Official Visit – Lachute Chapter #56

On April 4th, we had our Official Visit to Lachute Chapter. The weather in the city was rainy, with a mixture of wet snow and a touch of freezing rain. As I drove to Lachute, the weather got worse as the snow started coming down heavier. Where in the city there was nothing on the ground except rain, Lachute had about 5-6 cms of snow. Of course I, along with many other members coming from the city, did not have any boots on! I even got stuck in the parking lot!!

Even though the weather turned bad, there were still about 50 members present for the Visit. The Worthy Matron had an honour program for the Worthy Grand Patron and I before the meeting began. It was a special candle ceremony incorporating my Watchwords – Faith, Hope, Peace and Love. It was beautifully done and very touching.

At every meeting, as part of my inspection, I have been asking the chapters to exemplify some sort of ritual work for me. This night I had asked for the Star Point Electa’s initiatory work to be done. It was very nicely done by Sister Linda Roger. I’m kind of partial to the Station of Electa as this was my first office as well as being Grand Electa. Congratulations Sister Linda! I also presented a Certificate of Appreciation and special gold Thistle pin to Brother Calvin Atkin who is the chapter’s Marshal – my Honour Station.

Lachute Chapter was also celebrating their 35th Birthday. There were seven charter members to receive their 35-yr pin and five of them were at the meeting. I had the pleasure of “pinning” the four ladies present, Sisters Freda Gordon, P.G.M., Linda Roger, Dorothy Ellis and Elaine Wilson, and Brother Bill, WGP “pinned” Brother George Gordon, P.G.P.

After a delicious social of sandwiches and birthday cake, I made my way home (or maybe I should say crawled home). The snow had stopped in Lachute, but was now headed for the city – just my luck! I’m sure I didn’t drive more than 80 kph all the way home. I even had to do a double take when I saw an 18-wheeler in the ditch! By the time I got home there was about 7 cms of snow on the ground.

Chapter Talk - The True Story of ESTARL:

Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, WGP, all Distinguished Guests, Sisters & Brothers. Thank you Worthy Matron for the warm welcome this evening. As always, it is a pleasure to be here tonight. Tonight I want to tell you the true story of ESTARL.

ESTARL. We all know what it means, but where did it come from? What are the roots of this fine scholarship program sponsored by the Order of the Eastern Star? Tonight, thanks to exhaustive research through archives, files, and informational repositories of unbelievable antiquity you will hear for the first time, the “true” story of how ESTARL came to be.

The ESTARL Scholarship Fund was formally established on April 1, 1939, in Morton’s Grove, New Jersey by Fred and Wilma E’Starle as a special study fund for wayward girls.

Several years before Ophelia Edwina Starbuck, O.E.S. for short, was one such “wayward girl.” Tired of the unfortunate stigma attached to her “wayward girl” status, Ophelia developed a great desire to attend seminary to be a religious leader, shedding forever the terrible stereotype that had always followed her.

But, alas, poor Ophelia had great difficulty being accepted into any of the finest institutions of religious training. She sent hundreds of applications all over the country, only to be rejected at every turn. At long last Ophelia was accepted at a small, little known, but very fine institution, the Overton Evangelical Seminary, O.E.S. for short. Ophelia was very happy. Almost instantly, however, her hopes were dashed. Poor Ophelia had no money. She could not attend without the money for tuition, books and fees. Ophelia was crushed.

Enter Fred and Wilma. The E’Starles had always been fond of Ophelia. They decided to help Ophelia financially. It was at that exact moment that Fred and Wilma noticed the most amazing coincidence. Ophelia’s initials, O.E.S., and the seminary’s initials, O.E.S., were the same as their beloved Order of the Eastern Star, O.E.S. for short. It seemed only logical that the Eastern Star should also help in some way.

Fred and Wilma asked their O.E.S. chapter to help sponsor Ophelia. The Chapter loved the idea. They adopted Ophelia’s plight as their own special philanthropy. When visiting Star members heard the reports of the fund raising committee, they asked questions about this religious scholarship for wayward girls. All liked the idea, and soon Chapters all over were starting their own scholarship programs. As the program spread to more and more Chapters, it became necessary to standardize the way in which Chapters were involved. By-Laws were written so that each Chapter would contribute at yearly intervals and would determine a “usual amount” to be given at that time. That “usual amount” was constant and could not be changed without a ¾ majority vote of the total membership of a Chapter. To this day, when chapters are asked to contribute to this, and many other charities, you will hear someone stand and say, “I move we give the usual amount!” Now you know where that phrase came from!

But what of the name ESTARL? Where did that come from?

Once again we go back to Fred and Wilma. The E’Starles’s Chapter wanted to name the scholarship after them. It was to be called “The Fred And Wilma E’Starle Fund for the Financial Assistance of Wayward Girls in Transition to Acceptance Within the Community,” F.W.E.F.F.A.W.G.T.A.W.C. for short. But Fred and Wilma were modest folks. They asked to remain anonymous. In keeping with their wishes, the Chapter dropped the last letter of the E’Starle’s name leaving just the letters E,S,T,A,R and L. That would work to disguise the origins, but confusion reigned. The letters had to stand for something.

Eugene Suffered Terrible Amnesia Regarding Latvia.

WRONG!

Edward’s Sister Trudy Arrived Real Late. Well Sister fit, but the rest of it didn’t mean anything.

Exceptional Secondary Teachers Always Read Latin. LATIN! They were getting close. At least Latin had something to do with religion. RELIGION! That was it! That’s what this scholarship program was about in the first place. It soon became official. The name of the scholarship program would be “EVERYONE SHOULD TACTFULLY ADOPT RELIGIOUS LADIES.”

On the more serious side, ESTARL is one of the most significant philanthropies we have. This really is the gift that “keeps on giving.” The students we sponsor go on to help hundreds of others, perhaps inspiring a new applicant for the ministry to begin the cycle all over again.

Not long ago, there was a Grand Master who encouraged his membership to increase their usual amount of giving. A lodge secretary was asked when was the last time the “usual amount” had been raised. Without hesitation he answered, “since before time began.” How long has it been in your Chapter?

Inflation, increased tuition costs and a decline in the number of chapters have all taken their toll on the monetary significance of the “usual amount”. I urge you to consider the motion to contribute to the ESTARL fund and increase your “usual amount” this year. It really doesn’t take a ¾ majority vote.

I want to thank you Worthy Matron, for allowing my Bible to rest on your Altar tonight. As you all know, this is the Bible that was presented to me by Sister Marion Loffelmann, P.G.M., at my Installation. She in turn received it from Sister Alta Fowler, P.G.M. At the end of the meeting, I would like you and the Worthy Patron to both sign it. The beautiful Bible marker was hand painted by Sister Louise Wilkinson, P.G.M. I hope everyone takes a chance to have a look. I also want to thank you Worthy Matron for using my gavel tonight. This is the gavel that was presented to me by the WGP, Brother Bill and Sister Fabienne on my Installation as Worthy Grand Matron last October.

I would also ask that after the meeting the Chapter Officers and the Grand Officers remain for pictures.

Thank you again, Worthy Matron, for all your courtesies tonight and for your wonderful donation to my Special Project. It is very much appreciated.

I’m All Caught Up!!

I can’t believe that I have finally caught up on all my activities. Not bad – it only took a month! I can finally post events as they occur.

Fundraising Dinners

On March 30th, Rosemount-St. Lambert Chapter #15 put on a Hungarian Night Dinner as a fundraiser. One of the members, Brother Frank Nemeth, who is Hungarian, made homemade Hungarian Goulash as well as homemade sausages. Sisters Brenda Shaw-Radford and Debbie Gamble made some wonderful desserts. After dinner, Brother Frank attempted to teach people how to do Hungarian dancing!

March 31st saw me headed off to Stanbridge East to enjoy the Chicken and Biscuit supper put on by Maple Leaf Chapter #2. This is an annual event for them and they get a lot of support from the community. The supper was wonderfully delicious (I’m pleased to say as this is the meal that they will be making for our banquet at the Hands Across the Border with Vermont on April 21st). I look forward to their annual Apple Festival Soup & Sandwich dinner in the Fall.

Concordant Bodies Meeting

On March 28th, I attended the Concordant Bodies meeting for the last time (the next one is scheduled for November after I will be out of office). It was a very productive meeting. The plans for the pamphlet that Grand Lodge is putting together were finalized. It should be ready in time for the Grand Lodge Communications at the end of May.

Also discussed was the new sign that is to be erected outside the Montreal Masonic Temple. It will have all the logos of all the Concordant Bodies. All that is required now is for us all to submit our logos in the right format to the sign maker. I’m thinking that this new sign should be up by the end of the year.

Grand Chapter’s Annual Bowl-a-Thon

The bowl-a-thon, held on March 24th, was once again a resounding success. There were about 65 bowlers and close to 80 for the supper. My sister, Judy, came to watch and she was very impressed with the turnout. The theme of the day was “The Race to Nessie” and there were prizes for the best dressed. Judy got a kick out of me winning the “booby prize” for wearing a tea towel on my back! (In my defense, it did have a picture of Nessie and a wee poem, so at least I was in keeping with the theme)!

I want to thank the Committee on Arrangements once again for all their hard work. I also thank the Worthy Matrons for their generous pledges. It wasn’t my best bowling, but I sure had fun.

Official Visit – Westmount Chapter #9

On March 22nd we had our Official Visit to Westmount Chapter. I have to admit, I was a lot more nervous this time around. I think it was because there were so many members present. There were two General Grand Chapter Committee Members and 16 Past Grands!

Again, I was honoured with a special ceremony by being paraded around to all the Star Points where I was given a gift of a beautiful candle holder in the Star Point colour, with a candle to go with it. I was, once again, presented with a donation to my Special Project. This evening I spoke to the Chapter on the subject of the Golden Rule. After the meeting, the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron signed my Bible and lots of pictures were taken. You know, it’s really hard to get everyone assembled for pictures!

Chapter Talk - The Golden Rule

Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, WGP, GGCCM’s, all Distinguished Guests, Sisters & Brothers. Thank you Worthy Matron for the warm welcome this evening. As always, it is a pleasure to be here tonight. Tonight I want to talk to you about the Golden Rule.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them”
Matthew 7:12

In our impressive installation ceremony, to me the most beautiful lines are these – “Let us be kind, forbearing and forgiving, one towards another. Let us return kindness for hostility. Let us sacredly preserve our lips from slander and evil speaking; and what so ever our failings, let us throw around each other the broad mantle of Charity. And finally, let us be governed in word and deed by the Golden Rule – Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets.”

Following the admonitions given to us in that one paragraph would solve all the problems in the world today. It would bring happiness to the individual and lasting peace to the earth. The world is a large place and we in this room cannot hope to influence it greatly. But we can, by living the Golden Rule, bring peace to our own souls and joy to those with whom we associate.

Here is a story of a young girl who eventually learned this.

A long time ago in China, a girl name Li-li got married and went to live with her husband and mother-in-law. In a very short time, Li-li found that she couldn’t get along with her mother-in-law at all. Their personalities were very different, and Li-li was angered by many of her mother-in-law’s habits. In addition, she criticized Li-li constantly.

Days passed days, and weeks passed weeks. Li-li and her mother-in-law never stopped arguing and fighting. But what made the situation even worse was that, according to ancient Chinese tradition, Li-li had to bow to her mother-in-law and obey her every wish.

All the anger and unhappiness in the house was causing the poor husband great distress. Finally, Li-li could not stand her mother-in-law’s bad temper and dictatorship any longer, and she decided to do something about it. Li-li went to see her father’s good friend, Mr. Huang, who sold herbs. She told him the situation and asked if he would give her some poison so that she could solve the problem once and for all.

Mr. Huang thought for a while, and finally said, “Li-li, I will help you solve your problem, but you must listen to me and obey what I tell you.” Li-li said, “Yes, Mr. Huang, I will do whatever you tell me to do.”

Mr. Huang went into the back room and returned in a few minutes with a package of herbs. He told Li-li “You can’t use a quick acting poison to get rid of your mother-in-law, because that would cause people to become suspicious. Therefore, I have given you a number of herbs that will slowly build up in her body. Every other day prepare some pork or chicken and put a little of these herbs in her serving. Now, in order to make sure that nobody suspects you when she dies, you must be very careful to act very friendly towards her. Don’t argue with her, obey her every wish, and treat her like queen.”

Li-li was so happy. She thanked Mr. Huang and hurried home to start her plot of murdering her mother-in-law.

Weeks went by, and months went by, and every other day, Li-li served the specially treated food to her mother-in-law. She remembered what Mr. Huang had said about avoiding suspicion, so she controlled her temper, obeyed her mother-in-law, and treated her like her own mother. After six months had passed, the whole household had changed.

Li-li had practiced controlling her temper so much that she found that she almost never got mad or upset. She hadn’t had an argument in six months with her mother-in-law, who now seemed much kinder and easier to get along with. The mother-in-law’s attitude towards Li-li changed, and she began to love Li-li like her own daughter. She kept telling friends and relatives that Li-li was the best daughter-in-law one could ever find. Li-li and her mother-in-law were now treating each other like a real mother and daughter, and Li-li’s husband was very happy to see what was happening.

One day, Li-li came to see Mr. Huang and asked for his help again. She said, “Dear Mr. Huang, please help me to keep the poison from killing my mother-in-law! She is changed into such a nice woman, and I love her like my mother. I do not want her to die because of the poison I gave her.”

Mr. Huang smiled and nodded his head, “Li-li, there is nothing to worry about. I never gave you any poison. The herbs I gave you were vitamins to improve her health. The only poison was in your mind and your attitude towards her, but that has been all washed away by the love which you gave to her.”

In promulgating the principles of our Order, we are truly living by the Golden Rule. In living by it we bring about our own reward. A feeling of warmth and well being fills our hearts; our characters are strengthened; truth becomes paramount; we beget love and inspire charity in others. We win friends. And in the final measures we shall have the joy of hearing the wonderful words of our Master, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In closing may I again repeat the impressive paragraph with which I opened:

“Let us be kind, forbearing and forgiving, one towards another. Let us return kindness for hostility. Let us sacredly preserve our lips from slander and evil speaking; and what so ever our failings, let us throw around each other the broad mantle of Charity. And finally, let us be governed in word and deed by the Golden Rule – Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets.”

I want to thank you Worthy Matron, for allowing my Bible to rest on your Altar tonight. As you know, this is the Bible that was presented to me by Sister Marion Loffelmann, P.G.M., who in turn received it from Sister Alta Fowler, P.G.M. At the end of the meeting, I would like you and the Worthy Patron to sign it. For those who haven’t seen it, the beautiful Bible marker, which was a gift from my chapter, was hand painted by Sister Louise Wilkinson, P.G.M. I hope everyone takes a chance to have a look. I also want to thank you Worthy Matron for using my gavel tonight. This gavel is the one presented to me by the WGP, Brother Bill and Sister Fabienne at my Installation. It is the second of the two gavels that I will be using this year.

I would also ask that after the meeting the Chapter Officers and the Grand Officers remain for pictures.

Thank you again, Worthy Matron, for all your courtesies tonight and for your wonderful donation to my Special Project. It is very much appreciated

Committee on Arrangements Meeting

On March 21st, I attended a meeting of the Committee on Arrangements. This Committee, chaired this year by Sister Bobby Hall, raises money throughout the year in order to help pay the costs of our annual Sessions in October. They are a very hard working bunch. At this meeting plans were finalized for the upcoming Bowl-a-thon as well as the Highland Games scheduled for May 6th. Of course, Brother Bill and I did get kicked out of the meeting when it came time for them to discuss the banquet and the decorations at the Sessions. These are to be a surprise for us (I can’t wait)!

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

On March 18th, for the first time, we participated in Montreal’s 183rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, walking behind the Karnak Shriners. Although we only got confirmation from the United Irish Society five days before the parade, and the fact that we had had a snow storm the day before, we had 14 members participate, and one non-member. The weather was a little cold and windy in the morning, but it soon warmed up as we got going, both from the sun that finally came out, and the friendship and fellowship enjoyed by everyone. I want to thank Sister Debbie Gamble of Rosemount-St. Lambert Chapter #15, who made the suggestion that we participate in the parade.

We had a super day and it was a great way for us to get ourselves known. Hopefully we can make this an annual event.

Fidelity Chapter’s Grand Representative’s Night and Irish Night

On March 14th, I headed off to Fidelity Chapter once again for their Grand Representative’s Night. The Pro-tem Worthy Matron, Sister Diane Evans, was surprised to see so many people there considering the weather wasn’t the greatest. I had the pleasure of presenting three Grand Representatives Commissions. The first was to a relatively new member, Sister Huguette Strassbourg. When I asked that she be presented to the East, she thought that she was in trouble! Her Commission was to British Columbia and Yukon. The second Commission was presented to Brother Michael Freel. His was especially picked for him. It is to the state of Kentucky, which is where he is originally from. The third Commission was presented to the Worthy Patron, Brother Robert Evans, P.G.P., to the state of South Carolina.

On March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, I attended Fidelity Chapter’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. We had delicious corn beef and cabbage and then ice cream for dessert. They also had their “famous” Irish coffee. Throughout the evening, there was a 3-piece band playing lots of toe tapping music.

New Hampshire & Quebec Exchange

On March 9th, 16 of us headed to Littleton, New Hampshire for a wonderful Exchange. My sister, Heather and I drove down with the WGP, Brother Bill and his wife, Sister Fabienne. We had a nice leisurely drive down, with a stop in St. Johnsbury, VT for lunch and arrived around 3:30 in the afternoon. After everyone arrived, a bunch of us went to the grocery store to get some snacks and of course the liquor store (I was once again hosting a social in my room later that night). We all gathered at the motel’s restaurant for a delicious supper. We ended up closing the restaurant at around 10:30 p.m. We Eastern Star’s from Quebec have a habit of doing that!!!

After breakfast the next day and a little rest, we all headed to the Methodist Church for a soup and sandwich lunch before heading over to the Masonic Temple. After a rehearsal with the Grand Officers, the meeting began with Mount Eustis Chapter doing the Opening. After the Introduction of Distinguished Guests, there was a brief recess before the entertainment began. The Rainbow Girls, who presented a Fun Degree, provided the entertainment. The WGP of New Hampshire and two other gentlemen were “initiated” (they were dressed up as girls!!). After the entertainment, we Worthy Grands were invited to say a few words, after which I presented Honorary Memberships to my chapter to Sister Bonnie Carbary, WGM of NH and Brother Eugene Jannenga, WGP of NH.

Since the meeting ended fairly early, a few of us ladies headed to the downtown area to check out the stores. Unfortunately, only a few of them were still open. Later, we all gathered, once again, at the motel’s restaurant for dinner and then, of course, more socializing in the motel rooms!

Sunday saw us up early to head for home (after breakfast of course). Other than a little rain on Saturday night, it was a super weekend.

Our First Official Visit – Rosemount-St. Lambert Chapter #15

Because of the postponement of our Official Visit to Victory Chapter, our first visit was to Rosemount-St. Lambert Chapter #15 on March 8th. This actually worked out well, as this chapter is my Mother Chapter. I thought I would be nervous, being our first visit, but I actually felt very comfortable. I think the Worthy Matron was more nervous than I was! Of course, I remember when I was Worthy Matron the thought of the WGM’s visit scared me silly!

As our Sessions are called “The Gathering of the Clans” Session, and my Clan is the Marshall Clan, I have chosen the Station of Marshal as my Honour Station. At each of the Official Visits, I will be presenting the Marshal with a special Certificate of Appreciation as well as a special gold Thistle pin. At Rosemont-St. Lambert Chapter, this was presented to Brother Terry Radford.

The Worthy Matron honoured the Worthy Grand Patron and I with a special ceremony. We were taken around to all of the Star Points and presented with a little poem (mine about the Lock Ness Monster) as well as a little gift (mine being little finger puppets shaped like fish). After we returned to the East, I was presented another gift – a stuffed sea monster. I was also presented a donation to my Special Project – The Parkinson’s Society of Quebec. After the ceremony, I was invited to address the Chapter. I spoke to the Chapter on the subject of Friendship and Goodwill.


After the close of the meeting (but before the Officers were retired) I had the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron sign my Bible and then it was time for pictures. All in all, it was a great and fun meeting and I look forward to our next one.

One of the members of another chapter, who reads this blog, asked if I would post my Chapter Talks for those who cannot make it to the Official Visits. I thought this a great idea, so for the benefit of all those members who cannot make it to meetings, either due to illness, not living in the Province or for any other reason, after each Official Visit I will post my “talks”. I have to point out here that I did not write them all. Some I found on the Internet, others I obtained elesewhere but modified them with personal accounts, and in some I added a story within the message that corresponded with the message. There is one, thought, that I did write and that will be a special Mother's Day talk in May. I hope everyone enjoys them.

