Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual Session of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Wisconsin Held in Milwaukee on February 21 and 22, 1906

The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Wisconsin convened in sixteenth annual session in Masonic Building in the city of Milwaukee on the 21st day of February, 1906 at 2 o’clock.

The Grand Chapter was opened in full form by the grand officers. After the singing of “America” the Grand Chaplain offered a prayer and the Grand Marshal proclaimed the sixteenth annual session of the Grand Chapter of Wisconsin opened for business.

Worthy Grand Matron:

“We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts not breaths;
In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.”

A cheerful smile, a soft, kindly touch of the hand, will smooth away many a heartache and drive away sadness. Sisters and Brothers, I often wonder if we grasp the real meaning of this life, or realize the importance of each word or deed. But I trust after all we shall become better ourselves, and by our example help others. Let us never forget the unconscious influence our lives exert upon the lives of others either for good or evil.

I thank God for the depth of sisterly and brotherly love exhibited by our members. Truly, the lesson “that we love one another,” has been well learned. Let us strive for the highest and best; if we fail we shall be stronger for having tried, and be more worthy to be members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Without fraternity our Order might just as well never have been organized. It is the real secret of all true fraternal orders. It bids us speak well of all. A bond no eye can see, but what a real thing it is, heart reaching heart. Let some calamity or distress befall our friends, and see how quickly selfishness and indifference disappear and how ready we are to help.

The year 1905 will long be remembered as the year that magnificent gift was made to the Wisconsin Consistory, through the kindness of heart of that noble Brother, Willard A. Van Brunt, which not only assures Masons, but the wives, widows and orphans of Master Masons a home. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and I know I but voice the sentiments of every member of our Order when I ask heaven’s choicest blessings to rest upon him.

My first official act was to call a meeting of the Deputies, Thursday, Feb. 24th. The work was studied thoroughly, instructions received the year previous read and it was decided by unanimous vote to continue the same, as we could not see where changes would be beneficial. Motion made seconded and approved that instructions be printed and one copy be sent to each Chapter.

March 10th, Walworth Chapter No. 148 at Walworth was constituted by Grand Matron Martha B. Yerkes.

March 15th, Burlington Chapter No. 153 at Burlington was constituted by Past Grand Matron Sister Ella A. Washburn, assisted by officers from Racine Chapter.

March 23rd, Melody Chapter No. 150 at Middleton was constituted by Sister J. M. Luther, Associate Grand Matron.

Much praise is due the officers of small Chapters in remote places, for their untiring energy and loyalty to the Order. To the best of my knowledge, peace and harmony prevail in this Grand Jurisdiction.

“My work is done, how well only the Master knows.
One never sees the fruits of all the seeds she sows.”

Worthy Grand Patron:

One year ago it is since we last met in this Grand Chapter Room and yet is seems but yesterday, so swiftly do the months roll by. But that short year has been made up of three hundred and sixty five days, given to each of us to use for weal or woe. What use have we made of these days? What have they meant to us? A greater one has said, “Count that day lost whose low descending sun views from they hand no worthy action done.” What we have done is written and what we have left undone can never be written.

Many have lain on beds of sickness and disease, while others, some of whom met with us one year ago, have been called to the great beyond. In their homes there has been sorrow, sadness and aching hearts. What have we done to alleviate their sufferings? What sympathy have we given in their sorrow? Many hearts have been torn asunder by grief and anguish. What comforting words have we spoken and what advice have we given in their troubles? Many have met with accidents, disasters and business reverses. What aid have we given in their misfortunes?

If these questions can all be answered in the spirit of our obligation, this year has been a glorious one for the Order of the Eastern Star. If they cannot, to our shame, it has been an inglorious one.

The motto of our Order should be “Not how much, but how well,” and with this constantly before the Grand Chapter, constantly before the subordinate Chapters and constantly before the members of the subordinate Chapters, our work will bring results of which the Master need not be ashamed.

The chapters visited have convinced me that the initiatory work of the Order is in able hands. I still believe that the District system is a good one and that if the same degree of enthusiasm and earnest effort is given to it in the future as in the past, in a short time the work of our Order in this Jurisdiction will be practically uniform and at the same time, no one person is over-burdened with work.

I find that it is next to impossible for the membership at large to become familiar with the Eastern Star Law and Jurisprudence, owing to the great mass of matter that is not systemized. I would therefore recommend and it is the only recommendation that I offer, that a committee be appointed to digest, codify and group under appropriate heads, all of the law of the Order pertaining to the various subjects. Then with these properly indexed, it seems to me there would be no difficulty experienced by any member of the Order in familiarizing himself with all the laws of the Order. (Approved)

On the 10th day of August, 1905, a chapter was instituted at Ladysmith in Rusk County to be known as Ladysmith Chapter, with Sister Ella Walker as Worthy Matron and Brother W. S. Manning at Worthy Patron. This chapter was instituted by myself.

On the 9th day of June, 1905, a chapter was instituted at Mauston in Juneau County to be known as Lemonweir Chapter with Sister Sarah J. Hanson as Worthy Matron and Brother John Price, Jr., as Worthy Patron. This Chapter was instituted by Brother B. F. Parker as my Deputy, assisted by Grand Treasurer Sister Lucille W. Parker of Milwaukee Chapter No. 2.

On the 28th day of September 1905, a Chapter was instituted at Sussex in Waukesha County to be known as Sussex Chapter with Sister Ella Campbell as Worthy Matron and Brother Richard W. Jones as Worthy Patron. This chapter was instituted by Brother B. F. Parker of Milwaukee Chapter No. 2 as my Deputy, assisted by Aurora Chapter No. 84 and Waukesha Chapter No. 55.

General Grand Chapter Committee:

Your Committee believes that Wisconsin ought not to be backward in the matter of the entertainment of her guests in 1907 and while it may be quite early in the day to outline definite plans for next year, we think it advisable to make provisions for the matter in a general way, such as appointing a committee with authority to take full charge and to make all necessary arrangements for our guests. The features of the entertainment to be similar to those held in other cities and to include an informal reception on the first evening, a formal reception and banquet on the second evening with a trolley or carriage ride during the day, closing with a theatre party or entertainment of the conclusion of the session. It will also be necessary to provide suitable badges and souvenirs for the delegates who usually number about one hundred and fifty.

Resolved: that the mileage be paid by this Grand Chapter to the Monona Ladies’ Quartet, which rendered such good services last night, and which was so greatly appreciated by all.

Resolved: that the thanks of this Grand Chapter are hereby tendered to the officers of Bethany Chapter for the perfect and beautiful rendition of the Ritual; to the Monona Quartet for their delightful singing; to Brother Littlejohn for his instructive address, and to Miss Mary Laflin for entertaining recitations on the evening of Feb. 21st, 1906.

157 Chapters
12,174 Members