Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Held in Milwaukee, February 21 and 22, 1900

The tenth annual meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Wisconsin was opened in due form in the Masonic Building in the City of Milwaukee at 2 o’clock on Wednesday, February 21st, 1900.

Worthy Grand Matron:

Our esteemed Brother, Leonard Barrett, called from labor to rest; we shall miss his familiar face as we enter the chapter room. He filled the office of Grand Sentinel continuously since the Grand Chapter was organized. Of him it may truthfully be said the world is better because he has lived in it

I am convinced that the more proficient we become in the work the greater will be our interest. The benefit of the officers knowing the entire Ritual in addition to the Secret work will certainly make our meetings and the work of the chapter more interesting. I hope the day is not far distant when the book of the Ritual will be eliminated from the chapter room; then will the work be interesting to a majority of its members and candidates impressed as we desire they should be.

Ed Note: This was the first year Sisters were appointed as Grand Representatives. Previous years the Worthy Grand Matron was accorded that honor for other jurisdictions.

District Conventions:

With the assistance of the Worthy Grand Patron I redistricted the state making sixteen district conventions. The meetings have been well attended; the social feature has been a success. I believe much good will result from these meetings. It brings the members of the several chapters in closer touch with the work and affords an opportunity to many who could not attend the Grand Chapter Session. A chapter when called upon to exemplify the work at these conventions should send a prompt reply to the Worthy Grand Matron.

Correspondence:

I issued a circular letter asking for aid for the families of the members of Willow River Chapter No. 37, located at New Richmond.

On June 12 the sad news reached me that a tornado swept over the City of New Richmond, wiping out of existence the greater part of that beautiful little city where was situated Willow River Chapter No. 37 of the Eastern Star with a membership of 95. The chapter lost a Brother, while many of the members mourned the loss of relatives and dear friends. Many were left without homes, food or clothing.

The chapters responded to the appeal promptly and generously. Some of those not contributing money sent boxes of clothing, bedding and provisions.

Fire:

On the night of January 30th the Masonic Hall at Stevens Point was burned and everything contained therein was destroyed.

By-Laws

One of the great needs I have discovered in visiting chapters is a uniform code of by-laws. To the end that this may be remedied I recommend that the Committee on Jurisprudence taking the by-laws as printed in the little red book as revised and adopted one year ago as a basis, prepare a form of by-laws for the government of constituent chapters. In this connection, I suggest that there should appear in the code of by-laws a form for the reception of Grand Officers when making official visit to the chapters.

Worthy Grand Patron:

I have issued dispensations for seven new Chapters.

March 4th 1899, for a chapter at Chippewa Falls to be known as Chippewa Chapter. This chapter was instituted on March 15th by myself. June 19th for a Chapter at Argyle to be known as Alpha Chapter. This Chapter was instituted on July 7th by Brother A. S. Douglas of St. Omar Chapter. January 16th for a chapter at Plymouth to be known as Loyalty Chapter. January 18th for a Chapter at Ellsworth to be known as Ellsworth Chapter.

Wednesday Evening:

The conferring of the degrees by officers of St. Omar Chapter No. 90 and the Floral Work by Brodhead Chapter. A social hour was spent in visiting and listening to felicitous addresses from distinguished members.

Eastern Star Home:

Sister Nellie M. Towner announced to the Grand Chapter that she had received from Sister Martha Yerkes a five dollar gold piece as the foundation for a fund with which to erect in Wisconsin an Eastern Star Home.

The Reception:

The annual reception given on Tuesday evening, February 20th by the officers of the Grand Chapter to Representatives and members was a most elaborate affair. It was given in the arcade and adjoining apartments of the Plankinton House; music was furnished by Prof. Bach’s orchestra and light refreshments were served during the evening. In another part of the hotel 250 Royal Arch Masons were celebrating the semi-centennial anniversary of their Grand Chapter. A large number of the companions took the opportunity to pay their respects to the ladies of the Star.

118 Chapters
7,552 members