Fifty-First Annual Session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Civic Auditorium Milwaukee, Wisconsin October 7, 8, 9, 1941 Cathedral Session

Tuesday, 1:00 P.M. The combined choirs of Ada B. Hewitt Chapter No. 267 and Acadia Chapter No. 269 entered singing “Open the Gates of the Temple”.

The Escorts, members of the WGM/WGP clubs of Milwaukee County and the Grand Pages wearing red net over white satin and carrying white fans bearing the words in red “Service, Sincerity and Peace” preceded the Grand officers into the Grand Chapter Room. The escorts formed the letters “P” and “K” and the number “41”. Worthy Matrons of 1939, 1940 and 1941 of Dane County and counties surrounding Madison presented an interesting drill forming a large triangle and stressing the theme of the session – Service, Sincerity and Peace.

The Grand officers dressed in flowing white chiffon, accented by red corsages, bags and slippers.

The Grand Chapter room gave the impression of large cathedral with cathedral windows forming the background of the East, the West and the conductress’ stations. The pipes of a large organ were visible in the East and candelabra with their many lighted white candles and decorative baskets of red roses and white mums added to the beauty of the setting.

Brother Charles H. Townsend, Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter was presented. He was born in Wisconsin and initiated into Star in Wisconsin.

Tuesday evening between 400 and 500 members gathered for an all-state patriotic dinner at the Crystal Ballroom at The Schroeder. The tables were placed and decorated to simulate a huge American Flag with a tall lighted white candle on each white star of the field. The artistry of arrangement was accomplished by Racine Chapter No. 45. Place favors were small satin flags set in stars of red, white or blue.

Stirring trumpet numbers by Bugler Allen Hoese of Racine rang out from the balcony where he took position beside a large draped flag and the entire assemblage joined in singing “God Bless America.” The dessert was baked Alaska complete with blazing sparklers.

International Night 8:30 P.M. An arm-chair journey to those countries around the globe to which the Eastern Star has carried its flag of fraternal inspiration and helpfulness. The assemblage was thrilled by the living flag upon the stage – 250 members of the Milwaukee chapters. Before them “Liberty” a reproduction of the famed statue in New York harbor – held high her torch of freedom. Supplementing the choir’s music, Sister Laura Neeb, Worthy Matron of Dousman Chapter sang “Our Flag”, a composition of Past Patron Harry Torhorst also of Dousman Chapter. This was followed by intricate and beautiful drill numbers by the uniformed girls’ drill team and harp solos.

These were followed by a pageant – Our Star Around the World – arranged by Sister Ina J. Reid. Tribute to the memory of Robert Morris, founder of the Order, was given by presentation of the officers of Rob Morris Chapter No. 10 of Palmyra.

Worthy Grand Matron: Give to the world the best that you have and the best will come back to you.

The WGM appointed a special committee of five Past Grand Matrons to study the present system and other methods of the inspections of subordinate Chapters – from a resolution of the prior Grand Chapter.

(At this time there was apparently a Wisconsin magazine called “Star Dust” that the WGM wrote some articles for).

WGM attended Grand Chapters in Iowa, Ohio, Florida and Minnesota. October 24 attended at party for Grand Martha at Oriental Chapter, Oshkosh. January 24, 1941 attended Golden Anniversary for Tomah Chapter. February 3 attended a reception for Grand Ruth at Kinnickinnic Chapter, River Falls. May 2, Golden Anniversary of Queen Esther Chapter, Lodi. June 20, Golden Anniversary of Baraboo Chapter. September 12, Golden Anniversary of Miriam Chapter, Platteville.

The Most Worthy Grand Matron requested a committee be set up to support the activities of the American Red Cross. This committee was set up and continued through the war years.

The WGM made 67 official inspections.

Worthy Grand Patron: In my year I made 70 visitations, presided in the East eight times and in the West 10 times and had the pleasure of installing the officers in three Chapters.

Grand Lecturer, Florence Liessman: 92 official visits.

Wednesday Evening: Processional by the Vested Choir of Vega Chapter, Milwaukee. The opening, closing and business sessions of a subordinate chapter was given by officers selected from subordinate chapters. The Grand Officers exemplified the initiatory work.

$1,174.80 free will offerings to the Masonic Home

270 Chapters
46,200 Members