The 500th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M. was held at the temporary meeting place at #25 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan, on the 7th day of September 2002.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1408 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 welcomed the Brethren and at the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised for a moment of prayer in remembrance of Brothers Robert Frederick Bowers, James Clarence Hoke, and Robert Schreibstein, who passed to the celestial lodge on 22 February 2001, 22 October 1998, and 8 August 2002 respectively. After prayer, the WM ordered the charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brethren.
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 September 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 then given by MWB Watanabe, PGM, after which he moved and WB Hodges, PM 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, PM, the MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees: All committee reports were negative with the exception of the following:
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Heath announced that MWB Hayao Onishi, PGM, Grand Lodge Inspector and a 25 year life member of this lodge was recently admitted to a hospital at which time it was determined that MWB Onishi was suffering from terminal stomach cancer. WB Hodges moved and WB Herrera seconded a motion that the lodge purchase flowers, NTE ¥10,000 and a get well card to give to MWB Onishi. MOTION CARRIED.
MASONIC EDUCATION/LODGE HISTORY: WB Hodges read the names of the American Grand Lodges that permit their Daughter Lodges to conduct business in other than the Third Degree. There were 16 Grand Lodges as of 31 December 2000. WB Hodges added that he intended to resubmit a resolution to change the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Japan to permit business in the First Degree and would point out this information as further rational justifying the desirability of the proposed resolution.
MWB Heath then gave a status report of MWB Ditto and announced that if all goes well, MWB Ditto will be returning to Japan as soon as possible.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 20 June, July and August 2002.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Heath requested WB Hodges the status of our internet server. WB Hodges responded that we are continuing to use GOL but that we changed from the annual plan to the monthly plan until such time as we move to the new temple. At that time, it is planned to have ADSL installed at a cost of approximately ¥3,300 per month for the two lodges (approximately ¥1,150 per lodge per month). The advantage of ADSL being that internet access is unlimited and that the telephone line can be used as a telephone concurrently with internet access. It is expected over a period of time that some savings will be realized in the cost of telephone service.
MWB Heath then announced that he had reviewed the menu of Bro Sami’s restaurant and found that the prices are quite reasonable. He suggested that the Brethren consider having refreshment either before or after our next meeting at Bro Sami’s restaurant.
MWB Heath then opened discussion on the proposed joint Table Lodge with Lodge Star in the East No. 640. During discussions, it was suggested that the lodges consider having the Table Lodge on a Saturday afternoon in mid-October and have Brother Sami cater the dinner. WB Hodges to work with MWB Heath to set a preliminary date and time. All in country Brethren of both lodges to be polled to determine the number that will attend and details finalized prior to our October meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Heath reminded the Brethren that election of officers will take place during our stated meeting in December. He announced that MWB Ditto will be the installing officer and that the installation will be held on the 1st of February 2003. The name of the Installing Marshal will be announced later.
The WM then announced that there being no further business to come before this lodge of MMs, we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed in short form at 1615 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 8 members present
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary