Fifty-Fourth Annual Session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Civic Auditorium Milwaukee, Wisconsin October 3, 4, 1944 Liberty Year Session

Tuesday, 8:30 AM: The Liberty Bell, suspended from its hand-hewn beam, surrounded by fourteen large colonial flags against a dark blue curtain, in the Grand East. At the base of the stairs was a huge replica of the Great Seal of the Nation. After the organ recital by Grand Organist Florence Clasen of Wauwatosa Chapter, the stirring words of the poem “Ring, Ring, Ring, Oh Ring for Liberty” were read by Past Worthy Grand Matron Dorothy Peterson of Superior. Accompanied by the organ and marimba, Sister Dorothy Gadbaw sang “The Anvil Chorus.”

The well known characters from the famous “Spirit of ’76,” authentically costumed, entered from the West. They were members of the Milwaukee Club and other members formed their honorary escort. The Grand Pages in gowns of pink jersey and Sisters of the Milwaukee club entered to form a huge “V” on the Grand Chapter Floor, in the center of which was a large gold Liberty Bell carried by members of the club from which emanated streamers of red, white and blue. Sister Pearl Seip at the marimba played “America” to accompany this formation.

The Grand Officers in gowns of slate-blue with shocking-pink yokes and skirt inserts entered and while the assembly was till standing, the invocation was given by Rev. Don Stannard of Rob Morris Chapter, Palmyra.

Tribute to the Flag: As we stand here in this year of 1944, when men everywhere are bleeding and dying, and when freedom and liberty shine more brightly because of their terrific sacrifice, we would pay tribute to all of the banners here presented, remembering, however, that flags mean but a passing fancy, and that “more than the flag is passing by.”

It is the flag of the people and the nation that in this tragic hour are almost the sole hope of multiple millions throughout the world; their hope that somehow, somewhere, sometime, they may regain the freedom they have lost, or secure a freedom they have longed for and never had. To bring to them that freedom, as we protect and make secure our own, is not only our sole task but our supreme responsibility.

In 1944 the resolution was adopted that Grand Officers must be present or past Worthy Matrons or Patrons. It was amended for that year to grandfather in the Grand Secretary who was not a past Worthy Matron.

Worthy Grand Matron:

My work for the Liberty Year of 1944 is completed. In a most humble spirit, I say simply, “The little good I have done, that is my best work.” With simple fidelity I have endeavored to prepare myself for the great opportunity that came my way, so that the golden moments to serve humanity might not be lost but became alive and vital for the cause of mankind.

Your activities these past few months speak for themselves, for you are proving you realize that the character of this great organization is elevated in our own opinions, as well as others, according to the amount of knowledge we have of its history, its teachings and its philosophy.

Through the medium of letters members of subordinate Chapters and the members of the Grand Family are brought together. These tiny messengers do much in spreading the spirit of goodwill, friendship and service to humanity.

Official correspondence: knowing fully that ration boards are willing to cooperate in a program of this type, let us resolve that for the next ten months the Snack Bars at our Masonic Service Centers will be full and overflowing with cookies, doughnuts and coffee. I am asking the chapters to furnish cookies and doughnuts and coffee and the money that will provide the essentials that cannot be sent through the mail, such as cake and sandwiches. Other items suggested are books, records, playing cards, games and radios.

For the purpose of an accurate check on activities, the state has been divided into zones, each zone having its own Zone Leader. These leaders are the Associate Grand Conductress, Grand Chaplain, Grand Marshal, Grand Warder and the five Grand Star Points. You are to send an itemized account once each month to your zone leader as to what you have contributed. Any money should be sent to your zone leader and not to the service center.

Sisters and Brothers, please send in all your reports to your Red Cross leader, Sister Mina Barrer. It is necessary that we have an accurate account of all that is being done.

