Forty-First Annual Session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Scottish Rite Cathedral Milwaukee, WI October 6, 7, 8, 1931

Grand Chapter was favored by a song of welcome by Brother Harry Hauge of Wauwatosa.

Grand Master, William Graves: “That it is not what we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare.”

“Be thou a star of sympathy and love from which, to those to whom life seems a never-ending night, shall shine bright beams of hope. Let words of counsel and of cheer, set to the music of fraternal love, fall from your lips, giving a glow to the cheek, a sparkle to the eye and hope to the heart of him who hears.”

Worthy Grand Matron: My gratitude is to the members of this Grand Chapter, and the subordinate chapters for bestowing upon me this high honor and for the wonderful spirit of friendship and cooperation which you have given me this past year, also for the opportunity presented me, of enjoying the many beauties of Wisconsin.

“For it’s doing the little extras, the things we’re not asked to do,
The favors that help one’s brother to trust in God and you.
It’s doing, I say, the extras, the things not looked for, you know,
That will bring us our King’s kind notice, a ‘well done,’ as we go.”

Correspondence: Christmas – I want to urge each subordinate chapter and individual member to extend generous aid to the victims of poverty and distress. I feel that our charity this year should go to those little children and the poor and aged who are less fortunate than we. Easter – I wish to remind you of the beautiful custom which we have followed from year to year, that of sending donations to our Masonic Home at Dousman.

Invitations: October 16th, my own chapter gave me a delightful party. I had the pleasure of having most of my Grand Family with me and I never can thank Phoenix Chapter enough for this lovely evening. November 12th, I was the guest of honor with our Grand Patron, at a party given in his honor by his home chapter, and I wish to thank Fidelity Chapter for the many courtesies extended to me on this evening and at other times during the year.

April 2nd, Sheboygan Chapter, the home chapter of our Grand Martha, Sister Otten, entertained Fidelity Chapter, Appleton, the latter putting on the ritual work of fifty years ago. This was exceptionally interesting, as every one who wished to, came in costume. Even your Grand Matron, whom many did not recognize. The work was very nicely exemplified and a lovely evening was well spent. May 11, I attended Minnesota Grand Chapter.

I have made 127 inspections. Have asked several chapters to be guests to observe the work when I could not get to their chapters. I have been able to inspect 127 by holding joint meetings of two chapters practically every visitation.

“We met by chance upon life’s highway, and from that meeting grew
A friendship that has made my heart rejoice in life anew.”

To my own Phoenix Chapter, I never can repay you for all the courtesies, parties and gifts you have bestowed upon me. I feel that I owe to you more than I can express, for it was in 215 that I first saw “His Star in the East” on April 13, 1920. So had it not been for your kindness I could never have been your Worthy Grand Matron.

“I’d like to think that here and there when I am gone, there shall remain
A happier spot that might have not existed had I toiled for gain;
That some one’s cheery voice and smile shall prove that I had been worthwhile
That I had paid with something fine my debt to God for life devine.”
Compensation by Edgar Guest.

Worthy Grand Patron: I shall always look back upon this year with a great deal of pride for this honor came to me unsought, yet were I to seek an honor it would be one like this that I would covet for it is good to feel that one has the confidence of one’s Brothers and Sisters.

On February 11th I received a petition for a dispensation to form a new chapter at Owen. The Blue Lodge, a comparatively new one, of 91 members, was in favor and as the field looked very promising, I decided to grant this dispensation. On May 29th I instituted this chapter according to the law of the Order. The meeting was called at 3:30 in the afternoon. It was held in the community hall of the Episcopal Church, which was to be the regular meeting place. If seriousness and earnestness of purpose is a desired requisite for a strong chapter, Owen Chapter will be strong and worthy.

Suggestion: that the incoming Grand Matron appoint a committee to prepare a “Preparation Leaflet” to be given to candidates of subordinate chapters after their election so they may know in a way what is expected of them.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to visit 36 chapters this year. I deem this to have been one of the most enjoyable duties of my office.

In November my own Chapter gave a party in my honor and I can truly say it was a gorgeous affair. This will ever be remembered by me for it was a compliment from my Sisters and Brothers at home. “Home is where the heart is.” We enjoyed the attendance of many Grand Officers and other guests.

Tuesday evening: Brother Karstaedt, an excellent fiddler, carried every one into heights of ecstasy with his wonderful music.

The Worthy Grand Matron asked the Grand Officers to vacate their stations for the officers of Fidelity Chapter No. 94, Appleton, who exemplified the opening, closing and business session of a subordinate chapter, flag presentation, introduction of visitors and examination of a visitor in a most creditable manner.

Grand Lecturer, Nettie B. Hobson: Through the year I have visited 108 chapters, 103 for inspection and five by invitation. In most chapters I have found very good work. Some of the smaller chapters are doing beautiful work and deserve the greatest credit, and while I have tried to encourage always, instead of finding fault, I have also tried to be honest, giving praise when it was deserved, encouragement when needed and corrections only in a constructive way.

Masonic Home: Free will offering - $1,975.06. Chapter donations: entertainment, case of jellies and preserves, case of oranges, box of applies, jams and jellies, reading, joint service of comfort, blanket. The yearly OES donation was increased from $1,500 to $2,000.

273 Chapters, 1 U.D.
54,789 Members