Fifty-Fifth Annual Session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Civic Auditorium Milwaukee, Wisconsin October 2, 3, 4, 1945 The Peace Session

Tuesday, 1:30 P.M. The beautifully white robed “Goddess of Peace” standing on top of the huge replica of the World, held aloft in her right hand a lighted torch, in her left was the open Holy Bible. This beauty in its simplicity was flanked on either side by lovely ferns. The theme of the Session was “Let there be Light”. Members of the Milwaukee clubs entered the darkened Grand Chapter room bearing lighted candles and in a simple march formed the Star around the labyrinth while Norma Henschel of Wauwatosa Chapter No. 219 sang “When the Lights come on Again.” When this group had been seated Grand Escorts and pages entered carrying huge letters which spelled “PEACE”.

Taking of the pass was exemplified by the Conductresses who addressed the officers and those members in the first row on either side east of the Conductress’ stations.

Masonic Home Report: the electric toaster given last fall has been installed and is thoroughly appreciated by all residents. A motion picture projector has been ordered but because of war-time restrictions has not been delivered at this time. I wish to tank particularly the chapters who have remembered the Home with gifts the past year. $617 has been received for the projector; 2,582 dozen cookies, 98 dozen doughnuts, 1,168 sandwiches, 6 bushels apples, 43 pounds of homemade candy, 60 gift packages, 1200 scrap books, 16 decks of cards, 1 subscription to Reader’s Digest, and many records and games.

Several Milwaukee Chapters have donated wheel chairs to the Veterans Hospital at Wood, Wisconsin.

Worthy Grand Matron: On October 15, 1944 attended the Golden Anniversary of Edgerton Chapter 63. A delightful dinner was served, followed by a splendid program. 61 Official Visits.

Worthy Grand Patron: Our prayer and that of the world has been answered. Peace is again being established….Our Nation has won the greatest military victory ever recorded in the history of man…our victorious armies are returning to their homes to try to build a better and happier place in which to live. My official visits to chapters comprised of 41 visits, fourteen installations, 21 inspections, four anniversaries and 11 receptions.

Grand Lecturer, Sayda S. Pettersen: I inspected 90 chapters. Because traveling conditions were not what they used to be, it was necessary to have many joint inspections. Many words of commendation are due the chapters for their splendid efforts in arranging delightful evenings.

Service Fund: Hundreds of pounds of cookies, spreads, candy, gum and cigarettes. Hot dishes, homemade cakes, sandwiches and special entertainment for Candle Light Suppers – served 24,061 suppers. Lunches served to 53,934 and hundreds of dozen cookies to the patients in the hospital at Truax Field. Refreshments served to 49,818. (The Masonic Service Center was located in Madison at the Masonic Temple and had entertained 400,000 since it opened August 15, 1942).

Red Cross report: 135,000 hours as nurses aids, canteen, grey ladies, production, blood donors, etc. $292,824.50 in Bond sales.

Masonic Home report: wash cloths, cards, books, magazines, games, ties, afghans, floor lamps, bed lamps, cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, soap, combs, socks slippers, razor blades, tooth brushes, candy bars,