The 483rd 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 09th day of December 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 MWB Watanabe, GM, JS, Acting JW in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren present as listed in the Tyler’s Register of this date. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of December 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 Hodges in the absence of VWB Katagiri, PM. It was moved by WB Hodges and seconded by MWB Heath 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 Heath 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:
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges reported that VWB Katagiri is suffering from a lot of pain in his lower back as well as some in his wrist. The doctor advises that it is most likely due to excessive driving and perhaps a touch of a cold that has settled in his back. VWB Katagiri expect to be at lodge next month. WB Hodges reported that Bro. Marigundon’s wife has overcome the effects of the infection she suffered delivering their child. All seems well. He also reported that he had purchased and mailed a Get Well Card to MWB Robinson but has not heard anything further on his condition. Finally, he reported that he had just found out that WB Fullerton’s wife evidently suffered a stroke in September of this year. He will try to find out her current condition;
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges requested WB Hererra to consider appointing someone to plan for the Installation Banquet in February and specifically requested that someone other than himself be appointed to permit a fresh perspective.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro. Marigundon is still not ready and Bro. Santos is at sea until about the 15th of December.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported that the sum of Yen 3,500,000 was transferred from our checking account to a 90 day time deposit at Citibank on 11/11/00 as authorized during our November Stated Meeting. Rate of interest is 0.07% with roll over date of 02/13/01 and every ninety days thereafter until further instructions are decided.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: WB Hodges read a request for Demit from WB Fullerton. After ascertaining that WB Fullerton’s dues were paid in full and that he is not under Masonic Charges and after hearing no objections from the floor of the lodge, WB Herrera ordered the Demit granted.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 November 2000; a thank you letter from the Leukemia Society of America for our $250.00 donation; and a letter from the Grand Secretary advising of the availability of a new book written by VWB Katagiri.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Herrera read articles 100, 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d of the Constitution and Article II, Sections 1 and 2 of the lodge By-Laws.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Heath moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion to donate Yen20,000 to the Yokohama International Women’s Club to help defray the cost of entertainment at their annual Orphans Christmas Party. MOTION CARRIED.
MWB Heath then moved and WB Hodges seconded a motion that the lodge purchase 12 copies of VWB Katagiri’s book “Tracing Masonry” for immediate presentation to our Japanese Brethren and 2 for future presentation. MOTION CARRIED.
WB Herrera then called the lodge free from restraint prior to the election of Officers. At the sound of the gavel in the East, WB Herrera announced that the annual election of officers of this lodge would be conducted beginning with the position of WM and continuing through the positions of SW, JW, TR, and SEC. The following named Brethren were elected to the position indicated:
The lodge was then again called free from restraint to permit the newly elected officers to determine the names of the Brethren to be appointed to the various other positions. At the sound of the gavel in the East, MWB Heath announced the following appointed officers for next Masonic Year:
WB Herrera announced that the installation of officers would be conducted on 12 February 2001 and will be an open installation. MWB Heath announced that the lodge would open at 1400 hours on the 14th, conduct such minimal business as may be absolutely necessary, and then called off until 1500 hours at which time guests will be seated and the Installation conducted. The banquet to commence at approximately 1800/1830 hours. WB Herrera appointed himself to make arrangements for the banquet and will be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. MWB Heath then appointed MWB Watanabe and Bro. Mendoza to audit the books.
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of MMs, we would proceed to close in short form as authorized by GM Edict #13. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed at 1610 hours with WB Herrera, WM, in the East, MWB Heath, PGM, SW, in the West, and MWB Watanabe, GM, JS, 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