The 561st 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 1st day of November 2008.
A lodge of MMs was opened in due and ancient form at 13:15 hours with WB Buda, PM, WM in the East, Bro Inomata, acting SW in the West, and Bro Sagara, acting JW in the South.
WB Buda 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 November 2008, 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 4th October and they were APPROVED AS READ.
The Treasurer's Report for the month of October was read by the Secretary in the Treasurer’s absenec, 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. Kevin Adams, employee of Sagara Global Logistics.
BALLOTTING: WM of the Lodge reported that the Committee of Investigation had submitted a full favorable report on the petition of Mr. Eric Anderson. He was then elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry in this lodge by ballot of the members present.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary announced the G/L Bulletins of 25 October and Minutes of GLECM of 27 September were posted on the Bulletin Board in the Conference Room. We had also received letters from YIWC.
CHARITY: Am amount of ¥7,260 was collected from the Brethren present.
SICK AND VISITATION: The Secretary reported that WB Sugai was being treated at home for a whiplash injury suffered when he stopped at a traffic signal and was hit from behind by another car driven by an old lady. Bro Secretary also reported receiving a phone call from MWB Katagiri with the information that he had slipped down the stairs a few days before and had a bad back. His doctor had informed him that, although no serious injuries had been suffered, a month's convalescence was advised.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Reading By-Laws: Read Article II, Section 2 of By-Laws.
TMA: Discussed for the nomination of TMA Officer, the Brethren present nominating MWB Watanabe.
NEW BUSINESS:
YIWC: Since WB Herrera's changed working schedule would not allow him to purchase items for the Christmas Party for Orphans sponsored by YIWC, a motion was made and seconded that we donate a total of ¥50,000 for the party which is about equivalent to the amount paid for items donated in the past. The total amount to be shared equally with Lodge Star in the East No. 640 so that the amount will be ¥25,000 each.
Down to 1st degree: At 14:00 hours, Bro. Jordan, EA, was tested in his proficiency by MWB Watanabe. WB Buda congratulated him on his fine performance and declared him fully proficient.
Resume to 2nd degree: At 14:35 hours, the FC degree conferral was started upon Bros Sato and Kajiwara. Bro Honda conducted the Candidates as SD, Bro Sagara gave the Obligation, and Bro Suzuki presented the Working Tools, all in Japanese. In the Second Section of the Degree, MWB Watanabe conducted the Candidates as acting SD and gave the Staircase Lecture. Bro Honda took the East and presented the G Lecture. MWB Watanabe delivered the Charge.
COMING SCHEDULE: Bro Secretary announced the following:
RESUME THE LODGE 3RD DEGREE: At 16:20, the Lodge resumed to the 3rd degree for Closing.
CLOSING: At 16:30 hours, 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 16:40 hours with WB Buda, PM, WM in the East, Bro Inomata, acting SW in the West, and Bro Sagara acting JW in the South.
There were a total of 15 brethren present of whom 14 were members of this Lodge, including 2 FCs and 1 EA. Also one petitioner and candidate were present at our harmony.
Regrets were received from MWB Katagiri.
APPROVED:
JANUSZ BUDA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PGM
Secretary