The Lodge's newest FCs: Bro. Takeda, Bro. Mikuni, and Bro. Tsujii
The Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1 received a pleasant surprise when two of its Entered Apprentices announced, just a few days before the stated meeting for July, that they were ready to take their proficiency tests. Only one Brother had been scheduled to receive the Second Degree and a dispensation was speedily obtained from Grand Lodge permitting us to pass three Brethren. Bro Tsujii having already proved his proficiency at the stated meeting for May, Bros Takeda and Mikuni were tested by MWB Watanabe and pronounced proficient by WB Herrera.
The Lodge's newest FCs: Bro. Takeda, Bro. Mikuni, and Bro. Tsujii
With several key members of the Lodge unable to attend the meeting, the remaining members again demonstrated their mastery of the ritual and their flexibility in filling multiple roles. WB Herrera took the East for the beginning of the ceremony and handed over to MWB Watanabe for the Obligation. Bro Sagara presented the Working Tools. For the Second Section of the Degree, WB Masaki took the East and MWB Watanabe gave the Staircase Lecture. WB Masaki gave the G Lecture and MWB Watanabe delivered the Charge. Most of the ritual was conducted in Japanese.
From left: Bro Sagara | HWB Johnson | WB Kanematsu | Bro Inomata | Bro Wachi | Bro Takeda | Bro Mikuni | Bro Tsujii | MWB Watanabe | WB Masaki | WB Herrera
During the business part of the meeting, Mr Konno was elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry, though no definite date has yet been set. Before the meeting, no less than four potential candidates visited the Temple to enjoy the fraternal atmosphere and ask questions. All of them took away petition forms.