1891 First Convention February 18, 1891 Milwaukee Chapter No. 2 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Social Preliminary

On Wednesday evening, February 18th, 1891, the ladies of Milwaukee Chapter No. 2, Order of the Eastern Star, desiring to do honor to the representatives of the several chapters of the Order in the state who should assemble for the purpose of organizing a Grand Chapter, invited them to witness an exemplification of the work of the Order, and also to participate with the Milwaukee ladies in a banquet which had been provided for the entertainment of the representatives of the chapters and the distinguished members of the Order from other jurisdictions.

This meeting was attended by Sister Nettie Ransford, of Indianapolis, Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand Chapter of the United States.

There were also present representatives of eight of the ten chapters of Wisconsin as well as over 150 members of Milwaukee Chapter.

Proceedings of the Convention
Milwaukee, February 19, 1891

Pursuant to an invitation issued by the Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron and Worthy Associate Matron of Milwaukee Chapter No. 2, of the Order of the Eastern Star, the representatives of the several chapters now working in the state of Wisconsin under the authority of charters issued by the Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter assembled in Convention in Egyptian Hall in the city of Milwaukee at 9:30 a.m. for the purpose of organizing a Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for Wisconsin.

The Convention was called to order by Brother John W. Laflin, Deputy for Brother Benjamin Lynds, Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter. Brother Laflin was chosen temporary chairman of the Convention, and Brother George L. Thomas, secretary. Upon motion of Brother B. F. Parker, a committee of three was appointed to present a Constitution for the consideration of the Convention. The Chair appointed as such committee, Brothers B.F. Parker, Fred Ring and W. A. Lawrence. Sisters Adency Irons, Mary Martin and Brother George L. Thomas were appointed a committee on credentials.

Brother B. F. Parker, for the committee, submitted the Constitution, which was read, section by section and unanimously adopted.

A code of rules for the government of the Grand Chapter, rules and regulations for the government of the Subordinate Chapters and a penal code were each in turn submitted by the committee and each adopted by the unanimous vote of the representatives.

The chairman announced that for the purpose of completing the organization of the Grand Chapter, if no objection was made, the convention would proceed to the election of Grand Officers.

Result of Election

Sister Adency Irons, Worthy Grand Matron
Brother W. A. Lawrence, Worthy Grand Patron
Brother J. A. Spratler, Worthy Associate Grand Patron
Sister Mary H. Martin, Worthy Associate Matron
Sister Helen M. Laflin, Worthy Grand Secretary
Sister Lucille Parker, Worthy Grand Treasurer
Sister Elizabeth Bossingham, Worthy Grand Conductress
Sister Laura Avord, Worthy Associate Conductress

The Worthy Grand Matron elect announced the appointed officers:

Sister S. L. Pruyn, Grand Adah
Sister Margaret Lee, Grand Ruth
Sister Sarah Stickney, Grand Esther
Sister Martha Yerkes, Grand Martha
Sister Penelope Little, Grand Electa
Sister Lydia Hill, Grand Warder
Sister Ula D. Noble, Grand Chaplain
Sister Clara Gilman, Grand Marshal
Brother A. G. Faville, Grand Organist
Brother Leonard Barrett, Grand Sentinel

Sister Nettie Ransford, the Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand Chapter assisted by Sister Jacobi, the Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Minnesota as Worthy Grand Marshal then installed the Grand Officers.

The Worthy Grand Marshal declared the Grand Chapter of the State Of Wisconsin duly organized and its Grand Officers installed.

Brother Fred Ring offered the following resolutions, each of which were adopted:

Purchase such supplies as may be necessary including Rituals, Charters, etc.

Print and distribute a suitable number of copies of Constitution, Rules and Regulations and the Proceedings of this meeting.

Five dollars be appropriated to L. Barrett, Grand Sentinel for preparing rooms and attendance on present session of the Grand Chapter.

The Grand Patron and Grand Secretary issue new charters to the Chapters now under its jurisdiction with the same charter number as they received from the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and all of them dating from this 19th day of February 1891.

After various thanks to Milwaukee Chapter No. 2, the distinguished guests attending and remarks by distinguished visitors, the Grand Chapter was closed.

Chapter Represented:

Honor, Sturgeon Bay
Milwaukee
Orient, Mazomanie
Queen Esther, Lodi
Mizpeh, Star Prairie
Tomah
Mineral Point
Relief, Maiden Rock
Naomi, Wonewoc
Rob Morris, Eagle