Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1 and visitors after the conclusion of WB Buda's Open Lecture
For the second meeting in a row, the number of Brethren in attendance was over 20 — a welcome sign of growing interest and commitment to the Lodge. In addition to our regular members, we welcomed two first-time visitors: Bro Erwin J. Angeles of Rising Sun Lodge No. 151, Sagamihara (Grand Lodge of the Philippines) and Bro John Espeleta of Pride of the Orient Lodge No. 55 under the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington.
After opening the Lodge, recognizing those Brethren who had distinguished themselves in Masonry, and welcoming our two first-time visitors, WB Inomata moved onto regular business. Under 'Petitions' MWB Watanabe reported that he had, that day, received a duly sponsored petition for membership from Mr Shea Erikson, along with the full application fee. He also reported that he had received a request for a membership application form. In accordance with the Lodge's new and much stricter policy on applications from strangers, MWB Watanabe gave a brief description of the interested party and WB Inomata asked the Brethren if there were any objections to presenting him with an application form. There were none.
Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1 and visitors after the conclusion of WB Buda's Open Lecture
WB Inomata then raised the Lodge for the reading of a letter from the Grand Master confirming the re-appointment of WB Donald Zamora as our Lodge Inspector for 2010. In other correspondence, the organizers of the Masonic Children's Festival to be held on 16 May asked for volunteers. Under 'New Business' MWB Watanabe proposed that the Lodge donate 30,000 yen to the Festival. This proposal was duly seconded and unanimously approved. MWB Watanabe also proposed that the Lodge again avail itself of the services of the gardeners who had trimmed our hedges during the winter. This proposal was approved unanimously and WB Buda added that the Brethren of Lodge 640 would almost certainly agree to share the cost of the gardening.
Discussion of forthcoming meetings and degree conferrals resulted in a decision to hold the postponed Third Degree for Bros Adams and Ishibashi on 29 May, and confer the Second Degree on Bro Suzuki (and possibly Bro Yamada, should he prove proficient) at our Stated Meeting for July.
When the WM called for other business from the West, South, Secretary and Brethren of the Lodge, WB Buda reported that Lodge 640 was planning a whisky-tasting session to which everyone was invited. He also reported persistent attempts by a so-called investigative journalist to gain access to the Yokohama Temple and interview Brethren. WB Buda advised any Brother so approached to decline all requests and direct the journalist to contact the Public Relations Committee of Grand Lodge.
From the floor of the Lodge, Bro Honda showed a sample of a baseball cap embroidered with the name of our Lodge. He suggested it might make a memorable souvenir for visitors, or could be used by Lodge members during group activities. The WM asked about the cost of the cap (2,000 yen) and then said that he would lay the proposal on his table for further consideration at future meetings. He then proceeded to close the Lodge in due and ancient form.
After the Lodge had been closed and the Members had removed their regalia, all visitors to the Temple, including several potential candidates, were invited into the Lodge Room, where WB Buda, with the aid of a printed handout, gave a lecture on the history of Freemasonry in Yokohama. After noting that Yokohama was the birthplace of Masonry in Japan, WB Buda traced the history of Yokohama lodge and temples from the nineteenth century to the Second World War, and then described the post-War rebirth of Masonry, the founding of Far East Lodge No. 1, and the creation of the Grand Lodge of Japan. His talk generated almost a dozen questions and requests for more details.