Sixty-First Annual Session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Civic Auditorium Milwaukee, Wisconsin September 25, 26, 27, 1951 Star-light Session

May the light from our Star in the East warm your hearts,
Strengthen your faith, and guide you along the pathways of
Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness

The Job’s Daughters Drill Team of Bethel No. 5 delighted the audience with their precision drilling. As a fitting climax, the girls knelt in floodlighted Star formation around the Altar as “Star of the East was sung by the OES Choir of Milwaukee County under the direction of Hazel Wegener of Vega Chapter. Singing “Fairest Lord Jesus,” the Choir entered from the East as the curtains parted to reveal in soft beautiful color a three dimensional back drop of the village of Bethlehem as it might have appeared on the night of the Christ Child’s birth. The buildings of the village formed the background while to the fore there appeared the Shepherds and their flock of sheep. Over it all, Stars twinkled in the night sky and the Star of the East cast a brilliant luster over the tiny village.

As Past Grand Patron, Brother J. F. Madison entered to place the Bible on the Altar, Sister Mabel Johnson of Marathon Chapter, Wausau, sang “Thanks Be To God,” by Dixon.

The Grand Pages in gowns of aqua chiffon with full skirts and brilliant studded tops entered and formed the letters H and O for Helen and Otto on the steps in the East, as an escort for the Grand Officers. The Grand Officers in gowns of vivid red nylon taffeta with tight bodices and very full skirts entered in regular form to the strains of the 61st March written by Past Grand Organist Fred Clitheroe of Kenosha Chapter.

Rev. Thomas Lyter, D.D. of Acadia Chapter gave the invocation and the Star Light Session of the Grand Chapter was formally opened.

Worthy Grand Matron:

The past year has seemed like unto a day. Bright hopes and happy anticipations appeared in its rosy dawn. Then came hours of work and the noonday passed. The afternoon came on with more duties – and now the sunset is here with its many realizations and memories. It has been my hope and prayer that I might have a threefold part in helping the Light from our Star to shine with undiminished luster.

Correspondence: This year the Grand Chapter has joined with the General Grand Chapter in the promotion of two charitable projects – Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children and an appeal from the Most Worthy Grand Matron to collect and send good, clean, warm clothing to aid the Masonic Families in German, Finland and other occupied countries in Europe. Our boys are returning from the battlefront wounded and in need of blood plasma, I urge you to assist your community in maintaining the supply of blood plasma.

An invitation to the 1952 General Grand Triennial Session in Milwaukee to be held in October 1952. A contribution of 50 cents per member will be necessary to underwrite the expenses.

Visits: October, the Illinois Grand Session. May, the Minnesota Grand Chapter in Minneapolis where I was privileged to respond to the Welcome given to Distinguished Guests. I was privileged to attend the Golden Anniversary Celebration of Marathon Chapter, Wausau.

October 28, Dinner and program given by Arbutus Chapter, Stevens Point in honor of our Worthy Grand Patron. October 29, breakfast at the Masonic Temple given by Brother Otto and Sister Evelyn Skatland.

November 9, Oriental Chapter, Oshkosh, entertained for our Associate Grand Matron, Sister Ruth Taube.

May 12, laying of the Cornerstone, Hospital addition, Dousman.

June 6, Party honoring Grand Martha, Sister Lydia Larson, given by Lemonweir Chapter, Mauston. June 23, party for Grand Electa, Sister Zona Garten, given by Everett Chapter, Marshfield.

Through generous contributions to the Cheer Fund, the committee charged with this project has accomplished a cheerful atmosphere of color and beauty by the recovering and reupholstering of furniture in the Hall and Reception Room of the new Hospital.

During my five years of service in the Grand Chapter it has been my privilege to visit well over 200 chapters in our State officially and socially. Each and every visit was most enjoyable and I am sincerely grateful for the generous and friendly hospitality that was extended to me in every instance.

Worthy Grand Patron:

Star-light is symbolic of the need for guidance when times are dark. May this Session and friendships made strengthen our faith and help each and everyone here assembled.

Words cannot express my thanks to the members and friends of Arbutus Chapter, Stevens Point, for their unselfish support and loyalty.

November 2, 1950 we took our first plane ride and attended the unveiling of Robert Morris’ picture, and the Centennial of the Writing of the Ritual.

In my year as Grand Patron, I have attended 26 Annual Reviews, 15 receptions, one 60th, two 50th and two 25th anniversaries. I was given the privilege of installing the officers at Antigo and Stevens Point. Guest patron on three occasions and attended 14 other Friend’s nights and special occasions.

Lottie Dearborn, Grand Lecturer:

Several Chapters have suggested to members of the Committee that they would appreciate instruction prior to the night of the official visit. The present inspection system is outmoded and used very little, if at all, in other Grand Jurisdictions. A system of instruction in the local chapter would give better results – the officers would become better acquainted with their duties if they had a more thorough understanding of the ritualistic and floor work. The officers by and large are cooperative and are willing to receive instructions and they are conscientiously endeavoring to carry on the ritualistic work in an efficient manner.

Cheer Fund: $1,268.67, Christmas Fund, 368.00, underwear, carfare, stamps, radio repair, newspapers, magazine, glasses, metal basket for hospital, vases for dining room and draw drapes for the apartment of the superintendent, reupholster the furniture in corridor, and slip cover the furniture in parlors W-1 and W-2, purchased a beautiful velvet drop for the Auditorium.

Shriner’s Hospitals: $5,105.26

Kansas Grand Chapter: $100 for flood relief.

270 Chapters
58,293 Members