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Fourth Annual Session,
Held at Ravenswood, October 2. and 3, 1907
RAVENSWOOD, W. VA., Oct. 2, 1907

The fourth annual session of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia Order of the Eastern Star was held in the city of Ravenswood, in the Pythian Temple, commencing Wednesday, October 2, 1907, at 10 A. M.

The Grand Chapter was called to order by the Grand Matron, Mary J. Wallace.

There being a constitutional number of subordinate Chapters represented, the Grand Chapter was opened in Ample Form with its Grand Officers in the chairs.

MARY J. WALLACE - - ----------- - - -- Worthy Grand Matron
MINERVA C. DEBENDARFER - - - -Associate Grand Matron
STEPHEN WATERHOUSE, JR.--------- Worthy Grand Patron
L. K. RICHARDS ------------------------- Associate Grand Patron
C. R. MARTIN ------------------------------------- Grand Secretary
CLARA A. JAMISON ------------------------- Grand Conductress
Lucy JACOBS -----------------------Associate Grand Conductress
MARIE SOBANSKI-------------------------------------- Grand Adah
SALLIE KNEEREAM----------------------------------- Grand Ruth
JOANNA BISHOP - ------------------------ - - - - - - - -Grand Esther
JESSIE LOUDEN - ------------------------ - - - - - - - -Grand Martha
EVA L. HAWKINS -------------------------- - - - - - - - -Grand Electa
ADA Lou HYER - - -------------------------- - - - - - - -Grand Warder
BRO. KNEEREAM - --------------------- - - - - - - - -Grand Sentinel
ANNIE MOTTFR - - - ----------------------- - - - - - -Grand Marshal
GERTRUDE CHRISTLEY --------------- - - - - - - -Grand Organist

The following Chapters responded to roll call:

Miriam, No. 1,
Silver Leaf, No. 5,
Augusta, No. 6,
Ruth, No. 7,
Huntington, No. 8,
Lorraine, No. 9,
Alkire, No. 10,
Queen Esther, No. 11
Naomi, No. 12,
Parkersburg, No. 14,
R. Douglas, No. 15,
Cottageville, No. 16,
Ripley, No. 17, Martha, No. 19
Ellenboro, No. 20
Fort Gay, No. 21,
Martha Washington, No. 22,
Wellsburg, No. 23,
Thelma, No. 24,
Pennsboro, No. 26.

Chapters No. 134, 175, and 186 from our sister State of Ohio were represented.

Buckhannon, No. 18, and Wayne, No. 25, being the only Chapters not represented.

Sister Sallie D. Kneeream, Worthy Matron of Ravenswood Chapter, in an address full of greeting and encouragement, welcomed the Grand Chapter to the city in a very pleasing manner.

Mrs. Minerva C. Debendarfer, Associate Grand Matron, responded to the address of welcome in the following manner:

RESPONSE TO ADDRESS OF WELCOME.

Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, Brothers and Sisters of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:

It is my pleasure and pleasant duty as Associate Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, to reply to the address of welcome which has been so ably delivered by Sister Kneeream. In thinking over what might be said on this occasion, it has occurred to me that the year now ended has been one of marked success. Our life as Stars has not been very long, this being only the fourth red letter day in the history of our Grand Chapter. Our banner has not enveloped all who are eligible to its ranks, but our enrollment is steadily increasing. The success of the past year should be an insentive to one and all to return home from this meeting refreshed and rejuvenated for still greater success. Let us go home resolved in heart and mind to put forth our best efforts to exemplify in our lives the noble principles which our Order represents. Our beloved Order brings us nearer and dearer to each other. The harrassing annoyances of those who are not of us do not appear here. We are one and the same; petty jealousies do not disturb us. We all have our differences, our preferences, our likes and dislikes, all are here', laid bare on the altar of right, justice tips the beam of the great balance of human equality and right prevails. We have our faults and we should ever be ready to spread the cloak of charity over the faults of our Masonic brethren and their families. Our Order has many objects, one of the chief of which is to bring wives, daughters, sisters, mothers, and widows of Master Masons into closer sisterhood. We meet here once a year to exchange ideas., that they may be for the benefit of our Order. We have made new acquaintances and revived those of a year ago. When we have transacted the business which may come before us, we will return to our homes feeling that we have well and faithfully discharged a sacred trust. Let us carry with us pleasant memories of an enjoyable time well spent. Let us exert our efforts so that our next
anniversary may be greatly increased in membership and attendance and set such a movement going that each succeeding year shall eclipse the preceding in behalf of the Grand Chapter. I would thank the members of R. Douglas Chapter for their kindly welcome. Sister Kneeream for her words of hearty greeting, and we know our stay among you will be a pleasure to all. To our Grand Matron, Grand Patron, I would say you have been faithful and your efforts have been rewarded.

I trust that the coming year may be a prosperous one in the history of our Grand Chapter.

MINERVA C. DEBENDARFER,
Associate Grand Matron.

WORTHY GRAND MATRON'S ADDRESS.

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

The word welcome, when spoken in sincerity, reaches human thought filled with a wealth of meaning and carries to the heart joy and gladness that is full of love, and it is with pleasure that I extend to each and all a hearty welcome to this, the fourth annual session of this Grand Chapter.

To you who are with us for the first time, we extend a cordial welcome, and may your first meeting with this Grand Chapter be long remembered as one of the happy and profitable events of your life.

Together we are a fraternal band, we greet you not as strangers, but as Brothers and Sisters.

One year ago, when the highest honor of this Grand Chapter was conferred on me, and you confided to my care this sacred trust, I was overwhelmed with the great responsibility, as you know my star rose suddenly and unexpectedly on the eastern horizon, and I felt that I was not prepared to assume the duties of this office, but through the kindness of our Grand Patron, Bro. 'Waterhouse, and the untiring interest and thoughtfulness of our Grand Secretary, Bro. Martin, who has anticipated my every need with constant and cheerful assistance, I have striven to domy best. I fail to find words sufficient to express my gratitude, but in memory's store house these kindnesses will remain as precious jewels. They have been a great help to me in my year's work.

I have at last reached the end of my journey and am now willing to do all that I can to help the Sister who will have the honor to be your Grand Matron the coming year.

May you also be a help to her, and remember, she is just a woman, do not expect too much of her, do not feel. hurt when she is unable to visit your Chapter at your wish. Remember that she has a home, and loved ones there, often times illness, perhaps could not leave at the time when you most wished her to come. Remember a true woman's heart will beat in response to the suffering of her own. God gave us the power to love so and we would not have it otherwise, so let us give our best thoughts for others.

That life is alone worth the living
That lives for another's gain;
The life that comes after such living
Is the rainbow after the rain.

While we are rejoicing in our own opportunities, greeting our old and loved friends, graciously meeting those who are with us for the first time, let us not forget those who have labored with us in the past and are today living only in our memory.

It is with deep thanksgiving we record that our circle of Grand Officers remains unbroken, yet while we rejoice in life and its opportunities, it is with sorrowing hearts we extend our love to subordinate Chapters where the Silent Messenger has entered and taken:

Sister Eliza McFadden and Sister W. J. Steen, from Mariam Chapter, No. I.
Sister Edith Glover and Brother J. D. Moonam, from Alkire Chapter, No. 10
Brother Thomas Sikes, of Huntington Chapter, No. 8.
Brother Adam C. Aultz and Sister Willie J. Wetzel, of R. Douglas Chapter, No. 15.

Our heartfelt sympathy and love point to You, the Father, whose love is unchanging, pure and true..

When hearts, whose worth was proven,
Like these, are laid in earth,
Then should a wreath be woven
To tell the world their worth.

From our sister jurisdictions has come the notices of the death of the following Grand and Past Grand Officers, high in station, prominent and active in Eastern Star work. To each jurisdiction has been sent letters of condolence, and we extend to them our heartfelt sympathy.

Sisters Mate L. Chester, Emily Rolf, Mattie Ann Farnum, Mary Ann Flint, Elizabeth A. Butler, Past Grand Matrons of Illinois.
Sister Maria A. Pierce, Past Grand Matron of California.
Sister Dorlesca C. Puritan, Past Grand Matron of Michigan.
Brother Nathaniel A. Gearhart, Past Grand Patron of Minnesota.
Brothers John M. Murray and Powel Samuel Lawson, Associate Grand Patrons of California.
Brothers Irvin B. Webber and E. N. Wilkerson, Past Grand Patrons of Indiana.

Let us rise and pay tribute to our dead.

In accordance with our established rules it is my duty, a1so my pleasure, to submit to you a report of my work for the past year.

I am sure you will be charitable in your judgment and say she has done what she could.

While I have failed to accomplish all I hoped, I assure you I have freely given my best efforts to the welfare and prosperity of our beloved order. I fully appreciate the confidence reposed in me and bespeak for my successor the support and trust so freely accorded me.

My first duty as Grand Matron was to appoint the appointive officers of our Grand Chapter, then signing the charters of the Chapters which were granted during the session of the last Grand Chapter.

October 15th, I deputized Brother C. 0. Young, of Buckhannon, No. 18, to install Sister Eleanor R. Williams as Worthy Matron of that Chapter, also install Sister Williams as Grand Martha, and James R. Deck as Grand Sentinel.

November 21St, I deputized Brother C. W. Gillian, of Ripley Chapter, No. 17, to install Sister Greek A. Park as Worthy Matron of that Chapter, also install Sister Mollie Armstrong as Grand Organist.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to exchange Grand Representatives with several Grand jurisdictions. I have appointed the following sisters to represent the Grand Chapter of West Virginia near the sister jurisdictions:

New York, Sister Fannie Runkle.
Minnesota, Sister Flora E. Moore.
Kentucky, Sister Delia Taylor Davis.
Maine, Sister Bell P. Smiley.
New Hampshire, Sister Josephine B. Libby.
Texas, Sister Helen Karney.
New Jersey, Sister Anna Kachenmester.
Michigan, Sister Mary C. Snyder.
Illinois, Sister Cora B. Brown.

It has given me great pleasure to name and recommend the following sisters of our State, to receive the appointment of Grand Representative of other Grand Chapters, near the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:

New York, Sister Sallie D. Kneeream.
Minnesota, Sister Anna E. Waterhouse.
Kentucky, Sister Johanna Bishop.
New Hampshire, Sister Alice L. Pope.
Oregon, Sister Gertrude Chrisley.
Illinois, Sister Addie E. Clark.
Michigan, Sister Ada Lou Hyer.
New Jersey, Sister Florence Mayfield.
Nebraska, Sister Greek A. Park.

I received beautiful New Year's greetings from our Most Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Madeline B. Conkling, and Most Worthy Grand Patron, Bro. William F. Kuhn, Christmas and
New Year's greetings from the Grand Matron and Grand Patron of Louisiana, greetings from several Grand Matrons of Sister Grand Chapters, to all of whom 1 sent greetings and best wishes.

I have received printed proceedings from the following Grand Chapters: Indiana, Tennessee, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Michigan, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska and South Dakota.

I have granted the following dispensations:

To install out of time, 4; to elect and install out of time, I to receive and ballot on petition at same regular meeting, 2; Usual time of residence, 2. For which I made no charge.

Waiver of jurisdiction asked for and received from Sister jurisdictions, 2; within our own jurisdiction, 2.

Received the By-Laws of R. Douglas Chapter, July 4th, and forwarded same to Grand Secretary, to be given to the Committee on Dispensations, Charters and Returns.

We have only fifteen Chapters working under Charters and three dormant Chapters, one at Ceredo, one at Athens, and one al Welch. So far we have been unable to revive them.

It affords me great pleasure to report that during the year dispensations have been granted by the Worthy Grand Patron for the organization of new Chapters at Ellenboro, Fort Gay, Sistersville, Wellsburg, Clendennen, Wayne and Pennsboro. A total of seven new Chapters, of which I am sure our Grand Patron can give a good report.

NEW GRAND CHAPTERS.

I have been notified by the officers of the General Grand Chapter of the organization of a Grand Chapter in South Carolina on June 1st, 1907. 1 wrote the Grand Matron tendering greetings and best wishes from the Grand Chapter of West Virginia.

INVITATIONS FROM GRAND CHAPTERS.

I have been favored with invitations to attend the sessions of the Grand Chapters of the following jurisdictions which, being unable to accept, I have responded to with greetings from West Virginia:

California, Washington, Utah, Maryland, Maine, Vermont, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey.

OFFICIAL VISITS.

On account of the illness of my son, I was unable to visit the Chapters until late in the year. On May 15th, I visited Silver Leaf Chapter, No. 5, at Hinton, accompanied by Grand, Esther Sister Johanna Bishop, Sister Jessie Louden, and Sister Mollie rake, all of Huntington Chapter, No. 8.
Found Silver Leaf Chapter hard at work. They conferred the degrees on seven canidates and balloted on five petitions that evening. There was a splendid attendance and all seemed to be enthused in the work.

October 13th, I visited Fort Gay U. D. Chapter, accompanied Sister Crawford, of Huntington Chapter, No. 8. 1 found our new Chapter at work. They conferred the degrees on two candidates and did the work well for a new Chapter.

October 14th, visited Cottageville Chapter, No. 16. As their ship is small, and a number of their officers were away at time, they could not do the work for me that night. Fifteen of the members of Ripley Chapter drove eight miles over the rough roads of West Virginia to be with us that night, and I spent a most pleasant evening with the two Chapters.

October 15th, I was with R. Douglas Chapter, No. 15. Found there a Chapter that worked very hard, indeed. Did not see them do their work, but feel sure they know how to do it just Tight. I was entertained at the home of Sister Kneeream, the ;,Worthy Matron, and she is very proud of herofficers and members and well she may be.

October 16th was to have been with Martha Washington "U. D. Chapter, of Sistersville, but received word from their Secretary that their Worthy Matron was out of town, also several of their officers -1 and the Worthy Patron thought best not to have meeting I was indeed disappointed, for I had heard so much About that Chapter and its work that I wanted to be with them. I thought to visit
them later, but on my return home I found my, son ill again, and could not leave him, so asked Sister Waterhouse, our Past Grand Matron, to visit them and report to me. Sister Waterhouse's report was of the best.

October 17th, I visited Ellenboro U. D. Chapter, accompsnied by our Grand Secretary, Brother C. R. Martin. It was a rainy night and the attendance was small, but they got enough together to do the work for me, and they are doing fine for a new Chapter.

October 19th, I visited Parkersburg Chapter, No. 14. They had a called meeting, and (met twenty-four of their one hundred and forty-eight members on account of so many of their members being out of town,) was not able to see them do their work, but I feel sure they do splendid work.

October 20th met with Naomi Chapter, No. 12, at Grafton. Was met there by our Associate Grand Matron, Sister Minerva Debendarfer. We spent a most pleasant evening with the Grafton Chapter. Small attendance, but their people seemed to take their vacations at this time of the year.

October 21St, I visited Buckhannon Chapter, No. 18. 1 was accompanied by our Associate Grand Matron. It had rained hard all day and was a rainy, dark night, but a goodly number came out and they did the work for me, and I must say I believe Buckhannon Chapter to be our banner Chapter. I am indeed proud of them.

October 22nd, visited Queen Esther Chapter, No. 11 of Clarksburg. Was accompanied by Sister Debendarfer. The Worthy Matron was ill at her home and Sister Roberts took the chair. There were not officers enough present to do the work, so we spent a most pleasant social evening together, but I feel sure they have a strong Chapter there and do good work.

October 23rd, I went to Sutton, met with Martha Chapter, No. 19 that night and I do not think I ever heard it rain harder. Their membership is small there, but a goodly number came out in the rain, and we had such a nice meeting. They are working hard and are bound to be one of our bright Stars.

October 24th, I was to have visited Clendennin U. D. Chapter, but it had rained so hard that the streams were swollen, and the stage was not running, and I was advised by a railroad man not to try the Coal and Coke road after such rains, so I returned home by the way of Parkersburg. On my arrival home I found my son ill again with the trouble that has kept him a sufferer for almost four years. Then I gave up my trip to Milwaukee that I had planned to take that I might be at the General Grand Chapter rest of the Chapters in the State, but I wrote to them and explained I the reason that I could not. I asked our Associate Grand Patron to visit *Ruth Chapter, NO. 7, and report to me. So far I have not heard from him.

I asked our Associate Grand Matron to visit Augusta Chapter, No. 6, at Mannington, also Lorraine Chapter, No. 9, at Cameron, and report to me. Our Associate Matron sent a good report from both Chapters.

I was not able to get to visit Alkire Chapter, No. 10 I have written them three times during the year, but as yet have never heard from them.

I asked our Past Grand Matron, Sister Waterhouse, to visit Wellsburg Chapter U. D., and report to me. She very kindly consented to do so, and her report was of the best for that Chapter.

I was with Huntington Chapter, No. 8, many times during the year. It is growing slowly but surely, and harmony reigns supreme within that Chapter.

I did not visit Miriam Chapter, No. I as it is the home of our Past Grand Matron and present Grand Patron, Sister and Bro. Waterhouse. They did not need my instruction.

I visited Wayne Chapter U. D. on September 19th accompanied by Grand Esther, Sister Johanna Bishop. Found them doing splendid work. Had met but twice on regular meeting nights, but they had their work committed and went through it without a single mistake.

Our Grand Patron certainly does his work without a flaw, as the U. D. Chapters show by their work.

DECISIONS.

I have received a 'small number of communications from the Chapters and their officers, propounding questions pertaining to Order of Eastern Star law and its application, and I am pleased to state that in nearly every instance it was only necessary to refer to the Ritual or the Constitution and Laws.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

As your Grand Matron, I have been the recipient of many honors and courtesies and your kindness in extending these I can never forget. You have made it very pleasant for me while in your Chapter rooms and to those who so kindly took me to their homes and entertained me while I was visiting the Chapters throughout the State I will say that I am very grateful; it was indeed lovely of you. I know how one dreads to take a stranger into the home, but we are sisters and as such I wish might know and love each other. I have a most tender spot in my heart for the Sisters who so kindly took me to their hearts, as well as their homes, and I can truly say, you are indeed lovely to the stranger within your gates.

I have been notified of but two deaths in our Order in our jurisdiction during the year. If there were others they were not reported to me.

During the year I received 93 letters and have written 211 pertaining to Order of Eastern Star work. Of the letters received there were but two that seemed a little cool, seeming to blame me for certain laws made by our Grand Chapter.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

First-That charters be granted the U. D. Chapters organized by our Grand Patron during the past year.

Second-That officers of the subordinate Chapters make a more careful study of the Constitution and Laws of the Grand Chapter and of their own By-Laws.

Third-That the Bible be opened at the second chapter of Matthew, which refers to the Star in the East.

Fourth-That a limit be fixed as to how long an unaffiliated member may visit Chapters.

Fifth-That our Chapters observe Robert Morris' birthday, August 31st, as founder's day, or festal day.

Sixth-That the proceedings of this and all former sessions of this Grand Chapter be printed.

With a few suggestions I will close. I would suggest that after you return to your homes from this Grand Chapter meeting that the Worthy Matron of each Chapter write to the Grand Matronelect and send her the names of the first three officers and the Past Matrons and Past Patrons of her Chapter, also the dates of regular meeting nights. Kindly notify her promptly of deaths, should any occur, and immediately after the election of officers in June furnish her with a list of the new officers. You could make your Grand Matron's work much easier if you would remember to do this. Please do.

While my year's work with you has been hard at times, and. I found it took a great deal of the time, I felt should have been given to my invalid son, I feel repaid now that you have been so kind to me and my love for the order is stronger than ever.

I want to see the Order grow, especially in this State. It should be four times as large as it now is, and Why not, for right here in our Little Mountain State live some of the grandest Masons and their wives and daughters as have ever set foot on. any soil. So let us be UP and doing. I hope the day is not far distant when we can proudly say that we have an Eastern Star Home in our own State.

I surrender the emblem of authority with some pride, in that the Grand Officers have worked in perfect harmony and I am able to report the year one of prosperity, healthy growth and harmony.

For my successor I pray the same blessings that have been mine and for our Order continued growth, prosperity and influences for good.

Fraternally submitted,
MRS. MARY J. WALLACE,
Worthy Grand Matron.

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

At 12:30 adjourned for refreshments, to meet at 2 P. M.

Wednesday, October 3, 2 P. M.

REPORT OF GRAND SECRETARY.
RAVENSWOOD, W. VA., October 3, 1907.

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

When, one year ago, you saw fit to re-elect me to the responsible office of Grand Secretary of this Grand Chapter, I accepted with misgivings lest my business cares might prevent me giving the work the zeal and attention it deserves and should have. Notwithstanding the many cares it has added, the work has been a pleasure to me.

Thanking Sister Wallace, Grand Matron, Bro. Waterhouse, Grand Patron, and all the officers of the Grand Chapter for their assistance and encouragement. I hereby submit my official acts to this Grand Chapter for charitable and considerate judgment*

My first official act was to write tip the minutes of the last Grand Chapter meeting, and secure the printing of stationery for the year, and having printed and sent out to all Chapters and Grand Chapters, 'officers, etc., a list of the Grand Officers-elect.

Have written and sent Out 512 letters. Corresponded with 45 Grand Chapters in the United States and one in Scotland.

CHARTERS ISSUED.

