The 481st 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 14th day of October 2000.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1417 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, SW, Acting WM, in the East, MWB Watanabe, GM, JS, Acting SW in the West, and MWB Robinson, PGM, JW, in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren and first time visitors as listed in the Tyler's Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of October 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 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 MWB Watanabe seconded a motion that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
With the exception of time following, all Committee reports were negative:
COACHING: WB Hodges reported on the status of Bros. Marigundon and Santos.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 September 2000, a letter from the Grand Secretary regarding G/L calendars for 2001; a letter from Mrs. McGuire; and, after the lodge was raised, an email from the Grand Master concerning the next meeting of the G/L Quarterly General Session. He also noted that correspondence is in hand from TMA via the Grand Lodge advising that they are accepting nominations for the position of Counsellor, Trustee, and Supervisor. All action items were deferred to new business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Heath read articles 100, 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d of the Constitution and Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the lodge By-Laws.
WB Hodges moved and MWB Robinson seconded a motion that the Annual Installation of Officers to held at the Stated Meeting of February 2001. MOTION CARRIED
The Brethren expressed a desire for MWB Chester L. Ditto and William M. Heath to be the installing Officers.
Some discussion on having a Thanksgiving Day Dinner this year was had but after it was pointed out that only 2/3 members expressed a desire to attend last years dinner, discussions were dropped.
WB Hodges moved and MWB Robinson seconded a motion that the lodge donate $250.00 to The Leukemia Society of America in the name of Mrs. Victoria McGuire. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges moved and MWB Robinson seconded a motion that MWB Watanabe and WB Katagiri be nominated for any of the vacant positions identified by TMA. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Hodges requested MWB Watanabe/Katagiri arrange to present Bro. Nakanishi with his Master Mason Diploma and Third Degree Proficiency Certification. MWB Watanabe agreed to make appropriate arrangements.
Bro. Johnson spoke on the feasibility of the lodge participating in some of the annual Military open house activities such as Friendship Day and Obon. After some discussion, Bro. Johnson was requested to find out as much information as possible on the next activity and to present it to the lodge in sufficient time to make the necessary arrangements should the lodge decide to participate in the activity. MWB Watanabe announced that he will make his official visit as Grand Master at our December Stated Meeting.
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 1543 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, SW, Acting WM, in the East, MWB Watanabe, GM, JS, Acting SW, in the West and MWB Robinson, PGM, JW in the South. There were 10 Brethren present of whom 2 were visitors.
APPROVED:
RODOLFO C. HERRERA
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary