The 480th 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 9th day of September 2000.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1413 hours with WB Herrera, WM, in the East, MWB Heath, PGM, SW in the West, and WB Welsh, PM, Acting JW, in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tyler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of September 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 Welsh that the Treasurer's report be approved as read, subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED
The Secretary then read the blls for the period. He moved and WB Welsh seconded a motion that the sum be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
With the exception of the following, all Committee reports were negative:
COACHING: WB Hodges reported on the status of Bro. Marigundon. WB Katagiri reported that Bro. Nakanishi has completed his degree work and also given his third degree proficiency in Tokyo Yuai #11.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Hodges informed the lodge of the reply sent to Grand Lodge concerning MWB Cohen's article, noting that it was basically the same as the recorded remarks of our last Stated Meeting.
INVESTMENT: WB Katagiri reported that WB Herrera, himself, and WB Hodges had held a meeting of the Investment Committee prior to the Stated meeting of June and decided that further investment in Eagle Star would be deferred until after the next statement, due in April/May 2001, is received.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 20 July and 20 August 2000 and a number of email received and including a thank you note from Bro. Bowers, Life Member for the 50 year pin we sent him.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Herrera then instructed Bro. George Okuhara-Caswell to place himself at the altar in the position he was placed when he was obligated as a MM. WB Herrera proceeded to obligate Bro. Okuhara-Caswell as a dual member of this lodge. At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro. Okuhara-Caswell as the newest member of the lodge.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Heath reminded the Brethren that elections were fast approaching and suggested that it might be timely for a notice to be sent to the Brethren advising them of this fact and suggesting that anyone who might be interested in being appointed or elected to a position in the lodge next year should contact the WM, one of the Wardens or the Secretary to find out what the qualification requirements are for the various positions. WB Herrera requested WB Hodges to proceed with such an advisory.
The floor was then opened for discussions on ways and means to increase lodge membership and participation. Several very meaningful suggestions were made and taken by the Brethren as a very positive way they can contribute to the alleviation of a very serious problem.
Upon conclusion of all discussions, 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 1545 hours with WB Herrera, WM, in the East, MWB Heath, PGM, SW, in the West and WB Welsh, PM, Acting JW in the South. There were 8 Brethren present of whom 1 was a visitor.
APPROVED:
RODOLFO C. HERRERA
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary