The Orient’s 53rd Annual Far East Council of Deliberation (FECOD) was held in the Tokyo Masonic Tower, Tokyo, Japan, on May 1, 2023. We were honored to F AR E AST Sovereign Grand Inspector General Charles H. Bush Jr., 33°
focus areas, we paid tribute to the fraters and a spouse who passed away since the last FECOD. Additionally, we held the SGIG Billy H. Hall Education Symposium. The Orient reported the loss of three members and one spouse over the past 12 months. They were GIG Valentino Camacho, 33° (J.C. Logan No. 114), GIG John (Jay) Jones, 33° (J.C. Logan No. 114), SP Stanley Larkin, 32° (Joseph I. Staton No. 103), and Anita T. Sheets, spouse of GIG James Sheets, 33° (J.C. Logan No. 114). The members prayed for comfort and mercy to their friends, families, and loved ones. Additionally, prayers were rendered for the sick and distressed and those traveling to and from the FECOD. Following the agenda, the Orient conducted its education symposium. During each FECOD, we conduct the SGIG Billy H. Hall Education Symposium, which honors our 3rd Past Deputy for the Orient of the Far East. This year's training was led by GIG Kenneth Dix, 33° and GIG Rodney Roberson, 33º. Dix and Roberson provided training to the Orient’s Sublime Princes selected to be conferred the Thirty-Third Degree. Other discussion topics included updating and improving the Orient Standard Operating Procedures and proficiency in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Lodge of Perfection and the Chapter of Rose Croix.
have several distinguished guests in attendance, including the Honorable Gilbert McClary, Most Worshipful Grand Master (MWGM) for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge for the State of Washington and Jurisdiction, and SGIG Daniel R. Poole, 33°, Illustrious Grand Recording Secretary. In addition to conducting the regular business of the COD and recognizing several outstanding performers, we discussed the Orient’s focus areas for 2023 and 2024, which are membership and charitable activities. I addressed the USC Membership Reclamation Program and tasked the Consistories to begin tracking charitable activities, volunteer hours, and monetary and in-kind donations. Both focus areas are aligned with the USC committees and subcommittees and will increase membership involvement within the Orient. It will also facilitate mentorship and deliberate development within our ranks and better prepare members for future leadership opportunities. In addition to our
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