Nineteenth Annual Meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Masonic Building, Milwaukee February 17th and 18th, 1909

The nineteenth annual session of the Grand Chapter, OES, of the state of Wisconsin, was held in the Masonic Building, Milwaukee, February 17th and 18th, 1909, beginning Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock.

The Grand Chapter was called to order by the Grand Marshal who instructed the Associate Grand Conductress to invite the Worthy Grand Matron and other officers to enter the chapter room.

Worthy Grand Matron:

“the only failure man should fear is failure to do his best.”

The Grand Chapter at its last session decided that the Deputy system be discontinued and an assistant to the Grand Matron be appointed for the ensuring year, to be known as the Deputy Grand Lecturer.

I caused a circular letter to be issued early in the year which was mailed by the Grand Secretary to all the chapters in this Grand Jurisdiction informing them of the change. In conjunction with the Grand Lecturer, we outlined the work for the year, care being taken that chapters not visited the past year, and those reported in need of instruction, be placed first on the list so far as possible.

February 25, West Allis Chapter No 172 was constituted by P. G. M Sister Helen W. Monahan.

It was my privilege to attend the session of the Grand Chapter of Minnesota, which convened May 13th in the Masonic Temple at St. Paul.

Worthy Grand Patron:

I would recommend that the book, known as the Red Book, be revised and that a form of minutes similar to the form used by myself during the past year be adopted. Since the organization of this Grand Chapter it has been the custom at the opening of the subordinate chapters for the Conductress and Associate Conductress to pass around the chapter room and receive from each member the pass of one of the degrees. I recommend that the Committee on Jurisprudence make a recommendation on this subject that this Grand Chapter may act upon it and in this way secure uniformity in our work.

Masonic Home Association:

Last October I made my first visit to the Wisconsin Consistory Home and found it as fine a property as it has been described and the making of an ideal Masonic Home. Noting but few books at the Home, I was at once reminded of the 25 volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica presented to the Home Committee several years ago by Sister Farrington of Electa Chapter and requested Sister Laflin to have them sent out to the Home, which she did.

Report of the Grand Lecturer:

At the last session of the Grand Chapter it was decided to change from the deputy system of visitation to that of Grand Lecturer. During my year as Grand Matron, many expressed a desire for the convention system, so in a few cases where chapters were near together and it was convenient, I made the request that certain chapters be invited to be present, usually the work being divided though not in every instance. Eighty six chapters received the benefit of inspection. At an inspection, owing to interruptions and discussions, smooth work is seldom attained, and is not looked for, and the failure of officers to be word perfect at such a time is not to be considered. To the Sister and Brothers, I return heartfelt thanks for the uniform kindness with which I was everywhere received and for courtesies so universally extended.

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