The 508th Stated Meeting of Far East Lodge No. 1, F. &A.M. was held at the Masonic Temple located at 77-12 Honmoku Midorigaoka, Naka-ku, Yokohama on the 3rd day of May 2003.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1413 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 May 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 April 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:
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Heath reported that MWB Ditto suffered a stroke last Saturday 26 April 2003 and that he is being treated in a Japanese hospital in Yokosuka. So far, his recovery appears to be satisfactory, however, he has lost use of some of his faculties, at least temporarily. How much permanent damage has been done is not yet clear. MWB Heath currently is and will continue to visit MWB Ditto as long as he is in a hospital in Japan and will keep the Brethren advised of Bro Chet’s progress as appropriate. Bro Chet can have visitors and any Brother wishing to visit him should contact MWB Heath who will know the best day and time to visit and will be happy to pick up and return visitors to the closes train station.
COACHING: MWB Heath reported that Bro Yokozawa has indicated that he will be tied up with work probably every weekend the rest of this year and that he has requested the Brethren to forgive his inability to progress. WB Sugai indicated that he has been in contact with Bro Yokozawa and will continue to stay in touch with him. WB Sugai also contacted Bro Ogui, an EA who was dropped for non-progression in 1999 and will start working with him to help him with his proficiency.
BALLOTTING: None.
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the GL Bulletins for 20 April 2003 and the GS’s letter concerning the planned Lodge of Sorrow to be conducted on 28 June 2003 and also soliciting donations to help defray the cost of flowers.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS: It was moved and seconded that the lodge donate ¥15,000 to help defray the cost of flowers for the Lodge of Sorrow to be conducted by Grand Lodge. After being seconded the MOTION CARRIED.
MWB Heath then requested Bro Buda for a situation report on the planned construction very nearby. Bro Buda reported that the local neighborhood association is strongly opposed to the planned construction and that there was to be another meeting of the Association starting at 1600 hours today. Bro Buda said he would attend and provide an update at our June meeting.
MWB Heath announced that our next stated meeting would be on 7 June 2003 and reminded the Brethren that the lodge will be dark during July and August, therefore, we should think hard and address any items at our June Stated Meeting.
Apologies were received from RWB Katagiri.
After confirming that there was no further business to come before this lodge, MWB Heath proceeded to close the lodge in due and ancient form at 1510 hours with WB Herrera, PM, SW, in the West and WB Sugai, PM, JW, in the South. There were 7 members present.
APPROVED:
WILLIAM M. HEATH, PGM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary