Proceedings of the Twenty-fourth Annual Session of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Held in Milwaukee, October 7 and 8, 1914

The twenty-fourth annual session of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin convened in the auditorium of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Wednesday morning, October 7th at nine o’clock.

The address of welcome was delivered by W. W. Perry, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge, F. and A.M. His talk, though brief, was eloquent and inspiring, while his impressive manner and candor touched each heart. Most truly will his words of welcome long be remembered.

Response:

…And now to add to our cup of gladness, on this our twenty-fourth annual homecoming we have found thrown open to us this “new temple nobler than the last which shuts us from Heaven with a dome more vast.” Truly we the members of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin are “lead in green pastures and beside the still waters.” It seems that it would be hard to think aught but good and beautiful thoughts in so beautiful a place, may our ideals and aspirations be ever in keeping with its magnificence. It is on such occasions as these that we more fully realize the magnitude and significance of our order and are brought to a deeper realization of our responsibility as co-laborers with the great Brotherhood in the service of humanity.

Grand Matron:

Among the quaint sayings found hidden among the pages of an ancient historical volume we find this strange admonition: “Whosoever shall be chosen to fill the most exalted place among ye, shalt be in very truth the servant.” Standing before you this morning in this magnificent Temple, I feel that I fully understand the meaning and can heartily endorse the sentiment therein contained; and as I look into your familiar faces, can truthfully say, “I have served,” and now I bring the record of my year’s willing service, leaving it with you for your gracious approval or merited reproof.

Chapters constituted:

Nov. 3, Wautoma Chapter, No. 198 by Grand Matron Ada B. Cooper assisted by Grand Patron Brother J. E. Florin.

Official notice of the organization of a new Grand Chapter, Porto Rico, Feb. 14th in the city of San Juan, was received. Congratulations and fraternal greetings were extended from the Grand Jurisdiction of Wisconsin.

Correspondence:

I have written over 1700 letters, sent holiday and Easter greetings to all subordinate chapters and to many Grand Matrons of other jurisdictions.

I attended the Grand Chapter of Minnesota, which convened May 13 and 14 at St. Paul.

I have made 33 official visits for the purpose of inspection. Had planned many others, which I was not able to make on account of sickness in my home, and because Chapters were not always ready to receive me at the time of my visits to other chapters in their vicinity. I installed the officers of eight chapters, including my own home Chapter, Eau Claire No. 126.

Suggestions:

That the flag of our nation, “Old Glory,” be given an honored place in every chapter room. That discussing chapter business over the telephone be CONDEMNED (this was in the days of party lines.) That the grand Chapter Proceedings be read at chapter meetings for the “good of the Order” that members may know something of the transactions of the Grand Chapter.

Grand Patron:

Linden Chapter, U.D., Linden, Wisconsin. On the petition of ten members of the Order, residents of Linden, and after full investigation of conditions, I granted the dispensation to form this chapter, and on August 11th, 1914, instituted it with the following officers Sister Ethel Oldenburg, Worthy Matron; Brother Ralph E. Smart, Worthy Patron; and Sister Almedia Hillary, Associate Matron.

Although the invitations were many, I was able to visit but one Grand Chapter in our Sister Jurisdictions. Together with our Grand matron, Sister Cooper, I had the pleasure of attending the session of the Grand Chapter of Minnesota.

It was my pleasant privilege to make 69 visits to subordinate chapters during my career as a Grand Chapter officer. In my “always expected” talks on the occasion of such visits, I aimed to swell upon the grand principles of our Order that call us from all stations of life and unite us into one powerful agency for good and the service of humanity. …Each and all of us are responsible for the honor and dignity of our Order, so let our thoughts, words and actions within the chapter room and in the various experiences of life, be guided and governed by the sublime principles of our beloved Order, to the end that each of us may be an honor to the Order and a credit to herself or himself.

I want to again thank the Grand Chapter for honoring me with the second highest office in its gift. I can only hope that I have not wholly disappointed any in the confidence placed in me one year ago. My record is made and in a few short hours another will take my place. In my work during the year I have had but one purpose, “true service” to the Order.

“The life is measured by the souls advance;
the enlargement of the powers; the expanded field,
wherein it ranges, till it bursts and blows
with heavenly joy, with high and heavenly hope.”

Grand Lecturer:

I have visited eighty chapters, endeavoring to give the instructions and encouragement that each required. I have commended officers and members when deserving and tried to help and encourage when needed. As in all work there is sunshine and shadow so is it in the OES world, but I have enjoyed the sunshine and endeavored to scatter the shadows, for as I love the Order of the Eastern Star, and all it stands for, so I have tried to give to each and every one the best I had to give.

President of OES Masonic Home Association:

We are appalled at the terrible conflict across the water, where nation is warring against nation, innumerable homes made desolate because of the thousands upon thousands of women made widows and children fatherless. While our hearts go out to them in their dire distress, we cannot but stop and count our blessings and rejoice that we are in this land of peace and plenty and pray that we may ever be spared the havoc and cruelties of war.

The Grand Chapter has today reached another milestone in its history, the removal from a more modest home into this magnificent Scottish Rite Cathedral, the pride of the Masonic Brother of city and state. How happy we are to be here and privileged to enjoy its beauties and comforts. The cordial welcome which we have received should inspire us to our greatest endeavor to accomplish the noble purposes for which we are united.

Fund Balance $20,000.

“Cling close to our noblest ideals,
we cannot hold them too high.
The longer the struggle, the harder the fight,
The greater the bye and bye.”

“It is not what we give, but what we share,
for the gift without the giver is bare.
Who gives himself with his alms, feeds three,
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me.”

Freewill offering: $906.20. this is the largest freewill offering ever received. Let us make it a thousand dollars next year and every chapter enrolled a cheerful, generous giver and help make Wisconsin a shining light in the gallery of Grand Chapters.

Evening Session, October 7th, eight o’clock

A quartette composed of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Gill and Mr. and Mrs. O. Gillette of Lake Geneva rendered several selections delightfully. The officers of Jewel Chapter No. 19 of Antigo took the chairs and rendered the whole ritualistic work in a most impressive and satisfactory manner. A flute solo by Brother O. Gillette closed the evening’s entertainment.

Resolved, that the finance committee be authorized and directed to have in attendance at the next Grand Chapter Session a skilled reporter to assist the Grand Secretary during the session of the Grand Chapter Meetings. Motion seconded and carried.

“A word is a gem or a stone or a song,
or a flame or a two-edge sword;
Or a rose in bloom, or a sweet perfume,
Or a drop of gall is a word.

You may choose your word like a connoisseur,
And polish it with art,
But the word that sways, and stirs, and stays,
Is the word that comes from the heart.

You may work on your word a thousand weeks,
But it will not glow like one
That all unsought, leaps forth from the heart,
When the fountains of feeling run.

You may hammer away on the anvil of thought,
And fashion your word with care,
But unless you are stirred to the depths that word
Shall die on the empty air.

For the word that comes from the brain alone,
Alone to the brain will speed;
But the word that sways, and stirs, and stays,
Oh! That is the word men heed.”

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