The 486th 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 March 2001.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1419 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, in the East, WB Herrera, PM, SW, in the West, and VWB Katagiri, SGL, JW in the South.
MWB Heath 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 March 2001, 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.
The Treasurer’s report for March was given by MWB Watanabe, GM, after which he moved and WB Herrera seconded a motion that the Treasurer’s report be accepted 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 the following, all committee reports were negative:
REFRESHMENT & ENTERTAINMENT: MWB Heath complemented and thanked WB Herrera for the excellent arrangements and food at the Installation Banquet.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported on the status of Bro. Marigundon.
HOUSE: WB Hodges reported on the status of the temple, noting that the School has advised that Masonic Hall, Ltd. can continue using this facility until the year 2006 at which time we may have to evacuate. He then briefed the Brethren on the status of Masonic Hall, Ltd.
BALLOTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITION: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 February 2001 and Grand Masters EDICT SIXTEEN.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Heath brought up the proposed Resolutions to change the Constitution submitted by this Lodge. After individual review and discussion, the Pillar attending the Grand Lodge Communication on 16 March 2001 was instructed to cast an approval vote for each resolution.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Heath brought up the subject of our 25/50 members, noting that while we presently present each Brother with a letter and lapel pin, it seems appropriate to do something additional. After discussion, WB Hodges moved and WB Herrera seconded a motion that the lodge honor its 25 & 50 year members with a lapel pin/letter and a check for $50.00 for those living outside of Japan or unable to attend lodge even though living here in Japan, or a free dinner (with guest) (paid for by the lodge) for those living in Japan and able to attend. MOTION CARRIED.
VWB Katagiri suggested that we consider finding a suitable momento to present to these Brethren as well. Several possibilities were mentioned however no final decision was made as more time and study is needed. This matter to be taken up under UNFINISHED BUSINESS at a future Stated Meeting.
MWB Heath then proposed that we change our By-Laws to require that the Stated Meeting of March of each year is to be held on the First Saturday of the Month vice the Second Saturday. This would reduce or eliminate any conflict with the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. MWB Watanabe suggested we consider having our Stated Meetings on the First Saturday of every month vice the Second Saturday. After WB Hodges indicated that other changes to the By-Laws might be advisable, MWB Heath instructed WB Hodges to prepare the necessary paperwork to update and change/amend the lodge By-Laws as necessary and if possible to have everything ready for discussion and vote at our April meeting.
Edict Sixteen was then discussed at great length as were several other matters pertaining to the upcoming Grand Lodge Annual Communication.
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of MM’s, we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing and at the request of MWB Heath, MWB Watanabe, Grand Master, closed the lodge in short form at 1633 hours with WB Herrera, PM, SW in the West, and VWB Katagiri, SGL, JW in the South.
There were 8 members and 1 visitor present.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary