The 564th 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 7th day of February 2009.
At the sound of the gavel in the East, the Lodge was raised for a moment of silent prayer in remembrance of Bros David J. Williams (4 Aug 91), Alvin D. Wilder, Jr. (4 Feb 93), Rafael Gonzales (6 Aug 06) and Charles C. Jackson (12 Jun 08) who had transferred to the Celestial Lodge above. The WM ordered the Charter draped for 30 days to honor our departed Brethren.
Then WB Buda 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, SW in the West, and Bro Sagara, JW in the South.
The WM announced that this being our Stated Meeting for the month of February 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 10th January 2009 and they were APPROVED AS READ.
The Treasurer's Report for the month of December was given by Bro Secretary at the request of Bro Treasurer due to 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: The Secretary read a Petition for the Degrees of Freemasonry from Mr. Masumi Ishibashi, Senior Director of Sales Operation, Salesforce.com Co., Ltd.
BALLOTTING: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary announced that the G/L Bulletins of 28 January had been tacked on the bulletin board in the Conference Room. He then read a letter from GS on a Resolution submitted from Lodge No. 2 regarding election of the Deputy GM.
CHARITY: An amount of ¥7,200 (6,400 yen + 9.00 USD) was collected from the Brethren present.
SICK AND VISITATION: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Proficiency test: After the Lodge was lowered to the FC degree, proficiency exams were held on Bros Kajiwara and Jordan in English. The WM declared them proficient in the Second Degree.
COMING SCHEDULE: The Secretary announced the following.
Bro Kevin Adams is ready to receive his initiation at any time. Three FCs, Bros Sato, Kajiwara and Jordan will be ready to rise to the MM Degree when they pass their 2nd Degree exams. And on top of these, we had received two petitions. At the same time, the Secretary said that he would like to separate business meetings and conferrals as much as possible so we could enjoy our meetings free from time pressure.
RESTORATION: The Secretary announced also that Bro Shigemitsu who was suspended at the end of last year for NPD had submitted three year’s dues and a request for restoration. The Brethren present restored him by secret ballot.
CLOSING: At 16:00 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 16:15 hours with WB Buda, PM, WM in the East, Bro Inomata, SW in the West, and Bro Sagara, JW in the South.
There were a total of 11 Brethren present of whom 8 were members of this Lodge, and two FCs, one EA and one candidate and petitioner attended our harmony.
The Lodge welcomed three visitors to our February meeting: Bro de las Alas of Nippon Lodge No. 9, and Bros Takigami and Ito of Yuai Lodge No. 11.
The Secretary reported that regrets had been received from Bros Honda, Katagiri, Tatara, Tamado, Suzuki, Ogawa (Taiki) and Wachi.
APPROVED:
JANUSZ BUDA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PGM
Secretary