The 490th 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 8th day of September 2001.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1410 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, WM, in the East, WB Herrera, PM, SW, in the West, and WB Masaki, PM, Acting JW in the South.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bros Charles Robert Burnaugh and Neil Ryan who passed to the Celestial Lodge on 06/15/01 and 12/11/83 respectively. After the tolling of the chimes, MWB Heath ordered the charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brethren.
MWB Heath then recognized the other 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 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 was given by MWB Watanabe, PGM, after which he moved and WB Herrera, PM, seconded a motion that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as read subject to the usual audit. MOTION CARRIED.
The Secretary read the bills for the period and moved that they be paid. MWB Watanabe seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees:
All committee reports were negative.
BALLOTING: After announcing that the Committee of Enquiry had made a full and favorable report, Bro. Janusz Buda was elected a Dual Member of this lodge. Bro Buda was then escorted into the lodge and obligated a Dual Member by MWB Heath, with WB Herrera in the West and WB Masaki in the South. The lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro Buda.
RECEPTION OF PETITION: None
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 20 July and 20 August 2001 and advised the Brethren that he was in receipt of the implementing instructions for the Grand Lodge Perpetual Life Membership Fund and advised the Brethren that copies would be provided if desired. He also reminded the Brethren that this lodge will not participate in this Grand Lodge program.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Heath provided a status report of the proposed changes to the Lodge By-Laws and advised that a number of items may not meet the criteria for approval. However, pending receipt of formal correspondence from Grand Lodge, exact details are not available. He advised that the October Stated Meeting would be held on the second Saturday, regardless of whether action on our By-Laws change has been finalized by Grand Lodge. After WB Herrera gave his report on the preperations for the dinner for MWB Watanabe, MWB Heath announced that immediately after our October Stated Meeting, to be held on the 13th, we will adjour to the Negish Club for refreshment and dinner. Cost will be $30.00 or ¥3,000 per person and family and friends are most cordially invited. He instructed the Secretary to notify all concerned. Discussion was then had on the desirability/feasibility of meeting on the same day of the month as Lodge Star in the East No. 640, S.C. The idea being for Far East Lodge No. 1 to meet first and Star in the East after with a period of time between the two meetings to permit joint refreshment. MWB Heath ask each Brother to jot down the Pros and Cons of the proposal and the matter will be further discussed at our October meeting. He also suggested that the proposed Joint Table Lodge with 640 be put on the back burner while the proposed joint meeting day of the two lodges is discussed. He requested WB Hodges to extend an invitation to the Brethren of 640 to attend the dinner for MWB Watanabe.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges announced that the Installation of Officers of Lodge Star in the East No. 640 will be held on 03 December 2001 and that the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland will visit that lodge on 19 February 2002. Additional information will be provided by formal correspondence from the Secretary of 640.
After requesting Bro Macomb to place himself west of the altar, MWB Heath presented him with his Life Membership Certrificate and thanked him for becoming a life member of the lodge. Bro Macomb responded with appropriate remarks.
There being no further business to come before this lodge of MMs, MWB Heath, PGM, WM, closed the lodge in due and ancient form at 15:50 hours with WB Herrera, PM, SW, in the West and WB Masaki, PM, Acting JW, in the South. There were 9 members present.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary