Anna Waterhouse
Worthy Grand Matron |
William E. Krupp
Worthy Grand Patron |
First Annual Session, Held at Wheeling,
October 5, 1904
GRAND PATRON'S ADDRESS To the. Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star:
SISTERS AND BROTHERS:
To-day marks the first epoch in the life of our Grand Chapter, the youngest on the American Continent, and you are here for the first time since its organization, to receive the report of your officers, to know what they have done to advance the benign influences of our Order, and to consider all matters pertaining to its welfare within this jurisdiction.
This Grand Chapter, each Subordinate Chapter, and indeed each individual member of our Order, is but a means to an end, a wheel within a wheel, each moving independently perhaps, and yet in a measure dependently, adjusting themselves to the conditions surrounding them, and all to accomplish certain purposes, to bring about particular results-the improvement, the upbuilding, the elevation of the human race. These are the objects of our beloved Order, these its laudable purposes, these objects, through us, it hopes to accomplish, and to these objects and purposes are we devoted. If we as individuals, as Chapters, as Grand Chapters succeed, our Order will succeed in accomplishing its object, if we fail it must also fail. In all, therefore, that we do-here to-day as a Grand Chapter, to-morrow, perhaps, as a Subordinate Chapter, and every day as individuals-let the pole star of our guidance be the welfare, the prosperity, the advancement of the principles and teachings of our Order. Let that be our goal, let us keep it constantly before us, and if we will concentrate all our efforts toward that end, distant though it may be, we will achieve it and our Order fulfill its glorious mission.
All true progress is slow; but true progress slowly made is lasting. And though at times we be discouraged, and think that human nature is unchangeable, though we may sometimes feel that we are making no advancement, we do progress even though we cannot at a given time see the progress we make.
Let me illustrate. You perhaps in childhood planted an acorn. In a few weeks a tender shoot stole gently up, and, fed by the light and air, it grew and became larger and put forth its leaves. A few years went by, and the tender shoot had become a sapling. A few more years, and the sapling had become an oak; and still it grew and thrust its great arms 'out wider and wider, and lifted its head higher toward the Heavens. Years have passed by; strong-rooted it stands, defiant of the storms and winds that have roared through its branches. A quarter of a: century has passed; the oak. still stands, strong, stately, firm-rooted, casting its broad shade upon the ground. You watched the shoot, you noted its growth; you watched the tree, and yet, if you had sat and watched it every instant, you would not have seen it grow.
Like the oak, man's nature changes slowly, and our influence for good upon those with whom we come in contact, cannot be. considered day by day; but if we, acting as a unit, having that virtue of unselfishness which characterized Jephthah's daughter, the humility of Ruth, the spirit of selfsacrifice of Esther, and the faith of Martha, supported by and carrying out the law of love, we will make the. ennobling and uplifting influences of our Order felt upon all mankind, of whatever clime and whatever creed. . And when we shall have passed through the labyrinth of human life, and have practiced the sublime-virtues of the noble heroines of our Order, we can sweetly close our eyes in peace. fee-ling that our lives have not been lived in vain. If we have given cheer to hearts in gloom; if we have succeded in making some little nook of God's creation a little more cheerful; if we have made some one or more of our fellow-creatures, a little wiser, more manly or more womanly, more hopeful or more happy, the world will have been the better for our having lived. But if we have failed in these, then our lives will have been wasted though we have lived a century.
OFFICIAL ACTS The Grand Chapter having been organized on June 28th, the beginning of Summer, my official acts have not been numerous. Most of the Chapters suspending their meetings during July and August, I have, therefore, made no official visits up-on the various Chapters of our jurisdiction.
DISPENSATIONS TIONS. On August 25th, having received a petition with thirty-six signatures, I granted dispensation for the organization of a
Chapter at Clarksburg, to be known as Queen Esther Chapter. Press of other work prevented my going and personally organizing the Chapter, but the Grand Matron and Associate Grand Patron, Bro. and Sister Waterhouse, very kindly performed thatduty for me, and very ably, I am sure. On their return they reported a very enthusiastic gathering, and I know that Queen ,Esther will, in the course of time, prove. one of our brightest Stars.
