Sixty-Fifth Annual Session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin Civic Auditorium Milwaukee, Wisconsin September 27, 28, 29, 1955 Fingertip Session

An organ prelude by Brother Fred Clitheroe of Kenosha Chapter preceded the prologue arranged and narrated by Sister Sinah Owen of Union Grove Chapter.

The curtains parted and the Star of Bethlehem shone forth with unexpected brilliance. Ascending to the Star, an ever narrowing five colored path near which was the figure of a young woman reaching high overhead, seeking through the lessons of the five colors of our Order to have the Stars at her fingertips.

At the base of the five colored pathway stood Shepherds guarding their flocks. As the narrator skillfully wove her story of man’s search for light, there entered from all corners of the room the three Wise Men, a weary traveler, some of the Tired and Poor of the earth, a young Mother and Infant, Youth and Age, together with representatives of all Nations. It mattered not which road was traveled for each in his own way followed the brilliance of the Star. They saw, they followed and they reached for the star.

On the white covered labyrinth, the ushers, usherettes, and WM’s and WP’s of Milwaukee County formed a white star surrounded by a black labyrinth surrounded by a blue circle. After they dispersed, the blue gowned pages, each carrying a large brilliant Star, formed an escort line on the stairs leading to the Grand East. The grand officers, in gowns of mauve net over blue, entered in regular formation.

The tribute to the flags was given by A. Lincoln Price, WP of Star of Bethlehem Chapter, Portage.

Most Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Florence Plummer, was introduced. As she stood at the altar, she was surrounded by the formation of Star, Pentagon and Circle, a most appropriate formation since it depicted the emblem of General Grand Chapter.

The Grand Chapter floor, carpeted in snowy white was surrounded by a low white picket fence. Supporting the fence were seven tall, white posts, each topped with an old fashioned black, wrought iron lamp. Wisteria in soft shades of lavender to deep purple draped the fence and clung to the railing on both sides of the stairs leading to the Grand East. The lamps had remained unlighted, but during the ceremony, the Old Lamplighter in high silk hat and long tailed coat, carrying his short step ladder, a can of kerosene, polishing cloths and torch slowly made the rounds to light each lamp.

A tribute to Brother A. W. Kopp who served our Grand Jurisdiction for Fifty Years. Past Patron of Miriam Chapter, Platteville who was elected Worthy Grand Patron on the first ballot in 1905. Over the years he has lighted lamps for others as a teacher, attorney, a congressman, district attorney of Grand County and Judge of Wisconsin’s Fifth Judicial Circuit.

For when the day is over and twilight shadows fall he lights the lamp of memories all along the wall.

Grand Representatives response was given by Alma Cotton, Phoenix Chapter, Beloit.

Worthy Grand Matron: I have read that if we find nothing of lasting interest where we are, we are likely to find little of lasting interest where we wish to go. From the North to the South, from the East to the West, the beauties of the state were enhanced by the warm handclasp and friendly hospitality of the Stars in every port. It was an experience of special significance to put my fingertips on the pulse of your chapters and watch you at your work.

“My flowers do not come from shops or near my garden wall
Because my flowers are the friends who take the time to call.
They are the gentle souls with whom I never want to part –
Because they are the flowers fair that blossom in my heart.”

Correspondence:

“I know when I’m old and wrinkled, and the scenery I mar,
I’ll still enjoy the letters from the good old Eastern Star.
And when my journey is ended, if I find the gates ajar,
I think I’ll ask St. Peter – ‘any letters from the Star?’”

In 1955 the WGM requested that actual candidates not be used for the Official Visit. Grand Honors will be given without a hearty welcome.

Three projects to be considered this year: 1) a project within your own chapters such as replacing worn out equipment or purchasing long needed equipment; 2) International Temple. $1.00 per member; 3) ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership).

The floor work will be demonstrated on Tuesday night and accepted to become a part of our new Red Book.

WGM: Attended the Minnesota Grand Chapter; golden anniversaries for Walworth, Burlington and Melody, Middleton; special home coming in her home chapter of Burlington; party and reception given by Burlington at the Royal Palms – the entertainment was a “facts and phantasy” contest; party for Lucille Harpke, Associate Grand Matron, given by Golden Rule Chapter; party for Sister Marion Baker, Grand Adah, Ruth Chapter, LaCrosse; reception and program given by Miriam Chapter No. 15, Platteville, in honor of Sister Dorothy Sowls, Grand Conductress; and reception and party given by Racine Chapter in honor of Sister Nancy George, Grand Marshal.

It was interesting to see the genuine pride in the results of the Chapter Room Improvement Program. Redecorating, new carpeting and new and better paraphernalia were among the accomplishments. $11,708.65.

“What we do for ourselves dies with us, but the good we do for others lives on.”

Dousman Christmas Party: This year each Grand Officer was privileged to bring one chapter member to join in the festivities as your personal representative. In the center of the dining room the Grand Officers depicted a Nativity Scene with the residents and guests joining in the singing of Christmas Carols as the scene progressed. The Worthy Grand Patron acted as narrator. In the center of each table was a tall gaily colored foil tree. Each of the ladies was bedecked with gay poinsettia wristlet and each man with a holly boutonniere.

The 28th Triennial Session of the General Grand Chapter was held in Washington, D.C. Wisconsin was represented by a total of 20. The evenings of September 12, 13 and 14 a “smorgasbord” was held in the Wisconsin Suite. Wisconsin cheese donated by the Department of Agriculture was given to each guest and a miniature replica of our state capitol. Pennants of Wisconsin and balloons boosting the “Braves” added to the atmosphere. A mimeographed copy of the Ritual changes will be sent as soon as time will permit.

I like to think I saw a sign above the door of each chapter room: You will find kindness, love, fellowship and peace inside, if you bring them with you.

Members of Burlington Chapter were asked to stand and were given a cheering welcome by all assembled.

Worthy Grand Patron: while serving as a Grand Officer I have been privileged to have contact with 67 chapters of our Grand Jurisdiction. I have been present at 30 Grand officer parties and 43 Official Visits. I attended General Grand Chapter in Washington, D.C. and was honored to carry the Wisconsin Flag in the presentation of state flags.

I must say that the Church I serve has been very helpful and that the members have gone out of their way to make the year as smooth as possible and that the unavoidable conflicts have been at a minimum.

Masonic Home: Chapters have provided – entertainment and supper; picnic and evening lunch; birthday party 3 times a year; choir program; visits; supper and Christmas program; supper and entertainment; visit and cookies; Mothers Day candy; jams and jellies; Christmas Seals; sewing material; Readers Digest subscription, yellow vase, clothing; pot holders, quilt; ice cream; linen; Swiss cheese; and cash donations of $238.90 which provided for magazines, movies, candy and special day treats. The Grand Chapter finished the drapes and cushions for the parlors and refurnished the reception room with a new chair, lamps, pictures, rug, drapes and the furniture recovered. Wauwatosa Chapter provides Dr. Brancel with the materials and she gives a day every three months to the guests foot problems.

Grand Lecturer, Sister Helen M. Collins: Last year, Schools of Instruction were conducted in various sections of the state. This year, an Evening of Instruction was conducted in each chapter.

(At this time officers still back from the altar to the edge of the Labyrinth after balloting).

The WGM had 62 official visits; the GL had 64.

60,158 members