Visits: October 25, Grand Chapter Session of Ohio held in Columbus. November 14, General Grand Chapter held in Chicago, Illinois. Wisconsin was proud to have Sister Nancy George of Racine Chapter act as one of the General Grand Pages and to have Brother Otis George, Past Grand Patron of Sparta Chapter carry the Wisconsin State Flag in the presentation of flags from all Grand Jurisdictions. May 8, combined a visit to the Grand Chapter of Minnesota with inspection of 18 chapters in the north. November 22, reception given by Acadia Chapter for their Sister Angelia Brill, Grand Chaplain. February 22, Waukesha Chapter, Golden Jubilee, - dinner, reception and program. April 23, Venus Chapter, Golden Jubilee – team and program. June 14, Aurora Chapter – dinner and reception for our Grand Esther, Sister Theodora Klug. This evening will never be forgotten for it was also the occasion of my husband’s and my 17th wedding anniversary and as a surprise Aurora Chapter presented us with a beautiful wedding cake.

Good of the Order: Our flag today is the Hope of the World; it stands for everything good, pure and upright, for principles and virtues such as taught by the five points of the star. As members of this great organization we know what that Star of Eternity stands for; we can, by no means, afford to have outsiders say of us that we are following that Star in vain, that we are not the influence in the world that we should be. Woodrow Wilson: “the things that the flag stands for were created by the experiences of a great people. Everything that is stands for was written by their lives. The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history.

The “Holy City” was very beautifully presented in pantomime by members of St. Omar Chapter, Monroe, Sister Dorothy Gadbow of Omro Soloist.

Worthy Grand Patron:

We are indeed fortunate to live in a country where an Order such as ours still have the privilege of Assembly. Every effort is being put forth by our Armed Forces and civilians alike, to bring about a speedy Victory so that Peace may again prevail upon this earth, and the threat to our Liberty may be destroyed. We hope and pray that never again will we have to resort to force of arms to settle differences between Nations.

In planning the future activities of the Order, there seems to be a great need for the guidance of our young people. Education has been a great factor in the progress of our Nation. We must emphasize the necessity of Education, so that when the war is won, they can be prepared for a new world. We must impress these young people with the thought that when we get back to normalcy, industry will need skilled labor more than ever. Without at least a high school education these young people will be handicapped and not qualified to take their rightful place in the rebuilding of a new world.

During the year, I had the privilege of visiting 48 chapters. Gas rationing limited our trips and we were grateful to the Brothers and Sisters who made so many of our trips possible. I attended 27 inspections, 11 installations, 10 anniversaries and took some part in the initiations in 10 chapters. It was gratifying to see the fine work of the officers. It made a fine impression on the candidates.

Membership, I suggest you visit as many chapters as you can. You will find as you attend other chapters you get a better insight into the work and it will mean more to you and such visitations will help you to bring new ideas to help your own chapter.

Sister Florence Liessman, Grand Lecturer:

The year has passed so swiftly and pleasantly it is hard for me to realize that my duties are ended, and that it is time to transfer the responsibility of my obligation to my successor.

Restricted traveling conditions made it necessary for me to hold many joint inspections and a few afternoon meetings. The sweetness of friendship’s fairest flower invaded my heart on the occasion of each official visit. Much time, thought and careful planning on the part of the Worthy Matron, Officers and members insured the success of each meeting and the comfort and happiness of my visit.

A great deal of joy of life consists in doing perfectly or at least to the best of one’s ability, everything he attempts to do. It is gratifying to state that in many of the chapters visited, I found that much time and preparation had been put into the effort of perfecting the Ritualistic work.

During the past year it was my pleasure to make ninety official visits. (Here it is noted that two small chapters that could not fill all their stations witnessed inspection at a neighboring chapter, with the books of both chapters being inspected.)

“Set ye up a stand in the land, blow the trumpet” (Jeremiah 57) that our Star may shine with undiminished luster through the land.

OES Red Cross Report: 504,320 hours of service

Masonic Home: $2,200.30.

International Temple Fund: $204.45. Oconomowoc Chapter completed its full quota this year, thus placing its name of the Honor Roll. To date there are 80 Wisconsin Chapters that have paid their quota in full and will be on the Honor Roll in the International Temple in Washington.

Masonic Service Centers: A silver offering of $1,990.21.

270 Chapters
46,595 Members