On September 29th, at the request of. thirty-four of the enthusiastic Masons, their mothers, wives, daughters and sisters, of Grafton, I granted dispensation for the organization of a Chapter there under the name of Naomi. At the Masonic Temple in the evening we were greeted by twentyfive of their number who were anxious to receive the light of our Order. With the assistance of our Grand Matron, Sister Waterhouse, who very kindly accompanied me, we instituted the Chapter, and having taken with us the robes of Miriam Chapter, No. I, for whose kindness we here express. our thanks, the degrees were. very prettily conferred. judging from the, interest and enthusiasm of the members, we need never fear for the future of Naomi.
VISITATIONS UPON GRAND CHAPTERS. A large number of invitations have been received by me to attend the meetings of Grand Chapters in all parts of our country; also copies of the proceedings of the Grand Chapters which have already held their meetings-for all of which I desire to express my appreciation and my thanks. I regret my inability. to attend the meetings of at least one, if not more, of the Grand Chapters, feeling that visitations upon Grand Chapters, are as conducive to sociability and good fellowship as are visitations, Of Subordinate Chapters upon each other.
CONCLUSION. In conclusion, permit me to express my thanks to, this Grand Chapter for having selected me as your Grand Patron. 'To have been Grand Patron in an Order made up of those nearest and dearest to all Masons is an honor any man may be highly proud of. To the Grand Matron and Associate Grand Patron, Sister and Brother Waterhouse, and to the Grand Secretary, Sister Dinger, are my thanks due for the many kindnesses and favors conferred upon me.
Sisters and brothers, in my official capacity, I now leave you, yet I assure you that my heart will ever be with you and in the work of our Order, and I sincerely hope and trust that He who holds our lives as in the hollow of His hand will grant me the privilege of being with you for many years yet to come. May Heaven's choicest blessings rest upon you and yours.
Fraternally, Upon motion, the address of the Grand Matron and of the Grand Patron were referred to the Committee on jurisprudence.
WILLIAM E. KRUPP, Grand Patron.
ASSOCIATE GRAND PATRON'S REPORT AS DELEGATE TO THE GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER. To the Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star:
SISTERS AND BROTHERS:
As the representative of this Grand Chapter, bearing the proxies of the Worthy Grand Matron and the. Worthy Grand Patron, I beg leave to submit the following report: The General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, assembled in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo., September 19 last. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Hattie E. Ewing, Past Most Worthy Grand Matron. All Officers were present except Worthy Grand Adah.
Mrs. Laura B. Hart, the Most Worthy Grand Matron, opened the General Grand Chapter in due form, after which an address of welcome was made by Miss Mary jean White, Grand Matron of Missouri, who was followed by Dr. William F. Kuhn, Grand Master, A. F. & A.,M., of Missouri. In an apt manner he expressed the good wishes of the brethren in Missouri for our Order. He said in part: "I bring you the greeting of forty thousand Masons, who believe in the Eastern Star, who love the Order, and rejoice in its prosperity. May the eleventh triennial be an inspiration to us for a better and clearer conception of this truth, that there be more of cheer in some one's life, more of sunshine in some one's dark days, more of silver lining to some one's storm clouds, more of hope to some one's despair." The addresses of welcome were responded to by Mrs. Madeleine B. Conkling, Right Worthy Associate Grand Matron.
The Most Worthy Grand Matron, Mrs. Laura B. Hart, then welcomed the representatives of the many Grand Chapters to the eleventh triennial.
Respectfully submitted, After notices of meetings of committees, the Grand Chapter was called from labor to recreation until 1 :30 o'clock P.M.
S. WATERHOUSE, JR.,
Associate Grand Patron.
AFTERNOON SESSION. Promptly at 1 :30 P. M., all the officers being in their respective stations, the Grand Chapter was called to order by the Grand Matron and the business of the Grand Chapter was resumed.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS. To the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, Order of the Eastern Star, now in session:
Your committee beg leave to report that they have examined all credentials presented and find the following Chapters represented, and that their representatives, the Grand Officers, and those present having a constitutional right to vote, are entitled to seats in the Grand Chapter:
GRAND OFFICERS. ANNA E. WATERHOUSE-------------------------Grand Matron
WILLIAM E. KRUPP-------------------------------- Grand Patron
MRS. M. Debendarfer------------------- Associate Grand Matron
S. WATERHOUSE, JR.---------------- Associate Grand Patron
MRS. E. S. DINGER- - - - -----------------------Grand Secretary
MRS. CARRIE B. McNeill- ---------------- - - Grand Treasurer
MRS. C. M. WALLACE - - ------------------- Grand Conductress
MRS. CLARA A. JAMISON - Associate Grand Conductress
MRS. M. SOBANSKI - - - - -------------------- - - -Grand Electa
J. R. KLIPPELT ------------------------------------- Grand Chaplain
J. B. MARR ---------------------- - - -- - - - -- - - - Grand Sentinel
MRS. HATTIE HUKILL ----------------------- - -Grand Marshal
CHAPTER OFFICERS AND PROXIES. Miriam No. 1, Wheeling.
Mrs. Mabel Stewart, proxy for Worthy Matron.
Daniel Dinger, proxy for Worthy Patron.
Mrs. S. A. Trainer, Associate Matron.
Augusta Chapter, No. 6, Mannington.
Mrs. Nettie Mathews, proxy for Worthy Matron.
J. R. Klippelt, Worthy Patron.
Mrs. J. C. Cochrane, Associate Matron.
Huntington Chapter, No. 8, Huntington.
Mrs. C. M. Wallace, proxy for Worthy Matron.
Mrs. C. M. Wallace, proxy for Worthy Patron.
Mrs. C. M. Wallace, proxy for Associate Matron.
Lorraine Chapter, No. 9, Cameron.
Mrs. Melissa Howard, Worthy Matron.
Miss Ethel P. Wells, proxy for Associate Matron.
Alkire Chapter, No. 10, Keyser.
Mrs. Carrie B. McNeill, Worthy Matron.
Mrs. Ella V. Hosack, proxy for Associate Matron.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
MRS. F. L. PURDY,
MRS. MELISSA HOWARD,
Committee.
SECRETARY'S REPORT.
To the Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia
Order of the Eastern Star:
SISTERS AND BROTHERS:
Owing to the fact that the annual meeting of the Grand Chapter was fixed for the first Wednesday of October, only three months after the organization of the Grand Chapter, there, were no expenditures, and my receipts were as follows:
June 28, 1904. To cash from Alkire Chapter, a/c capitation tax ------------ $ 6.50
July 5, 1904 To cash from Miriam Chapter a/c capitation tax ---------------- 41.75
October I. To cash from W. E. Krupp, G. P., dispensation fees ------------- 40.00
Total ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $88.25
Which amount has been paid over to the Grand Treasurer.
Respectfully Submitted,
MRS. E. S. DINGER, Grand Secretary.
TREASURER'S REPORT.
To the Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia 0., E. Star:
Your Grand Treasurer begs to report that she has received from the Grand Secretary the sum Of $88.25, which amount is on deposit to the credit of this Grand Chapter.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. CARRIE B. McNeill,
Grand Treasurer.
Upon motion the reports of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer were referred to the Committee on Finance.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES.
To the Grand Chapter now in session:
Your Committee on Appeals and Grievances beg to report that there has been nothing presented for their consideration. Peace and harmony prevail throughout the Chapters.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. CARRIE B. McNeill,
J. B. MARR, Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON DISPENSATION, CHARTERS AND RETURNS.
To the Grand Chapter of West Virginia now in Session:
Your committee begs to report that we have considered that portion of the Grand Patron's report that refers to dispensations granted, and Queen Esther Chapter U. D. and Naomi Chapter U. D. having submitted by-laws, and we being satisfied that they are qualified to transact the business of the Chapter in a regular manner, we do recommend that Charters be issued to them.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. JAMES COCHRANE,
S. WATERHOUSE, JR.,
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON JURISPRUDENCE.
To the Grand Chapter now in session:
Your Committee on jurisprudence to whom was referred the reports of the Grand Matron and Grand Patron, desire to report that the above addresses show that no question has arisen involving the Constitution and Laws of our Grand Chapter; we therefore approved the reports of these officers.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. S. A. TRAINER,
WILLIAM E. KRUPP,
Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.
To the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:
Your Committee on Finance to whom were referred the reports of the Grand Secretary and Treasurer, beg to report that we have examined the reports of these officers and compared them with the books and find them to be correct.
MRS. CLARA JAMISON,
MRS. M. SOBANSKI,
S. WATERHOUSE, JR.,
Committee.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON UNFINISHED BUSINESS.
To the Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia
Your Committee on Unfinished Business beg to report that we have looked over the proceedings of the convention, and find that there was no business left unfinished.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. E. S. DINGER,
MRS. L. CREIGHTON,
J. R. KLIPPELT,
Committee.
ELECTION OF GRAND OFFICERS.
The election of Officers for ensuing year being next in order, the Grand Matron appointed Bros. Marr and Sobanski tellers, and asked for nominations for the office of Grand Matron. Mrs. Anna E. Waterhouse being nominated and there being no further nominations, upon motion, the nominations were closed and Bro. Sobanski instructed to cast the vote of the Grand Chapter for Sister Waterhouse, which was accordingly done, and she was declared by the Grand Patron to be duly elected Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia for the ensuing year.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
The following being present and having been appointed and commissioned the representatives of other Grand Chapters near the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, were then received and welcomed by the Associate Grand Patron presiding:
Mrs. Ella T. Parsons, representing Arizona.
Mrs. M. Sobanski, representing Arkansas.
Mrs. Anna E. Waterhouse, representing Connecticut.
Mrs. Anna E. Waterhouse, representing California.
Mrs. E. S. Dinger, representing Indiana.
Mrs. M. Howard, representing Kentucky
William E. Krupp, representing New Hampshire.
Mrs. C. M. Wallace, representing Oregon.
Mrs. Minerva C. Debendarfer, representing Vermont.
Mrs. Carrie B. McNeill, representing Wisconsin.
AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION.
The following resolution was then read by the Grand Secretary:
Resolved, That Section 2 of the Rules and Regulations be amended by substituting, in line 5 thereof, the word June instead of December, so that said section when amended will read: "The elective 'officers of a Chapter shall consist of a Matron, Patron, Associate Matron, Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress and Associate Conductress and three Trustees, who shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the members present at the first stated meeting in June", etc., etc. And be it further Resolved, That if this resolution be adopted, it go into effect after the regular election in December, and that the officers then elected in the Chapters serve until their successors are elected in June following.
Respectfully submitted,
S. WATERHOUSE, JR.,
MRS. MARIE SOBANSKI.
Upon motion, the resolution was referred to the Committee on jurisprudence, who were requested to report at their earliest convenience.
The following resolution was then read by the Grand Secretary:
Resolved, That the Grand Matron, Grand Patron and Grand Secretary be appointed a committee to have published and distribute the proceedings of this Grand Chapter, including the Constitution and Laws.
Respectfully submitted,
S. WATERHOUSE, JR.
Upon motion, the resolution was unanimously adopted.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE OF JURISPRUDENCE ON AMENDMENT.
To the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:
Your Committee on jurisprudence would recommend the adoption of the resolution amending the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Chapter in the manner described.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM E. KRUPP,
MRS. SARAH A. TRAINER,
Committee.
Thereupon, the resolution was declared by the Grand Matron to be laid over for action until the next annual meeting of the Grand Chapter in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
PLACE OF SECOND ANNUAL MEETING.
A vote being taken, Cameron received the majority of the votes, and -it was thereupon declared that the Grand Chapter accept the invitation of Lorraine Chapter and meet at Cameron in 1905.
JEWELS FOR THE GRAND CHAPTER OFFICERS.
Upon motion, which was seconded and duly carried, Bro. William E. Krupp was instructed to procure jewels for the Officers of the Grand Chapter.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS.
The following officers, who had been elected and appointed, being present and not having been installed, were then installed in due form by the Grand Matron, Mrs. Anna E. Waterhouse, namely, Bro. J. R., Klippelt, as Associate Grand Patron; Mrs. Marie Sobanski, as Grand Esther; Mrs. Sarah Trainer, as Grand Warder; John T. Pilson, as Grand Marshal, and Mrs. Gertrude Chrisley, as Grand Organist.
The Grand Matron then announced that she would issue her proxy to an officer of the Chapters to which those who were not present belonged and have such absent officers installed.
There being no further business to come before the Grand Chapter, the degrees were exemplified by the Grand Officers, after which the Grand Chapter was closed in due form.
Attest:
MRS. ANNIE E. WATERHOUSE,
Worthy Grand Matron.
MRS. ELIZABETH DINGER,
Grand Secretary.