Proceedings of the Thirty-Third Annual Session of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Wisconsin Scottish Rite Cathedral Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Thirty-third annual session convened on Tuesday, the second day of October, 1923 at two o’clock p.m.

The Grand Marshal assisted by the Grand Conductresses and the Drill Corps of the Girls Club of the Milwaukee Chapter No. 2 presented the flag.

Part of tribute to flag
….those of us who attended the General Grand Chapter meeting in Washington last fall, and who were privileged to meet and shake hands with our late President Warren Harding, never dreamed that in a few short months he would be called upon to sacrifice himself upon the alter of service….

….why should we of America not lead in this great work of reconstruction and not sit idly by waiting. We know our strength, our nation has been tried too many times to hesitate, our ship of state is strong:

“We know what Master laid thy keel,
what Workman wrought thy ribs of steel,
who made each mast and sail and rope,
what anvils rang, what hammers beat,
in what a forge and what a heat,
were shaped the anchors of thy hope.”

Address of welcome was given by Sister Martha Miller, Worthy Matron of Electa Chapter No. 75 of Milwaukee.

Grand Matron:

“Once more Time’s scythe has swept a year,
and bound it in its sheaf
and in our life’s book, God’s own hand
turns o’er another leaf.”

Reading of a letter from the Most Worthy Grand Matron:

I feel it my duty to call your attention to the important legislation enacted at our last Assembly….

First: the building of a national Eastern Star Temple to take its place among the great memorials erected in our nation’s capitol and to give the Order of the Eastern Star standing and prestige in the eyes of all the world.

Second: ..to assist the young men and women of our Order to procure an education…

Third: instill in the heart and mind of each member a sense of the….privilege which they enjoy in bringing to a culmination all plans for the uplifting and betterment of the world.

Fourth: To urge each Grand Chapter to recognize and adopt one of the following Organizations for young girls: the Order of Job’s Daughters or the Order of the Rainbow.

Fifth: to…continue the plan of making contributions to the Near East Relief by having all funds collected by secretaries…sent to the Grand Secretary…and forwarding…to the Right Worthy Grand Secretary.

It was my privilege to represent this Grand Chapter at the Seventeenth Triennial Session of the General Grand Chapter which was held in Washington, D.C. the week beginning November 12, 1922.

The change in the weaving of the labyrinth was adopted.

(Delegates visited the White House and were greeted by President Warren G. Harding).

…was unable to attend any Grand Chapter sessions except Minnesota.

Circular letter:

Dear Sisters and Brothers, on Thursday, June 14, 1923, the Grand Lodge, F.& A.M. will dedicate the New Masonic Home at Dousman, Wis. At the same time the ceremony of “laying the corner stone” of the O.E.S. Hospital will take place.

I have officially visited 72 Chapters and visited 22 chapters socially.

Chippewa Chapter No. 112 of Chippewa Falls gave a reception program and banquet in my honor on my official visit to their chapter.

I quote from Dickens” “May the blessings of our God rest upon thee and the Sun of glory shine around thy way. May the gates of plenty honor and happiness be always open to thee and thine. May no strife disturb thy days, nor sorrow distress thy nights, and lastly: May love and peace and mercies without end attend you.”

Grand Patron:

Let us not forget that our duties to mankind lie far beyond the confines of our various chapters.

Onalaska Chapter was instituted February 12, 1923 by Brother Ray E. Gile, Associate Grand Patron. Initiatory work exemplified by Ruth Chapter No. 23, La Crosse, Wi.

Grand Secretary:

$1,052.15 was received for the Near East Appeal.

The sum of $19,510.24 has been paid in hospital fund assessments.

Number of chapters 241, 3 UD
Number of members 40,781