The 521st 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 2nd day of October 2004.
A lodge of MM's was opened in due and ancient form at 1420 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 Bro. Wilber Harding Arnberg who had passed away on 8 June 2004. After the 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 as listed in the Tyler’s register of this date, and introduced first time visitor from Mexico City, Bro. Filipe Martinez of Ana’havac Lodge #77. He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of October 2004, the first order of business would be the reading of the minutes of our last Stated Meeting and all subsequent Special Meetings. The Acting 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 Acting 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 ¥3,200 were collected.
COACHING: WB Herrera reported that it looks as if Bro Jackson's working schedule has been changed and he could not get in touch with him. He said that he would keep trying to contact him.
INVESTMENT: WB Herrera reported that he could not contact WB Sugai yet. Now that he had his email address and telephone number, the Worshipful Master advised that he would touch base with WB Sugai to ask him to proceed with his lawyer friend in connection with the Eagle Star business.
BALLOTTING: None
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Acting Secretary read the G/L Bulletins of 22 September. Also he showed the Minutes of the September Executive Committee to the brethren and invited those who were interested, to please approach the Secretary's desk and read them.
The Secretary introduced the very first issue of the MASONIC FOUNDATION OF JAPAN NEWSLETTER and briefly commented on the activity of the said foundation.
He introduced a letter from TMA asking recommendation of two candidates for Trustee and Supervisor respectively. Since the nomination’s deadline is November 30 we will discuss this matter at our next stated meeting on 6 November.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: MWB Watanabe, Acting Secretary, noted that only one month has passed since he took over the Secretary's position and he was still struggling with pile of files WB Hodges left. He promised to do the job the best he could but also requested the Brethren’s support.
NEW BUSINESS: Article 2 of By-Laws was read by Worshipful Master. Bro. Filipe Martinez, brought fraternal greetings on behalf of the brethren of Ana’havoc Lodge #77, Mexico City and presented a beautiful calendar which is an ancient Mexican pattern embossed on the leather.
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 1600 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 7 members and 2 guests present.
APPROVED:
R. C. HERRERA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE PGM
Acting Secretary