Proceedings of the Twenty Third Annual Session of the Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star of the State of Wisconsin Masonic Building, Milwaukee October 1st, 1913

The twenty-third annual session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin convened in the Masonic Building at ten o’clock, Tuesday, October 1st, 1913.

The Grand Chapter was opened in regular form after which an address of welcome was given by Mrs. Helen Jones, Worthy Matron of Electa Chapter.

Let us meet here today as Sisters and Brothers in the true sense of the word. Let us know each other better and let the bond of union be strengthened, so that we may have a clearer and nobler conception of what it means to be a member of the Order of the Eastern Star…

…and when you return to your home, may the twenty-third session be an inspiration to us for a better conception of truth, that there may be more of cheer in someone’s life, more of sunshine in someone’s dark days and more of home in someone’s despair.

“Come in the evening, or come in the morning.
Come when expected or come without warning.
Gladness and welcome will be here to greet you.
And the oftener you come, the better we’ll treat you.”

Response:

October in all her gorgeous splendor of drapery and eloquent suggestions of autumn has come. Again, the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin is assembled in the old familiar place, so filled with memories of happy associations of the past and hopes for joyous reunions in the future.

Grand Representatives:

It would be pleasing indeed, if we could have with us some member of each Grand Chapter, but that is impossible; so the very excellent substitute has been devised to have various Sisters of this Jurisdiction represent the various other Grand Chapters. So you appear here in different capacities. As Sisters of our noble Order and as members of this Grand Chapter we bid you welcome, as Honored Grand representatives of other Grand Chapters you are doubly welcome.

In this capacity you represent the other Grand Chapters, which have increased from the six, which organized the General Grand Chapter in 1876 to nearly fifty, and through them you represent the large and ever increasing membership of the best order open to both Sisters and Brothers, and the most effective fraternal force for good in the world.

Response:

Our presence here should serve as a reminder of the great scope of the work of our Order which has grown and prospered until its golden links of love have extended beyond our United States, where it had its birth, into other countries and to the islands of the sea, and today our beloved Order has an assured position among the greatest institutions for good in the world.

Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons:

Another year has passed into history, thus reminding us for the twenty-third time since this Grand Chapter was organized that another thread has been unwound from off the reel of Father Time. At the beginning of this new year, we have met to plan for the welfare and legislate for the future success of our beloved Order….

….we wish to prove to all present and incoming officers that we are their friends, ready to render them assistance in all of their troubles, and sympathy in their sorrows. Then they can truthfully say:

“there are no friends like the old friends
who shared our early days.
No comfort like their presence
No words are like their praise.”

Grand Matron:

“We meet today on level grounds
Old friendships to renew.
While eyes grow glad and hand seeks hand
In greeting fond and true.”

October 24, Edith M. Beard, Grand Matron, constituted Golden Rule Chapter No. 194.

I visited thirty-two chapters and witnessed the work in all, some I inspected. In some I found the laws and constitution of our Grand Chapter was forgotten in many ways. There is much need of the study of this book of constitution.

I also had the pleasure of accepting invitations from several chapters in Chicago for Grand Matrons night.

Last but first in my heart I thank my own Home Chapter for all the kindness and courtesies extended to me. There is nothing more dear to the ear than a kind thought from home.

Report of General Grand Chapter held on September 22 and 23, in Chicago, Illinois.

Grand Patron:

By the service you have called me to render my life has been made better, my experiences broadened, and my mental outlook has been enriched. A close association with those who are devoted to the dissemination of the noble principles of our Order will ever be a center around which hundreds of pleasant memories will cluster. I am proud that I have been called to this service and to you Sisters and Brothers, I extend my gratitude and hearty good will.

Official Acts:

During this administration I have organized five new chapters. The first petition was received from Wautoma, December 27, 1912. On January 20, 1913 I instituted this chapter. There were 26 names on this petition.

Recommendations:

The Red book does not provide an institution ceremony which is as impressive as it should be. A new chapter…has a right to expect a piece of work which by inspiration, instruction or both will forcibly proclaim the noble sentiments and teachings of the Order.

Resolved: that the incoming Grand Matron appoint a committee of three including the incoming Grand Patron to revise the ceremonies of institution.

(The Grand Patron also recommended a period of “seven days” at least between the investigating committee report and the ballot).

Resolved: that this jurisdiction take proper steps toward reforming our ballot laws so that when an Investigation Committee has reported unanimously in favor of any candidate, the subsequent ballot shall elect that candidate unless three or more black balls shall appear against her.

(The Grand Patron also speaks eloquently in the proceedings regarding “electioneering”.)

The Grand Lecturer visited 98 chapters.

194 active chapters and five U.D.
19,431 members