family will be departing Japan about a month earlier than expected. We thanked the Brethren for the opportunity to become a Mason while here in Japan and indicated that he intended to stay active in the Fraternity regardless of where duty may take him in the future. Several of the Brethren responded with appropriate remarks and all wished him fair winds and following seas.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges moved and WB Herrera seconded a motion to donate the sum of ¥50,000 to Refugees International, Japan. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Welsh moved and MWB Watanabe seconded a motion to purchase additional memory and a zip drive for our new computer system, NM US$300.00. MOTION CARRIED.
MWB Watanabe then requested WC Herrera to place himself West of the altar where he was please to present him with his "Past Master's" Certificate. He then spoke of his visit to Kobe to attend the 1000th meeting of Rising Sun Lodge No. 1401, E.C. and his subsequent visit to Hong Kong to attend the installation of Bro. Batson as District Grand Master of the Far East, Scottish Constitution. He spoke at some length of the Installation and the Masonic Temple in Hong Kong as well as the number of people attending. He ended his remarks by expressing his gratitude for being able to attend and represent the Grand Lodge of Japan.
MWB Heath spoke about the opportunity to visit lodges under other Grand Jurisdictions and recommended that those who have not yet done so avail themselves of the opportunity. It is something generally not available anywhere else in the world.
Apologies were received from RWB Hirose, GO, and our GL Inspector.
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 MM, in the East, WB Welsh, PM, Acting SW, in the West, and WB Herrera, WM, Acting JW in the South. There were 12 Brethren present of whom 2 were visitors.
APPROVED:
RODOLFO C. HERRERA
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary