The 549th 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 October 2007.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 13:15 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM in the East, WB Herrera, PM, acting SW in the West, and MWB Watanabe, PGM, acting JW in the South.
Then WB Masaki recognized the Distinguished Brethren as listed in the Tyler’s register of this date.
He announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of October 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 our Monthly Meeting held on 1st September and they were APPROVED AS READ.
The Secretary gave the Treasurer's report for the month of July as requested by MWB Katagiri in his absence, 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: None.
BALLOTTING: The WM of the Lodge reported that the Committee of Investigation had submitted a favorable report on the petition of Mr. Tomio Ogawa. He was then elected to receive the Degrees 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 had been tacked on the Bulletin Board in the Conference Room. He then introduced a letter from the TMA requesting nominations for Trustees, Supervisors and Counselors. Since the due date is the end of November, we will discuss this matter at our November meeting and decide on nominees.
CHARITY: Amount of ¥6,300+$5.00 was collected from the Brethren present.
CONFERRAL SCHEDULE: The Secretary announced that in November we will confer the MM degree upon Bros Tatara and Taniuchi if they passed their FC proficiency exam. In December, the EA degree will be conferred upon Mr. Ogawa. And on this coming Saturday, 27 October, we will hold a Lodge of Instruction.
SICK AND VISITATION: The Secretary reported that MWB Katagiri had trouble with his knee and a little difficulty walking. MWB Katagiri had telephoned him that his doctor said it would be OK in about one month or so.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
READING BY-LAWS: Article II, Section 2 of the By-Laws was read by the Secretary.
EA LODGE OPENED: At 14:25 hours, the lodge was lowered to the First Degree for the purpose of a proficiency test upon Bro Suzuki, EA and he was examined by MWB Watanabe. The WM of this Lodge declared him proficient in the First Degree.
At 14:45 hours, the Lodge resumed to the Second Degree for the FC conferral. At this point, Bros Tatara and Taniuchi (FCs) were examined in their FC proficiency and the WM declared them proficient in the Second Degree. At 15:00, with three distinct knocks at the door given by Bro Suzuki, the first section of the FC degree was started and he was admitted into the Lodge. He was obligated a FC by the WM and the Working Tool Lecture was given by Bro Honda, both in Japanese.
The second section of the ceremony started at 16:50 hours with MWB Watanabe as acting SD. He conducted the candidate to the place representing the Middle Chamber of King Solomon’s Temple at around 16:35 hours. The ‘G’ lecture and Charge were delivered by WM at 16:55. The Lodge was then called briefly free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating our newly passed Brother.
CLOSING: At 17:05 hours, the Lodge resumed to the Third Degree again and the WM announced that he would proceed to close. Peace and harmony prevailing, this lodge was closed in short form at 17:15 hours with WB Masaki, PM, WM in the East, WB Herrera, PM, acting SW in the West, and MWB Watanabe, PGM, acting JW in the South.
The Secretary reported that regrets had been received from Bros Wachi, Buda, Katagiri, Tsuruyiannis, and Jackson.
There were 14 Brethren present including two FCs, one EA. Two potential candidates joined us during harmony.
APPROVED:
TAKUMI MASAKI, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PGM
Secretary