MWB Katagiri congratulates Bro Ogawa on his Third Degree Proficiency
The main item of business at the Lodge's stated meeting for July was the initiation of two new members. As with the previous meeting, several last-minute apologies necessitated rearrangement of the work schedule. WB Herrera took the East as acting Worshipful Master with WB Buda in the West and MWB Katagiri in the South. Two of the Lodge's newest MMs had their first experience of ritual work, Bro Tsuji taking the office of Senior Deacon and Bro Honda that of Junior Deacon.
After the usual business had been completed, Bro Ogawa announced that he was ready to take his Third Degree Proficiency in short form. He was examined in Japanese by MWB Watanabe and at the conclusion of the examination WB Herrera declared Bro Ogawa fully proficient in the Third Degree, calling the Lodge free from restraint for the purpose of congratulating Bro Ogawa.
MWB Katagiri congratulates Bro Ogawa on his Third Degree Proficiency
WB Herrera then lowered the Lodge to the First Degree for the purpose of conferring the Entered Apprentice Degree on Mr. Koji Suzuki and Mr. Yasushi Tamado. MWB Watanabe conducted the candidates as Senior Deacon and then switched places with WB Herrera to obligate them in Japanese. MWB Watanabe also gave the Apron Lecture and the Charge, Bro Ogawa presented the Working Tools of the Degree, and MWB Katagiri delivered the First Degree Lecture. All lectures were in Japanese.
At the conclusion of the meeting, MWB Watanabe gave a summary of candidates waiting for degrees. He announced that at least four Brethren were ready to give their proficiencies and suggested that the stated meeting for September should be set aside for this purpose. He also announced that he expected to receive at least four petitions within the next few weeks. Several special meetings would have to be called if the Lodge were to pass and raise all waiting Brethren before the end of the year.
The Lodge's newest EAs after receiving the Charge from MWB Watanabe
Seated: Bro Taniuchi | Bro Komura | Bro Tamado | Bro Suzuki
MWB Watanabe also reminded the Brethren that a Lodge of Instruction would be held on Saturday, July 28 and would once again concentrate on floorwork, with the newest members receiving guidance on the correct way to give Grand Honors. MWB Watanabe noted that it was very important to greet the MW Grand Master correctly should he every visit our Lodge.
Far East Lodge No. 1 will now go dark for a month, its next stated meeting being on Saturday, September 1.