The 543rd 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 March 2007.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 13:20 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM in the East, WB Buda, PM, SW in the West, and MWB Katagiri, PGM, acting JW in the South.
Then WM recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tyler’s register of this date.
And then he announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of March 2007, 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 of Monthly Meeting held on 3rd February and they were APPROVED AS READ.
The Treasurer gave the report for the month of February and 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:
RECEPTION OF PETITIONS: The secretary read a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry from Mr. Tsuyoshi TANIUCHI of Kawadaya Printing Co., Tokyo.
BALLOTTING: WM of the Lodge reported that the Committee of Investigation had submitted a favorable report on the petition of Mr. Hiroshi Komura. He then elected to receive the degree of masonry in this lodge by ballot of the members present.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary announced that the G/L Bulletins and Minutes of the GLECM of 20 February had been tacked on Bulletin Board in the conference room.
CHARITY: The amount of ¥4,805+$3.85 was collected from brethren present.
ANNUAL COMMUNICATION: The Secretary announced that on this coming 16 and 17 March will be held the Communication in the Tokyo Masonic Center and reminded those Pillars attending to bring their Aprons with them. The first day session will open at GL at 08:45 hours.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION: The Secretary introduced the proposed resolution to amend Art. 141d and 147 of the Constitution of the GLoJ concerning expulsions. The matter was discussed by brethren present.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
50 Year Pin: Bro. Secretary reported that Bro Mavronicles 50 Year Anniversary was supposed to be held on this coming March 27, 2007 but unfortunately his current mailing address was lost and he had been unable to deliver his pin.
Dress Cord: the Worshipful Master reminded the brethren present that on a special event like Installation of Lodge Officers, Ceremonies or Official Visitation of GM, all members are required to wear dark business suits with ties or more formal wear depending on the individual’s preference.
NEW BUSINESS:
FIRST DEGREE CONFERRAL upon Mr. Tatara and Mr. Tei was started by lowering the Lodge to the 1st degree at 14:20 hours and Bro Honda, EA, was invited into the Lodge room. At 14:35, by three distinct knocks on the door the brethren above-mentioned were admitted into the Lodge and Obligated EAs by WB Masaki. The Working Tool Lecture was given by Bro Wachi in Japanese.
At 15:00 hours, the Lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating our newly obligated brethren and a short break before the start of the Degree Lecture.
At 15:10, the Lodge resumed labor and the Lecture was given by MWB Katagiri in Japanese. The Charge was given by MWB Watanabe and then WB Masaki, Master of the Lodge, gave necessary instructions to the newly installed EAs.
Bro. Secretary then announced that Bro. Honda, EA, was ready to have his proficiency test in the EA degree. The WM asked Bro. Honda to place himself west of the Altar where he was examined by MWB Watanabe. His responses were more than perfect and WM declared that he was proficient in the First Degree.
At this time, WB Zamora of Yokosuka #20 offered his thanks for being permitted to participate in the FE#1 meeting and extended us fraternal greetings from Yokosuka #20.
CLOSING:
At around 16:35 hours, the WM resumed the Lodge to the 3rd degree and announced that he would proceed to close in short form. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed at 16:30 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM in the East, WB Buda, PM, SW in the West, and WB Donald Zamora, acting JW in the South.
The Secretary reported that regrets had received from Bros Tsourougiannis, Inomata, Sagara and Herrera.
There were 13 member of this lodge present including 3 EAs and a Visitor. 3 petitioners had joined us during harmony hours.
APPROVED:
TAKUMI MASAKI, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PGM
Secretary