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Second Annual Session,

Held at Cameron, in the Masonic Temple,
October 4, 1905
CAMERON, W. VA., Oct. 4, 1905.

The Second Annual Session of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star, was held at Cameron West Virginia, in the Masonic Hall, commencing at 10 o'clock A. M., October 4, 1905

The Grand Chapter was opened in due form with the following Grand Officers:

SISTER ANNE E. WATERHOUSE -Worthy Grand Matron
BROTHER W. E. KRUPP - - - -Worthy Grand Patron
SISTER MINERVA C. DEBENDARFER - - - - Associate Grand Matron
BROTHER STEPHEN WATERHOUSE- - Associate Grand Patron
SISTER E. S. DINGER- - - - Grand Secretary
SISTER MORGAN - - - - - -- - - Grand Treasurer
SISTER EMMA MORGAN - - -- - - - Grand Conductress
SISTER CLARA JAMISON - - -Associate Grand Conductress
SISTER JOANNA BISHOP- - -- - - Grand Adah
SISTER CATHARINE MEAD - - - -Grand Ruth
SISTER MARIE SOBANSKI - - -Grand Esther
SISTER NETTIE MATTHEWS - - - Grand Martha
SISTER MARIE E. LEEDS- - -Grand Electa
SISTER SARAH TRAINER - - -Grand Warder
BROTHER OLIVER COOK - - -Grand Sentinel
SISTER GERTRUDE CHRISLEY - -Grand Organist

Sister Madeline B. Conkling, Worthy Grand Matron of Oklahoma, being present was called for and made a few well chosen remarks on the work of the Order, also Sister Lorena J. Orr, Worthy Grand Matron of Pennsylvania. Both received the Grand Honors.The following subordinate Chapters were represented:

Miriam Chapter, No. I.
Augusta Chapter, No. 6.
Ruth Chapter, NO. 7
Huntington Chapter, No. 8.
Lorraine Chapter, No. 9.
Queen Esther Chapter, No. 11.
Naomi Chapter, No. 12.
R. Douglas, No. 15.

The Worthy Grand Matron delivered her annual address as follows:

ADDRESS OF GRAND MATRON

To the Worthy Grand Patron, Grand Officers, Members and Visitors of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of West Virginia

GREETING:

Another year, with its joys and sorrows, its pleasures and pain, have been added to the irrevocable record of the past, and we are once more permitted to assemble here and to enjoy the privilege of another meeting of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of West Virginia.
The year passed is one of history. To some, it has been a year of joy and happiness, to some, a year of sorrow and deep distressing. While we, as individuals, mourn the loss of loved, ones, yet with the trustful faith of Martha we look up and say Thy will be done not mine.
To the sisters and brothers thus bereaved we tender our heartfelt sympathy and commend them to our Heavenly Father, who has taught us to say fear not, for I am with you always.
I am thankful that I can report the circle of Grand Officers unbroken. The following is a list of the deceased members of our subordinate chapters:

Sister Brown.
Bro. J. 11. Williams.
Brother McNeill.
Sister Lou H. Waterhouse.

I have received notice from the Sister Grand jurisdictions of the death of Brother John Davis Vincil, of St. Louis, Missouri--Sister Mary A. Comstock, of Indiana. Bro. Abram Farr, of Illinois. Bro. Edwin D. Palmer, of Indiana. Bro. Daniel Gould Burr, of Illinois. Sister Mary A. Watrons, of Michigan. Bro. Albert Wells Coe, of South Dakota.

Some lives have gone from out of our chain,
Some loved ones from our band,
They now have gone to their Heavenly Home
And sit at God's right hand.

The pearly gates were left ajar,
They softly entered in;
The Heavenly Father clasped their hands
And smiling, welcomed them.

And bade them there forever rest,
In that bright world above,
Where sickness never enters in
And all is peace and love.

Place flowers on altar.

These flowers I place here to remain during our session, and when we look upon them may they bring to us sweet memories of those who have- gone to their eternal rest. May they be, a lesson to the living recommend that proper space in our printed proceedings set apart to the memory of the Fraternal dead of other Grand jurisdictions, and also to the Fraternal dead of our Subordinate Chapters,

VISITATIONS.

