The 478th 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 June 2000.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1410 hours with WB Herrera, WM, in the East, WB Masaki, PM, Org, Acting SW, in the West, MWB Watanabe, GM, Acting JW, in the South.
The WM 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 June 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 moved and WB Katagiri 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:
CHARITY: WB Hodges read a letter of thanks from the Executive Director of Refugees International, Japan for the ¥50,000 donation. He advised that he is still working on the proposed letter to the members concerning RIJ.
MWB Watanabe reported that Bob Gorman, the husband of Mrs. Gorman, Grand Lodge Secretary, is very ill and unlikely to recover.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Mariguridon has returned from leave and that he will encourage him to be prepared to give his proficiency at our July meeting. He also asked WB Herrera to contact Bro. Marigundon to add his encouragement.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 May 2000. He reported that he has received a large number of email from members after advising them that the lodge was now on line. Every one of them expressed satifaction and thanks that the lodge had finally gone on line.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: Extensive discussion was had concerning the most effective use of the internet, not only for communicating with the members of the lodge but also to effectively communicate Masonry to the general public here in Yokohama. Several ideas were discussed and all Brethren expressed enthusiam over the possibilities. It was the general concensus that the more we use this technology, the greater and more effective use we will be able to make of it.
WB Herrera made the following work assignments for the next second degree, which will hopefully be held in July:
EAST: WB Herrera - open/close and entire degree, including letter 'G" Lecture.
WEST: MWB Heath, PGM, open/close and entire degree w/WB Masaki as backup.
SOUTH: MWB Robinson, PGM, open/close and entire degree.
CHARGE: MWB Watanabe.
SD: WB Katagiri - open/close and entire degree, including Stair Case Lecture.
JD: Bro. Miyata - open/close and entire degree plus Working Tools w/WB Hodges as backup.
WB Herrera instructed WH Hodges to disseminate this information to the Brethren concerned again with the Monthly Notice.
Apologies were received from MWB Heath, MWB Robinson and WB Welsh.
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 by MWB Watanabe, GM, at 1530 hours with WB Herrera, WM, in the East, WB Masaki PM, Org. Acting SW in the West, WB Hodges, PM, Secretary, Acting JW in the South. There were 7 members present.
APPROVED:
RODOLFO C. HERRERA
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary