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)!