The 505th 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 1st day of February 2003.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with MWB Heath, PGM, WM, in the East, WB Herrera, PM, SW in the West, and WB Sugai, PM, JW, in the South.
The WM 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 2003, 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 then gave his report for the month of January 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:
REFRESHMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT: After WB Hodges reported that the banquet had been cancelled due to the few who indicated they could attend, MWB Heath invited those whishing to to join him after lodge for refreshment at the Seamen’s club. Five members and 1 visitor attended the refreshment.
FRIENDLY TIPS: MWB Heath reported that the Master’s Report for 2002 was finished and had been forwarded to the lodge by email. WB Hodges advised that he would send it to all the members, either by email or snail mail, before he goes to the US.
COACHING: MWB Watanabe and WB Hodges reported on Bro Yokozawa’s situation after which MWB Heath announced that if Bro Yokozawa is ready to give his proficiency next month, we will confer the Second Degree on him and requested that WB Herrera be prepared to give the Working Tools; MWB Watanabe to give the obligation in Japanese; and RWB Katagiri to conduct the candidate. All responded they would be prepared to do the work assigned.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletin of 20 January 2003 and two items of correspondence from Bros. William A. Forest and Robert O. Perry. He mentioned that we have a copy of a letter from the Tokyo Masonic Association announcing the names of the TMA officers for 2003.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Heath and WB Hodges explained the new voting rules for Grand Lodge Communications and MWB Heath advised that we would review and vote on the individual resolutions that will be considered at the next Communication.
NEW BUSINESS: After ascertaining there was no further business from the West, South and floor of the lodge, MWB Heath announced that the installation of officers for Masonic year 2003 would take place this afternoon and instructed the Secretary to read the names of the elected and appointed officers at the conclusion of which MWB Heath declared all positions vacant and called the lodge off to permit MWB Ditto, PGM, Installing Officer and MWB Watanabe, PGM, Installing Marshal, to install the following named Brethren in the position indicated in public form:
At the conclusion of the installation, MWB Heath addressed the lodge with appropriate remarks and thanked the Brethren for their continued support and assistance.
Fraternal greetings were received from Lodge Star in the East No. 640, S.C. MWB Heath announced that he intends to make an official visit to Lodge Star in the East this year and once he decides on the appropriate date, he would let the Officers know so those that are able to, can attend with him.
WB Hodges then presented MWB Heath with a PM Jewel from this lodge, noting that because MWB Heath is a PGM and therefore entitled to wear the PGM jewel, the Brethren of the lodge wanted him to have a jewel from this lodge as he has served as Master of this lodge 4 times and has just been installed for his 5th time. MWB Heath responded with appropriate remarks.
As there was nothing further to come before the lodge, MWB Heath requested MWB Ditto to close the lodge in short form. MWB Ditto closed the lodge at 1650 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 12 members and one non-Masonic visitor present.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary