The 563rd 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 10th day of January 2009.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the Lodge was raised for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bro Arch L. McMahan who had transferred to the Celestial Lodge above on 12 September 2008. The WM ordered the Charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brother.
Then WB Buda recognized the Distinguished Brethren, RWB Robert Koole, DGM, RWB Don Smith, SGW, MWB James Johnston, PGM and Bro Philip McKenzie, reigning Master of Lodge Star in the East No. 640. WB Buda invited them to a seat in the East. He also recognized the distinguished Brethren of this Lodge as listed in the Tyler’s register of this date.
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.
The WM announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of January 2009, 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 6th December 2008 and they were APPROVED AS READ.
The Treasurer's report for the month of December was given by MWB Watanabe at the request of Bro Treasurer 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 full favorable report on the petition of Mr. Kevin Adams. Mr. Adams 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 of 24 December were tacked on the Bulletin Board in the Conference Room. He then read a letter from Mrs McMahan notifying us of the death of her husband and also introduced a letter from Bro Dimitrios Tsourougiannis asking for demission.
DEMISSION:There being no objections from the Brethren, and after confirming his dues status, the WM ordered that Bro Tsourougiannis’ request for demission be granted and instructed the Secretary to notify him so.
CHARITY: Amount of ¥12,600+$2.35(=¥12,800) was collected from the Brethren present.
SICK AND VISITATION: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Proficiency Test: The 3rd degree test upon Bro Tsuyoshi Taniuchi was given by MWB Watanabe in Japanese and Bro Taniuchi responded perfectly. The WM declared him proficient in the Third Degree.
Coming Schedule: The Secretary announced the following.
Bro Kevin Adams is ready for initiation at any time. Three FCs, Bros Sato, Kajiwara and Jordan will be ready to progress to the MM degree when they pass their 2nd degree exams.
INSTALLATION of OFFICERS:
At 14:20 hours WM Buda declared the Lodge free from restraint for the purpose of preparing for the Installation Ceremony of both elected and appointed Officers for the ensuing Masonic year.
The Installation Ceremony was started at 15:30 hours in public form.
The Ceremony was conducted by MWB James L. Johnston, PGM as Installing Officer and MWB Kazuhiro Watanabe, PGM as Installing Marshal.
All of the elected and appointed Officers were installed in their respective offices except WB Rodolfo Herrera, PM and WB Takumi Masaki, PM, appointed Marshal and Tyler respectively, both of whom were absent because of work commitments.
CLOSING: At 16:45 hours, the newly installed WM made appropriate remarks, passed his gavel to MWB Johnston and asked him to close the Lodge. MWB Johnston closed the lodge in short form at 17:15 hours.
BANQUET: After the Installation, the Brethren and their guests walked over to the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club to enjoy a few refreshing drinks before the beginning of the Banquet at 18.00 hours. Total participants were 36 including 4 guests and they all enjoyed wine, cuisine as well as atmosphere. They departed at around 20:30 hours.
The Secretary reported that regrets had been received from Bro Tatara.
APPROVED:
JANUSZ BUDA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PGM
Secretary