Through his Effort Yokosuka Lodge was formed. Yokosuka Masonic Club - 1947 Yokosuka Naval Masonic Lodge no 120 (GLP)- 1948 Yokosuka Lodge no 20 (GLJ)- 1965 Bro. Benton W. Decker The best known Commander of Fleet Activities was the one who served here the longest, Captain Benton W. Benny Decker, who was in command from April, 1946 until June, 1950. When he assumed command, the base was fairly well-organized, and Captain Decker and his staff were able to devote their time to helping the townspeople economically, politically and socially. Buildings which had once housed war equipment were converted into schools, churches and hospitals for the people of Japan. A native of Wilmington , Delaware and graduated from the US Naval Academy 1919, Class of 1920 , He arrived at Yokosuka in April 1946 to become Commander of Fleet Activities . Since then he has developed both the Navy base and the City of Yokosuka into Models for other areas to Copy. As Amember of Silvergate Lodge #296 San Diego Ca. Brother Decker was Active in the Work . As Commanding Officer of Yokosuka Base he continued his Activity by encouraging the formation of a Masonic club . His Efforts inspired many of the Master Masons then present at Yokosuka to attempt to obtain a lodge of their own . As a result Yokosuka was issued a dispensation by the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in October 1947 leading to a Charter in January 1948 . This was the first lodge so Chartered in Japan under the Occupation.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 13:02:06 +0000
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