The 520th 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 4th day of September 2004.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 1415 hours with WB Herrera, PM, WM in the East, WB Masaki, PM, SW in the West, and Bro Mendoza, JW, in the South.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was raised for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bros. Eugene Clarence LONG, Arthur Bettencourt OLIVER, Herbert David SEGER, Jr., and Robert Granville BRYANT on 12/08/03, 08/29/03, 01/06/95 and February 2004 respectively. After tolling of the chimes the WM ordered the Charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brethren.
The WM then recognized the Distinguished Brethren, including Bro Edward L. Lawson, Jr., visiting from the US and first time visitor as listed in the Tyler’s register of this date and announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of September 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: Alms in the amount of ¥4,270 were collected.
COACHING: WB Hodges reported that Bro Jackson was unexpectedly sent TAD to Singapore on Friday, 3 September 2004 and while it was expected that Bro Jackson would be prepared to give his proficiency today, WB Hodges could not vouch that Bro Jackson is in fact proficient as he had had no opportunity to work with Bro Jackson for quite some time.
INVESTMENT: WB Hodges reported on the situation of our investment with Eagle Star. After discussion, it was decided to request WB Sugai to contact his lawyer friend for assistance to provide Eagle Star with the documentation now required. WB Herrera advised that he would touch base with WB Sugai to ask him to proceed.
BALLOTTING: None
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 20 June and 24 July 2004, with two supplements. He noted that the G/L Bulletin of 20 August 2004, having been in the hands of the Brethren a sufficient period of time was taken as read.
After the lodge was raised, the Secretary read Grand Master’s Edict 2004-1 and Grand Master’s letter of 5 June 2004 concerning the formation of a Chapter of the National Sojourners. After the lodge was seated, the Secretary read a letter from Grand Secretary regarding the timing for submission of proposed changes to the constitution which notes that the deadline is now by 15 December of each year in order for action to be taken at the subsequent Grand Lodge Communication.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: WB Hodges reported that he prepared and mailed the Life Membership Dues Cards and Dues Notices, including 4 letters of warning to Brethren who have not paid their 2003 and 2004 dues. He also noted that the cost of this mailing for the overseas members was US$45.30 but that the next mailing will cost about ¥13,150 or approximately US$123.00 at current exchange rates, as international mail must be used unless a Brother with US Military postal privileges volunteers to do the mailing. WB Herrera stated that he would provide that assistance and will work with the Secretary on this matter.
NEW BUSINESS: WB Hodges reported that unless there was an objection, he intends dropping the following named Brother for non-progression: Bros Francisco Everstain MARIGUNDON, Jr, Roderick Filio SANTOS and Keiji YOKOZAWA who were initiated 10/09/99, 11/13/99 and 07/09/02 respectively. Hearing no objections, WB Herrera so ordered.
After WB Herrera reported that this will be the last meeting for WB Hodges, MWB Watanabe, volunteered to be the Acting Secretary until the elections in December. MWB Watanabe was given a round of applause for his unselfish act.
Tributes to WB Hodges were then given by WB Herrera, WB Masaki, Bro Mendoza and Bro Johnson. Bro Ed Lawson, visiting from the States and a member of this lodge 7 June 1967, requested and was granted permission to give the “Canadian Charge”, with WB Hodges acting as the candidate. After completing the charge he recited the poem written by Bro Rudyard Kipling many years ago titled “My Mother Lodge”. Bro Lawson was given a warm round of applause by the Brethren for his magnificent presentation of these two poems.
Bro. Kubota, WSM, Lodge Star in the East No. 640 brought fraternal greetings from the RWM, OB’s and Brethren of Lodge Star in the East No. 640 and noted that next Saturday, 11 September 2004, his lodge would be celebrating it’s 125th Anniversary and invited the Brethren who can to attend the meeting and join in the banquet to follow at the YC&AC.
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 1615 hous with WB Herrera, PM, WM in the East, WB Masaki, PM, SW in the West, and Bro Mendoza, JW in the South
There were 9 members and 1 guest present.
APPROVED:
R. C. HERRERA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
THOMAS H. HODGES, PM
Secretary