1896 ~ 1897 Seventh Annual Meeting February 17, 1897 Masonic Building* Corner of Jefferson and Oneida Streets Milwaukee, Wisconsin

*This was the first meeting in this new building. Former meetings were held at the Egyptian Hall.

Chapters constituted that year were Hudson, Kinnickinnic (River Falls), Janesville, Bloomington and Sunlight (Cassville). Chapters instituted and constituted were Warren, Brodhead and Aurora (Menomonee Falls). Chapters instituted were Albany, Monroe, Augusta, Kenosha, and Darlington.

The Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia was organized this year.

There were 97 chapters.

“Some Thoughts” (from the address of the Worthy Grand Patron)

….let us not be dismayed by discouragements and failure for the past twelve months. For to-morrow we face the bright morn of a new Eastern Star year. The stumbling blocks of the past can be made the stepping stones of the future if we but will to have it so. Thus by the thorough lesson taught by experience shall we be able to turn the failures and shortcomings of the past into success and joy for the future….”

Prelude and Interlude (Pages 61 and 62)

Tuesday Evening, February 17th. A most delightful preliminary to the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter was a reception given by the three local Chapters – Milwaukee, Electa and Vega – to the Grand officers and visitors who were in the city on Tuesday evening. The reception was held in the handsome parlors and drillroom of the Temple of Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 24, Knights Templar on Tenth Street. ….Some three hundred members of the Order were present during the evening. Music in the attractive drill hall enticed many to the mazes of the dance.

The asylum of the Commandery and other apartments of this beautiful Temple were thrown open, and the scenes upon the finely equipped stage were exhibited for the entertainment of the visitors. The evening was greatly enjoyed by those who were permitted to be present.

Wednesday Evening, February 18th. Pursuant to arrangement made by the Worthy Grand Matron, at 7:30 o’clock Wednesday evening the Grand Chapter hall and the spacious gallery were filled with zealous and enthusiastic members of the Order. The ceremonies of the evening began by the opening of Milwaukee Chapter, No. 2, by the officers of Baraboo Chapter No. 21, who then proceeded to confer the degrees for the instruction and edification of the Sisters and Brothers assembled. The degree work being concluded, the officers of Dodgeville Chapter No. 39 assisted by the Grand Organist took the floor and gave an exemplification of the “Floral Addenda”. The floor movements and the rendition of the ritual by the officers of these two Chapters reached a high degree of perfection and indicated a great amount of labor and careful preparation, as well as marked ability and a proper conception of the beautiful ritualistic lessons presented. The work was greatly enjoyed and highly commended. Such an exemplification before so many officers of Chapters must be productive of good results, and should prove an incentive to earnest effort to attain the same proficiency.