My first official visit was at my home Chapter, Miriam, No. I, of Wheeling. I was escorted to the East and received with Grand Honors. The officers are proficient in their work (both Ritualistic and Floral) ; the Chapter is in a flourishing condition.
I visited Augusta Chapter, No. 6, at Mannington on February 24, and found they had not elected and installed their officers at the proper time. I ordered an election to be held at once. The, officers were duly elected and I installed them in their several stations and the Chapter is in a flourishing condition.
I visited Lorraine Chapter, No. 9, at Cameron, on March 23 installed the Worthy Patron. They had work which they did in a creditable manner.
I visited Parkersburg Chapter U. D., on the 29th of August, and for a new Chapter the officers are very proficient in their work.
I visited Alkire Chapter, No. 10 at Keyser, on the 30th of August. They exemplified the Ritualistic Work in a creditable manner.
I visited R. Douglas Chapter U. D., at Ravenswood, September 21. 1 found every officer so proficient in the work that I allowed them to use the floral work and I instructed them in it.
I visited the Chapter at Grafton on June 8. They are progressing fairly well.
I visited Clarksburg Chapter on June 9, and they conferred the degrees on candidates in a proficient and creditable manner.
My visits were all pleasant ones. I was met at the train by Some of the members of the Chapters I visited and they welcomed me to their city and made me feel at home while among them.
I regret that I could not visit all of the Chapters in the State, which I had intended to do, but owing to sickness in my family was unable to visit three Chapters. I visited eight Chapters out of eleven Chapters.

DISPENSATIONS.

Granted waiver of jurisdiction to the Grand Chapter of Nebraska to receive and ballot on the petition of Mrs. Sallie Douglass Kneeream, of Ravenswood, W. Va., and I have been informed by the Grand Matron of Nebraska that Mrs. Sallie Douglass Kneeream was initiated in Chapter NO. 41 of Nebraska. She returned home, and organized a Chapter in Ravenswood, W. Va., of which she is Worthy Matron.

DECISIONS.

Question: Does a member of a Chapter applying for a demit have to pay one dollar for a demit and also one dollar to deposit a demit?

Answer: If a Brother or Sister applying for a demit is clear on the books of the Chapter and there are no charges against them, a demit must be granted without any charge.

Question: Who are the representatives to the Grand Chapter ?

Answer: The Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Worthy Associate Matron, or their proxies, and all Past Matrons and Past Patrons.

Question: Has any officer the right to loan a Ritual of the Order?

Answer: No. The Rituals are the property of the Chapter and are in charge of the Worthy Matron, who can loan them to any member of her Chapter, as the Worthy Matron is responsible for the Ritual and must turn them over to her successor.

Received circular from Most Worthy Grand Matron asking that the surplus of $I ,ooo.oo left over from the St. Louis Fair fund be donated to the Eastern Star fund at the Louis Clark Exposition at Portland, Oregon. Also that the Grand Chapter of West Virginia contribute the sum of 1 cent per member. 1

I assisted our Worthy Grand Patron, Bro. W. E. Krupp -to organize a Chapter at Parkersburg, W. Va. There were one hundred charter members. I also assisted him to organize a Chapter at Ravenswood.. W. Va. There were thirty-two charter members, and at the request of our Worthy Grand Patron I organized a Chapter at Cottageville, W. Va. There were twenty three charter members. A full account- of this will appear in the Grand Patron's report.

I have given you a report of my official acts as Grand Matron. While the duties have been laborious, yet it has been a pleasure to me to work for the benefit of this Grand Chapter. I have done what I have thought was for the best of the Order. If I have made any mistakes I hope you will look over them, as they were not of the heart, but of the head. I cannot close this report without expressing my admiration for our Worthy Grand 'Patron, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and the Grand Officers, and that noble band of earnest sisters occupying the position of Worthy Matron in the several Chapters.

Sisters and Brothers, the record of the duties performed by me during the year are before you. While your charity would be a personal pleasure, yet for the good of the order and those who are to follow, I will not ask you to cover my defects with the broad mantle of charity, but that you judge my work in the light of justice. Whatever your verdict may be, I trust you will give me credit for bringing to bear upon my work all the zeal, energy and ability with which Providence has endowed me.

One year ago, you re-elected me as Grand Matron, for which I return many thanks. I must in a few hours surrender my office to another. I have tried to fill it worthily and trust you will find its honor unsullied, To my successor in office I offer hearty welcome, and ask for her the same support and confidence you gave me, and when she has assumed the office I shall still hope to find a place in your esteem.

