A site has been found for the new Yokohama Temple and the groundbreaking ceremony will be held later this month.
The site is located only a hundred yards from the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club and within walking distance of Yamate Station on the JR Negishi Line.
The proximity to YC&AC means that both Yokohama lodges will now have ample parking space and a convenient venue for banquets and other Masonic functions.
All being well, construction work should begin shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony and continue through the summer. Seki Komuten, the construction company hired to build the new Temple, anticipates completion at the end of October. This is a little later than originally anticipated. One reason is that preliminary excavations have revealed the need for deeper foundations than expected. Another reason is that Masonic Hall Ltd. has decided on a reinforced concrete structure as opposed to a wooden or steel-frame building, and this will require a little longer to set and dry out.
To provide the largest possible floor space whilst meeting strict building regulations, the Lodge Room will be on the upper floor. The Secretary's Office, the Meeting Room, and a small kitchen will be on the ground floor. Although the Lodge Room will be a little smaller than the one in the present Temple, with a little judicious rearrangement of the furniture we should have almost the same space for floorwork.
At the back of the Temple building will be a small paved area reached by a door from the Meeting Room. It should provide just enough room for our customary barbecues.
To see photographs of the site of the new Temple, click here: New Temple Site
Or click here to see the preliminary designs for the new Temple: Architect's Design