Wellsburg Chapter No. 23
LOCATION: 1125 Charles St., Wellsburg, WV 26070
MAILING ADDRESS: P. O Box 100, Wellsburg, WV 26070
MEETINGS: Second and Fourth Tuesday at 7:30, July, Aug., & Dec. Second Only.
DATE OF GRAND VISITATION: December 9, 2011
Officers
| WM | Elizabeth McCuen | 262 Harris Rd., Chester, WV 26034 |
| WP | Floyd I. Berdine | 163 8th St., Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| AM | Jane H. Parrish | 828 Terika Dr., Follansbee, WV 26037 |
| AP | Robert M. Parrish, | 828 Terika Dr., Follansbee, WV 26037 |
| Sec | Ruth Ann Shingleton | 297 Brookview , Follansbee, WV 26037 |
| Trea | Evelyn Griffin | RD 2, Box 100, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| Cond | Phyliss V. Dalton | 160 Parks Edition, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| AC | Jo Ann DeWitt | 190 White Bell Circle, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| Chap | Janice Swain | 430 Washington Pike, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| Mar | Bonnie Kerr | 2006 Commerce St., Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| Org | Mary Lou Chambers | RD #2, Box 9, Bethany, WV 26032 |
| Adah | Darlene Gerrard | 125 Mahan Lane, Follansbee, WV 26037 |
| Ruth | Sherry L. Tallman | 30 Olympic Heights, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| Esther | Shirley Mushet | 235 Irish Estates, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| Martha | Teresa E. Rea | 1117 Main St., Follansbee, WV 26037 |
| Elect | Naomi Amos | 110 East Hills, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| War | Kenneth S. DeWitt | 131 Briar Lane, Wellsburg, WV 26070 |
| Sent | Donald Shingleton | 297 Brookview , Follansbee, WV 26037 |
Chapter Memership
| Evelyn Alleman | Mary Kathleen Haas | Kay Nixon, P.M. |
| Heather Ambrose | Robert P. Haas | Helen M. Orr |
| Judith Ambrose | Marla J. Hanlon | Jerry E. Orr, P.P. |
| Naomi Amos, P.M. | Harole Ann Harper | Laura Orsini |
| Alysue K. Angus | Dorothy Harrington | Jane H. Parrish, PM |
| Linda K. Bain | Annabelle Hayward, P.M. | Ruby Parrish |
| Harry John Bain, Jr. | Mary V. Heckathorn | Robert M. Parrish, , PP |
| LaVonne J. Balint | Jane G. Henry | Nancy L. Patterson |
| Helen A. Banks | Donna Hervey | Susan Phillips, P.M. |
| Ann M. Beatty | Douglas Hervey | Ruth Pickens |
| Robert C. Beatty | Kathryn R. Higgins | M. Lois Platt |
| Wanda Lee Beatty | Beverly Hillyard | Alfred Donelly Poarch |
| Floyd I. Berdine, P.P. | Ann J. Hogg, P.M. | Wilma J. Pugh |
| Kathryn Berdine | Marjorie T. Hough | George W. Ragan, PP |
| Kathy Berdine | Elizabeth Hupp, P.M. | Kimberly A. Ragan |
| Rosemary Berdine, P.M. | Mae Hupp, P.M. | Maxine M. Ragan, PM |
| Jessie E. Billeter | Ernest Jack | Teresa E. Rea, P.M. |
| Linda L. Billham | Heather R. Johnson | Iris V. Rees |
| Lois Yvonne Bowen | Lori Johnson | Margaret Rees |
| John Ernest Bowery, P.P. | Phyllis Johnson | Dolores A. Reese |
| Margaret A. Brooks | Doris D. Jones | Ruth Ellen Reinard |
| Helen R. Buck | Emma Jones, P.M. | Evelyn J. Robertson |
| Nancy B. Cattrell | Lynn Anne Jones | Juanita Dawn Scarborough |
| Ola Cawthon | Jean Keith, P.M. | Michelle Secrist |
| Mary Lou Chambers | Katherine Kemper | Dawn Shaw |
| Lida Mae Clark | Andrew Kerr, P.P. | Shirley Jean Shepard |
| Christine Collins, P.M. | Bonnie Kerr, P.M. | Margaret Jeane Sheperd |
| Brenda Conkle, P.M. | Dorothy Kidder, P.M. | Brenda Shepherd |
| Ann Cotherman | Viola M. Kieldsing | Edith Shepherd, P.M. |
| Frances H. Craft | William H. Kieldsing | Clarisa Sherman |
| Bessie Crossley | Jean B. Kirchner | David P. Shingleton |
| Phyliss V. Dalton, PM | Patty Koke | Donald L. Shingleton |
| Tamra Dawson, P.M. | Sheryl Kolinski | Ruth Ann Shingleton, P.M. |
| Mary Kathryn DeGarmo | Betty Gay Laughlin | Helen Shipley |
| Kathryn A. Delaney | Jean I. Leonard | Dawn E. Siburt |
| Patricia Delong | Janna L. Lettan | Carol E. Silvia |
| Debra K. Dewitt | Doris L. Lewis, P.M. | Carol L. Smith |
| Jo Ann DeWitt | Dorothy B. Liston | Christine Smith |
| Kenneth S. DeWitt, P.P. | Wilma Lockhart | Cynthia J. Smith |
| Ronald E. DeWitt | Charlotta Logston, P.M. | Janet Smith |
| Janie Dight | Hilda F. Luscher | Rowena Snyder |
| Kenneth W. Dight | Virginia Mahan | Lyda Rae Sotraidis |
| Genevieve Dobroski | Gilda Mansfield | Deborah S. Starr |
| Richard E. Donley | Cheryl Marsh | Bette Stift |
| Emma Dotson, P.M. | Lynn Ann Martin | Annabelle L. Stotler |
| Betha G. Eckles | Valda E. Martin | Janice Swain |
| David G. Edwards | Marilyn R. McCord | Sarah C Tallman |
| Linda S. Edwards | Clara Louise McCroba | Sherry L. Tallman, P.M. |
| Ruth Elliott | Elizabeth McCuen, P.M. | Rebecca Uhlly |
| Donna Rae Elson | Jerry McCuen, PP | Alice Wagner |
| Patricia J. Ferguson | Kathleen McDonald | Virginia H. Ward |
| Frank R. Ferrari | Dolores McFadden | Violet L. Waugh |
| Kathryn D. Ferrari | Janice L. McFadden | James L. Weaver |
| Kathryn V. Ferrari | Lily H. McFadden | Ruby Webb |
| Janet E. Fischer | Mary J. McLaughlin | Helen Webster |
| Betty Jean Flanagan | Dennis L. Meeks | Saundra L. Wells |
| Edna Mae Flesch | Marjory Ann Meeks | Sandie L. Westfall |
| Anne Ford | Marla Mercer | Ted Westfall |
| Richard Ford | Rosalie Mey | Jeanne E. Whetsell, P.M. |
| Debra Frampton | Levena Miller | Beverly A. White |
| Delores J. Fryer | Mary Ann Miller | Carla A. White |
| Crystal Gaudio | Patricia Miller, P.M. | Jane White |
| Samuel F. Gaudio | Robert M. G. Miller, P.P. | Louise A. Willever |
| Brenda George | Vera Miller | Bella Wilson |
| Darlene Gerrard, PM | Mary A. Morgan | Margaret Wilson |
| R. Edmond Gerrard, PP | June E. Morrell | Nancy Jane Wilt |
| Betty J. Gibson | Eileen Murphy | Barbara Wright |
| Isabella Goff | Beth Mushet | Janice Wright |
| Erma G. Gordon | Shirley Mushet, P.M. | Marlene Wright |
| Evelyn Griffin, P.M. | William Mushet, P.P. | Nancy Lee Wright |
| Harold D. Griffin | Misty D. Naples | Helen Wycoff |
| Linda A. Griffin | Cynthia Niven | Dorothy Wyman |
| Harold D. Griffin, Jr., P.P. | Edna May Niven, P.M. | Candace Yachini |
| Tracey Guilliams | John R. Niven, Jr., P.P. |
Chapter History
The records of the first ten years of our Chapter were somehow destroyed following the death of our first secretary
In 1906, Brother Howard Charnock and another Mason, Ralph L Jones, discussed the possibilities of instituting an Eastern Star Chapter in Wellsburg. Several local residents were members of Miriam Chapter No. 1 in Wheeling. Some, when approached as to becoming members here, agreed to do so, while others chose to keep their membership in Miriam Chapter but gave generously of their valuable advice and assistance. The officers of Miriam Chapter traveled to Wellsburg to preside for our Institution, which was held on March 27,.1907,
In 1925, the third floor was remodeled to what was considered spacious accommodations. A much larger meeting room, a lounge room, ample kitchen space-well equipped-and a dining room with a seating capacity of 150 and a new entrance on 8th Street. Before too many years had passed though, it became evident that more room would again be needed. The 46th anniversary was the last Chapter meeting held in that room.
Early in the existence of our Chapter, a savings fund was established, its ultimate purpose being to assist to the Masonic Brothers if and when the time should come that they might build or buy a Masonic Temple. When the time did arrive, we were happy to be able to contribute money, as well as many other gifts to be enjoyed by both organizations. The spirit of cooperation that exists to this day between the Wellsburg Lodge No. 2 A. F. & A.M., and Wellsburg Chapter No. 23, O.E.S. is most commendable and appreciated.
The Charter was granted on October 3, 1907, at the Grand Chapter Session held in Ravenswood. The place of meeting was on the third floor of the Wellsburg Banking & Trust Building, corner of 81’ and Charles Streets. The Masonic Lodge held their meetings there for 50 years and the O.E.S. for 46 years.
On October 22, 1977, we had a fire on the second floor destroying the roof and completely destroying the ceiling of the Chapter Room and the second floor foyer. We considered ourselves very lucky we still had our building. The women of the Chapter and the men of the Lodge worked two whole days and evenings just cleaning up the debris on the floor and the wet materials from the cupboards, and moving furniture so that the men could begin the tremendous task of repairing the damage.
Also, I would like to say for the record how very proud we were to be associated with such a wonderful group of men. The spirit of brotherhood they displayed was truly heartwarming. They undertook the horrendous task with a determined effort, lots of courage and know-how, tied together with love and fellowship. They replaced the ceiling in the Chapter Room, carpeted the East, West and Conductress stations, carpeted and painted the ladles restroom, replaced the ceiling, the upstairs foyer, painted the wails, carpeted the downstairs foyer, and completely remodeled the men’s restroom. They had everything In tip-top shape for our visitation, which was rescheduled for April.
There were 53 Charter members in 1907, Our present membership is 23. Our Chapter, like gold, has endured thru many years with deeds of shining grace.
Chapter's Past Grand Officers
Belle Charnock , Worthy Grand Matron — 1917
Mina P. Grasey , Worthy Grand Matron — 1948
Margaret Elkins Grand Adah — 1964
Helen Rees Grand Ruth — 1970
Eloise Love Grand Organist — 1973
Mary Annabelle Hayward Grand Warder — 1990
Geneva Gallabrese Grand Martha — 1996
Sherry Tallman Grand Esther — 2000
Maxine Ragan Grand Marshal — 2003
Shirley Mushet Grand Electa — 2005
Ruth Ann Shingleton Grand Ruth — 2009
Chapter's Past Grand Representatives
Ida E. Yingling Louisiana 1909-1911
Sarah Nichols Montana Crescent 49 1911-1913
Belle Charnock New Mexico 1911-1913
Belle Charnock Alberta 1913-1921
Mary Owen Montana Crescent 49 1914 -1918
Jennie A. Lewis Tennessee 1917-1920
Maggie Beaumont Mississippi Crescent 49 1919
Lydia Brown California Crescent 49 1921-1924
Mamie Gill New Mexico 1922-1924
Amelia Montgomery New Hampshire 1925-1928
Gussie Rice Mississippi Crescent 49 1927-1930
Anna M. Osborne British Columbia Crescent 49 1928-1931
Lillian Wells Wyoming 1929-1932
Mina Gracey Nebraska 1932-1935
Margaret Jackson Connecticut Crescent 49 1933-1935
Madge Walton Arizona Crescent 49 1936-1937
Iva Fluharty Pennsylvania 1936-1937
Mary Fontany Puerto Rico 1937-1942
Elizabeth Green Wisconsin 1939-1912
Josephine Kimball Quebec Crescent 49 1942-1945
Helen Rees Colorado 1943-1945
Olive John Mississippi Crescent 49 1947-1950
Olive John Mississippi Crescent 49 1948
Alta D. Schenley Ohio 1948-1950
Emily Zimmerman Illinois 1951-1952
Genevieve Chambers Pennsylvania 1956-1957
Nona Elliott Maine Crescent 49 1957-1960
Martha VanKirk Alberta 1959-1962
Doris Durham New Hampshire Crescent 49 1960-1964
Emeline Risher New Mexico 1967-1970
Nona Elliott Washington Crescent 49 1970-1972
Doris Lewis Saskatchewan 1971-1974
Lois Cullifer New Jersey Crescent 49 1973-1975
Howard Fell Arizona 1975-1977
Margaret Elkins Louisiana 1978-1980
Ann Cawthron Oregon Crescent 49 1979-1981
Annabelle Hayward Washington 1980-1982
Eloise Love Texas 1982-1984
Frances Rush Scotland Crescent 49 1983-1985
Frances Rush Scotland Crescent 49 1985
Patricia Beagle New Hampshire Crescent 49 1986-1988
Annabelle Hayward Indiana 1986-1988
Geneva Gallabrese Ontario 1990-1992
Carl Shepherd Florida Crescent 49 1993-1995
Shirley Mushet Georgia 1994-1996
Evelyn Griffin Georgia 1996-1998
Rosemary Berdine Missouri 1998-2000
Ronald Tallman Texas 1999-2001
Sherry Tallman Texas 2001-2002
George Ragan North Dakota 2003-2005
Bill Mushet Nova Scotia 2006
Ruth Ann Shingleton Delaware 2006-2008
Bonnie Kerr, Texas 2008-2010