Chapter Talk - Friendship and Goodwill

Thank you, Worthy Matron. At our Installation last October, I mentioned that our Watchwords are Faith, Hope, Peace and Love and that our aim is to promote Love and Friendship and that in keeping in line with these, it is my desire to leave you with an encouraging message that stresses the present day need for sacrifice, service, loyalty, faith and love, but mostly the need for Friendship.

Tonight I want to talk to you about Friendship and Goodwill.

I think that we all understand and prize friendship and good will. How dull life would be without it. Friendship is a wonderful gift, but it is also an achievement. Next to love, nothing in life is more to be cherished. No man or woman need be without a friend if he himself will be friendly. Friendship is like a seed – it needs to be nurtured. Neglected, it will die. But tended carefully, it flourishes and grows, and it brings such joy to the recipient.

Charity, Truth, and Loving Kindness – these are the virtues, which bring us friends and make us friends to others. Charity does not consist merely of sending boxes to Europe and barrels to missionaries. It also consists of good deeds near at hand, and not necessarily material gifts. A smile, a small service, a kind word – this form of charity is often more welcome than silver and gold.

With kindness in our hearts we will not only show friendliness and good will to those nearest to us but we will include all those with whom we come in contact.

I want to tell you a story about a little boy, cupcakes and root beer.

There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with cupcakes, several cans of root beer and started on his journey.

When he had gone about three blocks, he saw an elderly woman. She was sitting on a park bench watching the pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root bear when he noticed the lady looked hungry so he offered her a cupcake. She gratefully accepted and smiled at him.

Her smile was so wonderful that he wanted to see it again, so he offered a root bear as well. Once gain she smiled at him. The boy was delighted!

They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling without saying a word.

As it began to grow dark, the boy realized how tired he was and wanted to go home. He got up to leave but before he had gone no more than a few steps, he turned around and ran back to the old woman, giving her a big hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever.

When the boy arrived home his Mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked, “What has made you so happy today?” He replied, “I had lunch with God.” Before his mother could respond he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile in the whole world!”

Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face. He asked, “Mother, what has made you so happy today?” She replied, “I ate cupcakes in the park with God.” And before her son could reply, she added, “You know, he is much younger than I expected.”

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

Why do people seek admission to our Order? I believe that one reason they come is that they know of the high standards our Chapters have. They want to be a part of that which is good. And what makes a good and admirable Chapter? It’s members. By their lives, Chapters are built. Friendships, companionships, kindness, tolerance, and good will – these are in the foundations of its structure. Knowing this to be true, we should put forth great efforts to make our Chapter like such that those who join us will not be disappointed but be proud and glad to be called a member of the Eastern Star.

When candidates stand in the circle, we sing “Blest Be the Tie that Binds.” To us that tie is friendship. With each new link the chain becomes longer and stronger as is holds us closer together. Let each of us do our utmost to keep this beautiful chain bright and shining, polishing it with love, good will, fellowship, respect and understanding. If we do that, there is no end to the number of friends we will add to the chain, not to mention the joy we will receive in being one of the links. We will also assist our whole Order to maintain the high standard by which it is known.

I want to thank you Worthy Matron, for allowing my Bible to rest on your Altar tonight. Sister Marion Loffelmann, P.G.M., presented this Bible to me at my Installation, which she in turn received from Sister Alta Fowler, P.G.M. It has traveled for over 30 years. At the end of the meeting, I would like you and the Worthy Patron to both sign it. Sister Louise Wilkinson, P.G.M, made the Bible marker, which was a gift from my chapter. It is truly a work of art, and I hope that everyone takes a chance to have a look. Sister Heather made my beautiful Bible cover. I also want to thank you Worthy Matron for using my gavel. This is the Gavel that my mother and Sister Heather presented to me on my installation as Worthy Matron of Friendship-Victoria Chapter. It is one of two gavels that I will be using during the year.

I would also ask that after the meeting the Officers and the Grand Officers remain for pictures.

March - In Like a Lion

Well, the month of March certainly arrived like a lion. On March 2nd we got a huge storm that dumped about 35 cm of snow on us, and caused me to postpone my first Official Visit, which was to be at Victory Chapter #34 (our WGP’s chapter). I have rescheduled that for May 4th.