MWB Watanabe congratulates Bro Mukai on being initiated an Entered Apprentice.
June 4, 2011June 25, 2011August 27, 2011
A Special Meeting was held on Saturday, 25 June 2011 for the purpose of conferring the First Degree of Masonry on Mr. Jun'ichiro Mukai.
Regrets having been received from over seven members, including several Officers of the Lodge, major rearrangement of the work assignment had to be carried out just minutes before the start of the meeting.
Some of the members called upon to take over unfamiliar chairs needed a few minutes of guidance and encouragement from the more experienced Brethren, so WB Inomata pushed back the opening of the Lodge from the usual 1:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
After the Lodge had been opened in the First Degree and Bro Tomio Ogawa, Marshal, and WB Buda, acting Steward, had retired to the preparation room and received satisfactory responses to the usual interrogations, Mr. Mukai was clothed as a poor, blind Candidate and led to the door of the Lodge Room, where he gave three distinct knocks. He was admitted and received in due form and, with a few exceptions, the entire ritual was performed in Japanese. The candidate was conducted by Bro. Taiki Ogawa, acting Senior Deacon.
MWB Watanabe congratulates Bro Mukai on being initiated an Entered Apprentice.
WB Inomata gave the Obligation, Bro Shunji Suzuki (FC) the Working Tools, and Bro Tomio Ogawa the Apron Lecture. Having been duly obligated an Entered Apprentice Freemason, Bro Mukai was permitted to retire from the Lodge to restore himself to his personal comfort while WB Inomata called the Lodge free from restraint so that everyone could take a short and well-earned rest.
After the break, Bro Mukai again gave three distinct knocks to request re-admission. This was granted and he was placed in the North-east Corner of the Lodge. The Lecture of the First Degree was delivered by Bro Tatara in full form, including the optional section at the end. MWB Watanabe then delivered the Charge and WB Inomata concluded the ceremony by giving the customary guidance and advice to new members.
Two of the Lodge's newest members: Bro Mukai (EA) and Bro Shunji Suzuki (FC)
The conferral having been completed, WB Inomata closed the labours of our Lodge of Entered Apprentices, the Brethren departing in Peace, Harmony and Brotherly Love.
The Lodge's next Stated Meeting will be held on 2 July 2011, the last before the short summer break. Among some of the important items on the agenda of the meeting is continued discussion of changes in the Bye-laws that would increase both annual membership fees to cover the increased dues payable to Grand Lodge.
Bro Mukai with the Brethren of Far East Lodge No. 1.
Before the meeting we were joined by Lt. Asa D. Kim, who has replaced Bro Romadel Delasalas as Officer in Charge of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Negishi Detachment. Lt. Kim expressed a strong interest in becoming a Mason, and submitted a duly completed application form, together with the necessary fees, before the end of our meeting.