Fraternally submitted,
MRS. ANNA E. WATERHOUSE,
Worthy Grand Matron.

On motion it was accepted and referred to the Committee on jurisprudence.

ADDRESS OF THE GRAND PATRON.

(Address of the Grand Patron, W. E. Krupp, was here delivered, which was typewritten and filed with the minutes at that time. The Committee on Printing have made considerable effort to find it, but as we go to press it has not yet been found. It was finally printed in the 1908 Proceedings and is copied here for historical purposes.)
Grand Patron's Address

CAMERON, W. VA., Oct. 4, 1905.

To the Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star:

SISTERS AND BROTHERS–Another year has come and gone, another unit added to the cycle of time; a year filled with labor and endeavor, striving to solve the problems of life that confront us, to make our homes brighter, our loved ones happier, and the world better; a year fraught with pleasure and with pain, with fulfilled hopes and promises and perhaps with sad and bitter disappointments. Upon some Dame Fortune has showered her richest blessings, while others have met with life's reverses and have fallen into the depths of bitterest despair. Let us then rejoice with those who are glad and sympathize with those who are sorrowing, remembering always that the present is with us, the future rests with God.

Let us hope that during the past year we have so lived as to reflect the pure, sublime and ennobling truths taught by Him whose followers we are; that we have recognized all mankind as our kindred and ourselves as the almoners of God's bounty, and have smoothed, not only for ourselves but for our fellow man, the rugged pathway of life. Man is far from perfection, and there is much work for us to do; and this we can best accomplish by living the principles of our Order, not in the Chapter room alone, but in our daily lives, and herein we will find life's real pleasure, its grandeur and its power. Occasions, varying with each passing hour, come to us in which we may restrain our wrongful impulses, control our feelings and our passions, subdue our hearts to gentleness and kindness, seek good motives for each other's acts, and render unto each that mutual support and assistance which we owe to one another; thus, and in other innumerable ways, we can ennoble our own lives, and, by the influence of our own example, the lives of others. The ceremonies of our degrees are not intended to afford us entertainment-the constant and frequent repetition of the language of our ritual would soon prove most monotonous. Its purpose is to set before us a hi her ideal, to give us greater inspiration toward good, and to teach us, by precept and example, the sacred duties which we owe to one another, and to God. When we shall have learned to practice the golden rule, when we can persuade ourselves to resign our interests to another's advantage, when we can respect each other's opinion and be tolerant of each other's errors, then, with the trustful faith of Martha we can have faith that His sublime truths will some day permeate all of man's thoughts and control their actions, and then, and only then, will Life and Light and Love become he one great law of the universe and its eternal harmony.

OFFICIAL ACTS.

Perhaps the first of my official acts was the performance of that duty which had been assigned to our Grand Secretary and which, owing to the friendly relations which existed between the Bullard Printing House and myself, she delegated to me, the procurement of suitable stationery. That duty, I am glad to report, was fully performed and the stationery delivered to the Grand Secretary shortly after our last meeting.

First impressions, my Sisters and Brothers, are lasting. A bad impression once made requires time and labor to overcome. We, therefore, resolved that the first impression of this Grand Chapter to be made by its correspondence should be the best-if stationery would do it. After much and continued consideration of many designs, modifying and combining them into various forms, we developed that which appears upon our letter heads, and from the many words of praise and commendation expressed by the officers of other Grand Chapters, we may well rest assured that our efforts will meet your approval.

Perhaps the most important of the matters which have come under my supervision has been the printing and distributing of the Constitution and Laws. As chairman of the committee to have printed and distributed the proceedings of the last meeting of the Grand Chapter, I deemed it inexpedient and wholly unadvisable, with our limited funds, to expend so much for that purpose, and that our funds should be used primarily for the benefit of our own jurisdiction. In this the Worthy Grand Matron and Grand Secretary agreed with me fully, and it was decided to have only the Constitution and Laws printed and distribute these among our membership, which was accordingly done.

It is unnecessary for me to urge that the members, and more especially the officers of the Chapters, should make themselves familiar with the provisions of the Constitution and the Laws by which they are governed. But I want to impress upon the officers and members of this Grand Chapter the imperative necessity of being thoroughly conversant with the laws, customs and usages of our Order, for to them will the Chapters look for counsel, admonition and advice. Let us seek, therefore, to qualify ourselves to advise in the Chapter room, and to advise correctly.

DISPENSATIONS.

During the year three dispensations for the organization of Chapters were issued by me.

PARKERSBTJRG CHAPTER.

It will be recalled that at the organization of the Grand Chapter Sister Pitkin, the Right Worthy Grand Secretary, told us of the many efforts she had made to organize a Chapter at Parkersburg, but without avail. It seemed that the brethren of that city were not interested in our Order. It was with some hesitancy, therefore, that I sent an application for dispensation to Sister Mealy, who seemed willing to undertake to secure the requisite number to organize a Chapter. Imagine my astonishment when, on June 2nd, I received the application, with a rider attached, containing the names of eighty-two applicants, thirty-three of them being Master Masons. And when, on June 15th, we organized the Chapter, eighteen more presented themselves and insisted on being added to the list, making an even one hundred members in all. Such, my Sisters and Brothers, is the record of Parkersburg; that city in which our Order could not secure a foothold. And what is perhaps even more remarkable, every member was present to receive the degrees.

R. DOUGLASS CHAPTER.

Dispensation having been granted by me for the organization of a Chapter at Ravenswood this Chapter was accordingly organized on the day following the organization of Parkersburg Chapter. The application for dispensation in this instance contained the names of forty-three applicants, and again all were present to receive the degrees. They wisely selected Sister S. D. Knee ream, who had received the degrees while visiting in the West and who is most enthusiastic in the work of our Order, to preside over the Chapter. The name selected was R. Douglass.

On this journey I was accompanied by the Worthy Grand Matron, whose services as Conductress are most valuable in the organization of a Chapter, especially one as large as Parkersburg Chapter; and I take this opportunity to thank her most warmly for the assistance rendered.

It seems hardly necessary to remark that the organization of each of these Chapters was followed by a banquet-that is pro verbal with the citizens of Parkersburg and Ravenswood as hosts Every attention and every courtesy was shown us, our sojourn made most pleasant and delightful, and we thoroughly enjoyed their southern hospitality.

COTTAGEVILLE CHAPTER.

On September 15th I granted dispensation for the organization of a Chapter at Cottageville, with a membership of twenty three. My professional engagements rendering it impossible for me to go in person, and the Worthy Grand Matron desiring to officially visit R. Douglass Chapter, she very kindly offered to organize this Chapter, and did so on September 21St.

While the membership of the Masonic Lodge located then is small, yet great enthusiasm among the members of the Chapter is reported. Better, far better, a small Chapter with great enthusiasm than a large Chapter with little enthusiasm.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Every Chapter, immediately upon its organization, needs the odes and various blank forms, especially petitions. After consulting with the Worthy Grand Matron and the Grand Secretary, an considering the request of several of the Chapters, we had five hundred copies of the Odes printed. They may, therefore, not be ordered by the Chapters from the Grand Secretary. And we would recommend to this Grand Chapter that the Grand Secretary be instructed to have printed and keep constantly on hand a sufficient supply of the Odes and the blank forms commonly used by the Chapters, and that these be sold to the Chapters in such quantities as they may desire.

EXPENSES IN ORGANIZING CHAPTERS.

Our Constitution makes it the duty of the Grand Patron to organize Chapters, yet it makes no provision for the repayment to him of the expenses incurred. This is neither right nor just in principle, and should be remedied. When the distance is great it may be considered advisable to appoint a proxy to perform this duty; that, however, would be for him to consider. I would, however, recommend that he be allowed his railroad fare for a distance not exceeding one hundred miles. This will in a measure cover his expenses and not throw upon him the entire burden.

CONCLUSION.

In submitting to you for your approval the report of my official acts, I desire to say that in all my transactions as your Grand Patron I have endeavored to apply business rules and principles, believing that the welfare of our Grand Chapter-and of our Order-is best promoted thereby. It is, in opinion, only by a strict observance of and a close adherence to those principles and practices that the success of our Grand Chapter can be assured. It is, therefore, not with an air of vanity or of self-praise, but with a clear conscience, that I can report having discharged my duty to the best of my ability. No communication addressed to me, and pertaining to the affairs of this jurisdiction, was laid aside or neglected, but each received an immediate answer and as full and explicit as the nature of the inquiry warranted. My office I have considered a trust, a sacred and inviolable trust, voluntarily assumed, the violation of which brings its punishment, not upon me, but upon this Grand Chapter and our Order. Its duties should not be assumed lightly and afterward neglected. I have endeavored also to avoid any encroachment upon the rights and prerogatives of the other Grand Officers, standing ready always to advise and assist, but avoiding the initiative in those things which did not come within the purview of my office.

I sincerely trust that all I have done will meet your approval and redound to the good of our Order.

Respectfully submitted,

WILLIAM E. KRUPP, Grand Patron.

The following resolutions were offered and referred to Committee on Unfinished Business.

Resolved, That Section No. 2 of Article 11, be amended by striking out in, line 3, 25 cents and insert 50 cents, on which committee reported. "We recommend the adoption of above report."

Signed by

MARIE E. LEEDS.
CARL SOBANSKL'

Report of committee was on motion duly received, and resolution laid over until the next annual meeting.

'The following resolution was offered:

Resolved, That the expenses of Grand Officers to Grand Chapter meetings be paid out of the Grand Chapter treasury.

The Committee on jurisprudence made the following additional report: Your Committee on jurisprudence beg leave to report that we have considered the decisions rendered by the Worthy Grand Matron and the same meet our approval as being in accordance with the laws, customs and usage of our Order, except the latter part of her decision upon the questions: "Who are the representatives of a Chapter?" Past Matrons and Past Patrons are not, technically speaking, representatives of their respective Chapters, but are members, by virtue of the -office held, of the Grand Chapter. Each Chapter has three and only three representatives, the Matron, Patron and Associate Matron, and they alone are given credentials as representatives.

Respectfully submitted,
W. E. KRUPP,
CLARA A. JAMISON,

MRS. THOMAS Bishop.

The report of the committee was, on motion, seconded and duly adopted.

Resolved That the Grand Patron be allowed $7.50 Out Of the Grand Treasury, for each Chapter organized.

On motion laid over until next annual meeting.

The Committee on Charters and Dispensations reported that they had examined the condition of Parkersburg Chapter, No. 14, and R. Douglas, No. 15, and find things in satisfactory working order and entitled to Charters upon the payment of the fee thereof, and recommend the same.

Report of committee was on motion seconded, accepted and the Secretary directed to prepare and forward charter upon Chapters meeting the requirements as to fees.

The other business being completed, the he following officers were duly elected, appointed and installed:

MRS. ANNA WATERHOUSE - - - - - - - - Worthy Grand Matron
MARY J. WALLACE, No. 8 - - - - - - - - - Associate Grand Matron
R. KLIPPELT, No. 6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Worthy Grand Patron
WESLEY HULL, NO. 14 - - - - - - - - - - - - Associate Grand Patron
C. R. MARTIN, NO. 7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Secretary
W. E. KRUPP, NO. I - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Treasurer
MRS. ETHEL PURDY, No. 9 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Conductress
MRS. JONNA BISHOP , No. 8 - - - - - - - Associate Grand Conductress
MRS. KATE ROBERTS, No. 11 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Adah
MRS. MARIE SOBANSKi, No. 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Ruth
MRS. SALLiE D. KNEEREAM, No. 15 - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Esther
MRS. CATHERINE MEAD, NO. 14 - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Martha
MRS. FLORENCE MAYFIELD, No. 7 - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Electa
MRS. MARIE E. LEEDS, No. 12 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Marshal
MRS. LEVINA CREIGHTON, No. 1 - - - - - - - - - - -- Grand Warder
OLIVER COOK, No. 9 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Sentinel
MRS. CLARA A. JAMISON, No. 9 - - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Chaplain
MRS. GERTRUDE CHRISLEY, No. 7 - - - - - - - - - - - Grand Organist

A ballot being taken on the place for the next meeting of the Grand Chapter, resulted in favor of Huntington.

The Chapter by unanimous vote extended thanks to Lorraine Chapter, No. 9, for the excellent banquet and royal hospitality, and to the people of Cameron for their many courtesies.

There being no further business the Grand Chapter of West Virginia Order of the Eastern Star, closed in due form to meet at Huntington the first Wednesday in October, 1906

MRS. ANNIE E. WATERHOUSE
Worthy Grand Matron.

C. R., MARTIN,
Grand Secretary.

Hear ye not the loved one's voice,
As they are looking down,
Saying, dear ones weep no more,
For we have gained the crown.

Then when the heart is sad and lone,
And eyes with tears unshed;
Look to the Father, hear Him say:
'Tis I, be not afraid.
Sing "Nearer, My God, to Thee."