The 499th 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 1st day of June 2002.
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 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 then requested the WM of Yokosuka Lodge #20 to introduce the visiting members of Yokosuka Lodge #20. After the introductions, MWB Heath thanked the Brethren of Yokosuka Lodge #20 for taking the time and trouble to attend our last meeting in this lodge room. The Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1 seconded those thanks with a warm round of applause for the Brethren of Yokosuka #20, of which there were 10 visitors. MWB Heath then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of June 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 then read the bills for the period and moved they be paid. After being seconded by WB Herrera, the MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees: All committee reports were negative with the exception of the following:
CHARITY: WB Hodges requested the Brethren to consider starting the tradition of collecting Alms at our meetings as he believes this would be a good way of building up funds in our Benevolent Fund. He made no motions but merely requested the Brethren to think about it for future discussion.
COACHING: MWB Watanabe reported that Bro Yokozawa is still not ready for his proficiency as he has a new job and is having to travel quite a lot. It is hoped that he will have more time for himself after the summer recess. HOUSE: WB Hodges reported that a suitable temporary meeting place has been located as well as suitable office space and even sufficient space to store all other furnishings until the new temple is completed. Full details of location and other pertinent matters will be provided to all members well before our September meeting.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: After the Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 May 2002, MWB Heath raised the lodge while the Secretary read GRAND LODGE EDICT 2002-1 and 2002-2. Certain discrepancies were noted in both edicts and the Secretary was instructed to bring them to the attention of the Grand Secretary.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges informed the Brethren that our contract with GOL for internet access service was due to expire at the end of June but that before renewing, he requested the Brethren to consider if any change in the service was needed. This generated considerable discussion at the conclusion of which WB Hodges moved and WB Herrera seconded a motion that we renew our existing contract with GOL for another year at a cost of ¥22,00, plus cost of bank transfer fee, providing another suitable server is not found at a lesser cost. MOTION CARRIED.
NEW BUSINESS: As a result of finding out that the temporary meeting place will be at building housing a restaurant owned by a Brother, MWB Heath suggested that we continue having Harmony for the lodge but that we consider changing it from before the meeting to after the meeting and that we patronize the restaurant owned by the Masonic Brother as we will be unable to continue the practice of preparing our own refreshments until we move to the new temple. The suggestion met with a favorable response from the Brethren.
MWB Heath also suggested that we consider having the joint Table Lodge with Star in the East No. 640 at a mutually agreeable date and time and ask the Brother who owns the restaurant to cater the affair. Again, the Brethren responded in favorable manner. MWB Heath then announced that to preclude interfering with the operation of the Brethren owning the restaurant, we will start our meetings for September and October at 1300 hours vice 1400 hours. The Secretary was instructed to seek the necessary Special Dispensation to change the location and time of our September and October meeting.
Bro Luis Mendoza brought greetings from the MWGL of Mexico which he attended during his recent visit to Mexico.
MWB Chester L. Ditto, PGM, and honorary member of this lodge, then made several remarks expressing his gratitude for being able to attend lodge more frequently now that he has laid down the working tools of the Grand Secretary’s office. He also expressed his pleasure at the manner which this lodge conducts it’s business and the motivation of the Brethren attending.
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, this lodge was closed in short form at 1609 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, WM in the East, WB Herrera, PM, SW in the West, and WB Sugai, PM, JW in the South. There were 21 Brethren present, of which 10 were visitors.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary