The 531st 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 February 2006.
A Lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 13:20 hours with WB Herrera, PM, WM in the East; WB Masaki, PM, SW in the West; and WB Buda, PM, JW in the South.
The WM then recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tyler’s register of this date.
He then announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of February 2006, 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 gave the report for the month of January and after which he moved and it was seconded that the report 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:
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The Secretary read a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry from Mr. Takashi Tsujii of Nissan Motor Inc., Yokohama.
BALLOTTING: The proposed amendment for Lodge By-Laws which was introduced at the last Stated Meeting held on 7th January was explained again to the Brethren present by the Secretary and voted upon. Proposed amendment was approved by unanimous vote and the Worshipful Master, WB Herrera, ordered the Secretary to prepare the necessary papers to be forwarded to Grand Lodge.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary announced the G/L Bulletins of 20 January and Minutes of GLECM had been tacked on the Bulletin Board in the conference room. The Secretary introduced to Brethren some papers from Grand Lodge such as “Attendees for Annual Communication”, “TMA Board of Trustees” and “Proposed Resolution”. The Secretary made a photo-copy of the last item and circulated it to members in the room and asked them to study its contents. He said that we will decide the Lodge's opinion by submitting member’s comments at the February Meeting.
Also introduced by the Secretary were two congratulatory letters to Bro. Jeneye and Bro. Yoder for their 50 years anniversary with Pins and checks enclosed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Bro. Sagara who had not been present at the January meeting was installed to JS by MWB Katagiri, PGM, as Installing Officer and MWB Watanabe, IM.
WB Masaki showed us a sketch of the Staircase Canvas for 2nd Degree use and explained it. He then reported that the final estimate for it is ¥53,550 including tax. We agreed to proceed with the project.
NEW BUSINESS: 2nd Degree Proficiency Test: At 14:20 hours, the lodge was lowered to the Second Degree for the purpose of a proficiency test upon Bro Larry E. Jackson. The Junior Deacon invited him into the Lodge, and he was placed West of Altar and examined by MWB Watanabe. WB Herrera, Worshipful Master of this Lodge, declared him proficient in the Second Degree.
INITIATION : At around 14:50 hours, the lodge was lowered to the First Degree for conducting the Initiation ceremony upon Mr. Dimitrios Tsuruyiannis. At this point, Bro Sneathern, EA was conducted into the lodge.
By three distinct knocks on the door at 15:15, Mr. Tsuruyiannis was admitted into the Lodge and obligated an EAM by WB Herrera, Master of the Lodge, with WB Masaki, SW in the West and WB Buda, JW in the South. MWB Watanabe gave the Apron Lecture, Bro. Sagara the Working Tool Lecture, WB Buda gave the Degree Lecture and delivered the Charge in English.
After calling the lodge free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro. Tsuruyiannis, the latter was then conducted from the lodge. Also, Bros Larry Jackson and Martin Sneathern were asked to retire from the lodge. At the sound of the gavel in the East, the lodge was resumed to the Third Degree at 16:30.
The WM announced that there being no further business to come before this Lodge of MMs we would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed at 16:45 hours with WB Herrera, PM, WM in the East, WB Masaki, PM, SW in the West, and WB Buda, PM, JW in the South.
There were 12 brethren including 1 FC and 2 EAs (We received regrets from Bro. Akimoto). Also we had visitors, Bro. McKenzie from Lodge #223 S.C., Bro. Dimitrios Aliagas of Sinim Lodge and WB Kanemitsu of Aomori #10.
APPROVED:
R. C. HERRERA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PGM
Secretary