The 503rd Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F.&A.M. was held at the new Masonic Temple located at 77-12 Honmoku Midorigaoka, Naka-ku, Yokohama on the 14th day of December 2002.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, WM, in the East, RWB Katagiri, SGW, Acting SW in the West, and WB Masaki, PM, Marshal, Acting JW, in the South.
MWB Heath 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 December 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 gave his report for the month of November after which he moved and it was seconded that the 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, 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 reported that he spent a total of $163.00 for food and sodas for the Orphan’s Christmas annual party sponsored by the Yokohama International Women’s Club. This was $63.00 over budget but provided food and soft drinks for about 120 orphans and 30/40 adult guests.
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Heath reported that MWB Pogue, PGM, is in hospital on Okinawa with stomach cancer and poor prognosis. He then asked RWB Katagiri the status of his wife. RWB Katagiri was happy to report that his wife’s condition seems to be improving, although somewhat slowly.
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: MWB Heath extended a warm thank you to Christina Herrera, wife of Bro Herrera, for her assistance of delivering the pizzas to the Orphan’s Christmas party.
COACHING: MWB Heath reported that Bro. Yokozawa, who was at harmony this afternoon, is back and is hoping to give his proficiency at our January meeting. He then instructed the Secretary to request a Dispensation to change the date of our January meeting from the 4th to the 11th to avoid conflict with the year-end holidays.
HOUSE: MWB Heath then asked for comments on the Lease Contract with Masonic Hall, Ltd., copies having been previously provided those in attendance. Hearing no objections, MWB Heath indicated that he would recommend the new WM Elect sign the agreement.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: After the lodge was raised, the Secretary read a letter from the Grand Master appointing WB Tomas J. Polintan, PM, as the Grand Lodge Inspector for this lodge. After the lodge was seated, the Secretary read a letter from the Grand Secretary which advised that WB Tomas J. Politan, PM, was appointed as Grand Historian, replacing WB Christopher J. Earnshaw; a notice from TMA reconfirming that overnight sleeping at the Masonic Center Building is prohibited; portions of a flyer announcing a Christmas Concert at the Tokyo Masonic Center on 15 December and the G/L Bulletin of 20 November 2002.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Heath read Article II, Sections 1 & 2 of the lodge By-Laws and Articles 100, 100a and 100b of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. After requesting RWB Katagiri place himself West of the alter, MWB Heath read a letter of appreciation from the Master of Square and Compass Lodge No. 3 for all the assistance RWB Katagiri has provided that lodge over the past year. The Brethren responded with a warm round of applause.
NEW BUSINESS: MWB Heath requested the Secretary to read the names of those Brethren who must be suspended for non-payment of dues. WB Hodges was happy to report that no member of this lodge will have to be suspended for non-payment of dues to this lodge but regretfully reported that WB Kazuhiko Otani, PM, will be suspended as of today for non-payment of dues to Tokyo Yuai Lodge No. 11, as reported in the Grand Lodge Bulletin of 20 November 2002. He advised that he had written WB Otani a letter asking if the lodge could assist him in this matter but has received no reply.
WB Hodges, noting that there had been no objections to the proposed lease with Masonic Hall, Ltd, moved and MWB Watanabe seconded that the sum of ¥40,000 per month for the months of November and December 2002 and January 2003, be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
MWB Heath then announced that the Annual Election of Officers would be held. RWB Katagiri announced that he was not available for any elected or appointed office for the ensuing year. MWB Heath announced that written permission from WB Herrera and WB Sugai had been received wherein they stated they will accept any position, elected or appointed, except that of Worshipful Master.
The Brethren then elected the following named Brethren to the positions indicated:
After a short break, MWB Heath announced the following appointments to the positions indicated:
MWB Heath further announced that the Installation will be held on 1 February 2003 and that MWB Ditto, PGM would be the Installing Officer and MWB Watanabe, PGM, the Installing Marshal; the banquet will be held at the USS International Seamen’s Center and he requested WB Hodges to make the arrangements with the club.
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 1618 hours, with MWB Heath, PGM, WM in the East, RWB Katagiri, SGW, acting SW in the West, and WB Masaki, PM, Marshal, acting JW in the South. There were 7 members present
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary