The Stated Meeting for January and the Installation of Officers were held on Saturday, January 12, 2008. The Stated Meeting began at the usual time of 1.00 p.m. in the presence of VWB Donald Smith, the Senior Grand Lecturer. After taking care of all outstanding business, WB Masaki lowered the Lodge to the First Degree for the purpose of examining Bro. Yasushi Tamado in his proficiency in that Degree. At the completion of the examination, WB Masaki declared Bro Tamado proficient. The Lodge was then raised again to the Third Degree and called free from restraint until the Installation of Officers.
At the beginning of the Installation Ceremony, MWB Joedie Poole, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Japan, was received with Grand Honors and took a seat in the East. MWB James Johnston (Installing Officer) and MWB Kazuhiro Watanabe (Installing Marshal) then proceeded to install the officers of the Lodge. At the end of the Installation, WB Buda handed the gavel of the Lodge to MWB Poole and invited him to say a few words before closing the Lodge. MWB Poole congratulated the Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1 and admonished them never to forget that Masonry should be a source of fun and enjoyment. The Installation was attended by many guests and visitors, some of whom expressed an interest in joining the Lodge.
After the Installation Ceremony, a banquet was held at the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club, attended by MWB Johnston and over 20 Brethren and guests. An album of photographs taken at the Installation and Banquet is available in another section of this website.