The 516th 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 6th day of March 2004.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1412 hours with WB Herrera, PM, WM, in the East, WB Masaki, PM, SW, in the West, and Bro Mendoza, JW, in the South.
The WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren and first time visitor present as listed in the Tyler’s register of this date and announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of February 2004, 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 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 after which he moved and it was seconded that the bills be paid. MOTION CARRIED.
Next was the report of the several committees: All committee reports were negative with the exception of the following:
CHARITY: WB Herrera reported that there have been no calls for charity. Alms in the amount of ¥5,200 were collected.
SICK AND VISITATION: WB Hodges reported on the current status of MWB Ditto.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro Jackson hopes to give his proficiency at our April meeting. WB Herrera reminded the Brethren that this gives them the opportunity to better prepare for the Second Degree that will be conferred on Bro Jackson whenever he gives his proficiency. He asked the Secretary to resend the Work Assignment Sheet to ensure those that are scheduled to perform work will be clear on their assignment.
BALLOTTING: None
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None. However WB Hodges reported that we may have a petition to read at our April meeting as he recently gave a petition to a young man who works at Negishi. Bro Mendoza reported that he is also waiting to receive a petition from his friend who has attended the Installation of Officers and the Banquet. At the moment, it is a question of finances.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletin of 20 February 2004.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges reported that he has not yet requested G/L to withdraw Resolution 2004-2 but will do so prior to the Annual Communication.
NEW BUSINESS: Discussions were had on the possibility of inviting the Orphans sponsored by the Yokohama International Women’s Club to the Annual Grand Lodge Children’s Festival scheduled for 23 May 2004. It was decided that before extending a formal invitation, MWB Watanabe would liaison with the Chairman of the Festival Committee and determine if Grand Lodge could handle an additional 110 people (approximately). Providing Grand Lodge is receptive to our inviting these children, WB Hodges will liaison with the Chair Lady of the Women’s Club. Further information will be provided at our April meeting.
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 due and ancient form at 1509 hours with WB Herrera, PM, WM, in the East, WB Masaki, PM, SW, in the West, and Bro Mendoza, JW, in the South.
There were 8 Members and 1 visitor present.
APPROVED:
R. C. HERRERA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary