The 495th Stated Meeting of Par East Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M. was held at the Masonic Temple, No. 250 Vamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan, on the 9th day of February 2002.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1406 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, WM, in the East, WB Herrera, PM, SW, in the West, and WB Sugai, PM, JW in the South.
MWB Heath then recognized the Distinguished Brethren present as listed in the Tyler's register of this date. He announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of February 2002, 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 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. WB Herrera seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees. With the exception of the following, all committee reports were negative:
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: WB Hodges reported that the installation banquet did not cost the lodge anything. All costs were covered by those attending with the help of the donation made by MWB Inae, GM. Additional discussion was had on the problem of the monthly refreshment but no significant decision was reached.
AUDIT: MWB Heath appointed WB Herrera and WB Sugai to audit the Treasurer/Secretary books for the year 2001.
HOUSE: WB Hodges and Bro Buda gave an updated status report on the new temple.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the Grand Lodge Bulletin of 20 January 2002 and a letter from GL concerning reimbursement procedures for attendees to the GL Communication in March.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Sugai reported that the delegation from the Grand Lodge of China will arrive on 14 March and will be made up of approximately 8 people. WB Hodges moved and RWB Katagiri seconded a motion that the lodge pay the cost of a dinner for our guests not to exceed a total of ¥50,000. MOTION CARRIED.
MWB Heath asked WB Hodges to make tentative arrangements with the United Seamens Club for a small dinner party, probably not exceeding 16 people, at a cost not to exceed ¥2500/3000 per individual, including tax but excluding any alcoholic beverages, which will be available on a "pay as you go basis".
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges reported that the Master's Annual Report and the Annual Financial Statement are ready for distribution and indicated that it will be done next week. MWB Watanabe asked if we are going to change our meeting day from the 2nd Saturday of each month to the 1st. After reviewing the situation, MWB Heath announced that we will start meeting on the 1st Saturday of the month beginning in the month of April.
At the sound of the gavel, the lodge was lowered to the 1st degree for the purpose of initiating Mr. Keiji YOKOZAWA, who was obligated as an Entered Apprentice Mason by MWB Heath, WM, with WB Herrera, SW, in the West and WB Sugai, JW, in the South. The Candidate was conducted by RWB Katagiri, JGW, who also gave the First Degree Lecture. WB Sugai gave the Apron Lecture; WB Herrera the Working Tools; and MWB Watanabe delivered the Charge.
Upon conclusion of the degree work, Bro. Ronald Ng presented the lodge with a plaque from his Mother Lodge in Singapore, which is The Lodge of St. George No. 1152 E.C. The lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating our newly obligated Brother. After Bro. Yokozawa retired from lodge, it was returned to the Third Degree.
After determining that there was no further business from the West, South, Secretary or the floor of the lodge, MWB Heath closed the lodge in short form at 1712 hours, with WB Herrera, SW, in the West and WB Sugai, JW, in the South.
There were 11 members, 1 visitor and the candidate present at the meeting.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary