The 569th 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 4th day of July 2009.
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 13:10 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 July 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 June and Special Meeting held on 27th June 2009 and they were APPROVED AS READ.
The Treasurer's Report for the month of June was given by Bro. Secretary due to Bro. Treasurer's 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: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: The Secretary announced that the G/L Bulletins of 26 June and approved GLEC Minutes of 16 May had been tacked on the Bulletin Board in the conference room.
CHARITY: An amount of ¥7,899 (including 1 USD) was collected from the Brethren present.
SICK AND VISITATION: MWB Katagiri telephoned to the Secretary offering his regrets for trouble in his knee and back.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Bro Secretary asked the Brethren present to sign the 'Get Well Card' to WB Kanemitsu. The card and a picture taken at the last meeting, framed in a photo stand prepared by Bro Taniuchi, were mailed to Mrs. Kanemitsu.
L/M Fee: As we discussed this subject at our last stated meeting, Bro Secretary explained how he calculated the amount of the new fee. By unanimous vote of the Brethren present, the Lodge decided to raise its Life Membership fee to 100,000 yen. (Art. VIII, Of Fees, Sec. 3 of By-Laws)
NEW BUSINESS:
Obligation of Dual Membership: Bro de las Alas was obligated an affiliate member of Far East Lodge No. 1 and duly signed his name in the register of the Lodge.
After the Lodge had been lowered to the FC degree at 13:55, Bro Anderson was examined by MWB Watanabe in his Fellowcraft proficiency. At the conclusion of the examination WB Buda congratulated Bro Anderson on a flawless performance and declared him fully proficient in the Second Degree.
No Monitor Campaign: After the Lodge resumed labor in the MM degree at 14:15, WB Buda noted that since assuming the East in 2008 he had been impressed by the excellence of the Brethrens' memory work in their proficiency examinations. It was therefore disappointing to see many Brethren still reading from their ritual books during meetings and conferrals. WB Buda directed that, henceforth, with the exception of the officially appointed prompter, any Brother using the monitor during open lodge would be subject to censure. He reminded the Brethren that memorization had been a key element of Masonry for over 400 years.
Lodge of Instruction: WB Buda called the lodge free from restraint at 14:50 and invited Grand Lodge Inspector WB Zamora to conduct a Lodge of Instruction. WB Zamora gave detailed guidance, illustrated by demonstrations, on the floorwork of the Stewards, Deacons, and Wardens. Many Brethren, including the WM and Wardens, responded with follow-up questions, receiving informative advice.
After the Lodge resumed labor at 15:30, although Far East Lodge No. 1 will now go dark for the month of August, a joint picnic with Yokosuka Lodge No. 20 and Lodge Star in the East No. 640 is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, 8 August at Negishi Heights Naval Base. Several details of this picnic remain to be decided, and will be communicated to the Brethren by email when available.
CLOSING: At 15:50 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 15:55 hours in short form with WB Buda, PM, WM in the East, Bro Inomata, SW in the West, and Bro Sagara, JW in the South.
There were total 17 members (including one FC and two EAs) present of this Lodge and WB Zamora, GL Inspector for this Lodge.
APPROVED:
JANUSZ BUDA, PM
Worshipful Master
ATTEST:
KAZUHIRO WATANABE, PGM
Secretary