October 4, Ripley, No. 16.
October 4, Cottageville, No. 17.
October 4, Buckhannon, No. I8
October 4, Sutton, No. 19.

DISPENSATIONS ISSUED.

October 27, Ellenboro, Ellenboro.
December 27, Fort Gay, Fort Gay.
February 22, Martha Washington, Sistersville.
May 17, Thelma, Clendennin.
May 27, Wellsburg, Wellsburg.
July 27, Wayne, Wayne.
August 31, Pennsboro, Pennsboro.

SYNOPSIS OF MEMBERSHIP, CHAPTERS AND U. D. CHAPTERS.

Members July I, 1906 --------------------------- 1,018
Initiated -------------------------------------- 132
Affiliated ------------------------------------ I
Reinstated ----------------------------------- 2
Total number with increase -------------------- 1,153
Number died -------------------------------- 7
Number demitted --------------------------- 36
Number suspended ------------------------- 26
Number expelled ------------------------------00

Total decrease ------------------------------- 69
Membership --------------------------------- 1,084

PRESENT MEMBERSHIP U. D. CHAPTER.

Total membership July 1st 1907
Increase for one year ------------------------ 310

Total membership --------------------------------- 1,394

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Received from dues --------------------------------- $388 .70
Received from dispensations less amount deducted by
Brother Waterhouse ----------------------------------- 86 .30
For organizing @ $7.50, $1.20 expenses ----------- 53 .70
Received from charters -------------------------------- 20 .00
Received from sale of Rituals ------------------------ 37 .26

Total ------------------------------------------------- $532.26
Received from Alkire, No.--- 21 70

Total ------------------------------------------------- $553.96

In Treasurer's last report ------------------------------ 240.35

Total-------------------------------------------------- $800.31

Paid out of treasury ----------------------------------- 250.00

Balance ------------------------------------------------ $550.31
Salary --------------------------------------------------- 50.00

Balance ------------------------------------------------- $500.31

Fraternally submitted this 2nd day of October, 1907.
Yours fraternally,
C. R. MARTIN,
Grand Secretary.

The report was referred to Finance Committee, and reported correct and approved by Grand Chapter.

Committee on Unfinished Business reported as follows:

We, your Committee on Unfinished Business, have examined the proceedings of the last Grand Chapter and find the following:

The Committee on the Printing of the Proceedings of Grand Chapter have not completed their work and made no report.

Bro. Krupp, Committee on Purchasing Grand Chapter jewels-, has made no report.

Fraternally submitted,
C. R. MARTIN,
MINERVA DEBENDARFER
CLARA JAMISON.

Report was on motion accepted.

Committee on Finance report the following:

We, your Committee on Finance, make the following report: We have examined the books of the Grand Secretary, and find he has kept an account with each Chapter, with the General Grand Chapter and with the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, and we find from the books the following amount from the Grand Chapter:

Chapter fees ------------------------------------------------ 20.00
From dues -------------------------------------------------- 388.70
Dispensations, less $53.70.
Bro. Waterhouse for organizing seven Chapters------- 86.30
Sale of Rituals ----------------------------- 37.26
Received from Alkire Chapter, No. 10 ------------------ 21.70

Total --------------------------------------------------------- 553.96

We have examined the Grand Treasurer's books and find them correct, and the amount in the Grand Treasurer's hand ----------------------------------- 235.62

Total --------------------------------------------------- $788 58

We also recommend that the Grand Chapter pay all expenses
of a representative to the General Grand Chapter.

S. WATERHOUSE, JR.
Marie SOBANSKI,
JOHANN,& Bishop.

Report on finance and Treasurer's report was on motion accepted and adopted.

Committee on Dispensations, Charters and Returns:

To the Grand Matron, Grand Patron, Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:

We, your Committee on Dispensations, Charters and Returns, beg leave to submit the following report:

On examination we find the By-Laws of the following Chapters in accordance with the Constitution, rules and regulations of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia, and recommend their approval:

Wellsburg, No. 23.
Ellenboro, No. 20.
R. Douglas, No. 15.

Owing to the limited time and the great amount of detailed work required to examine the returns of the Grand Officers, it is impossible to make a detailed report of same.

By a hasty examination of the reports we are convinced of their accuracy and report favorably on same.

MRS. CARRIE THRUM,
MRS. ADDIE E. CLARK,
L. K. RICHARDS.

To the Grand Matron, Grand Patron, Grand Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:

We, the Committee on Dispensations, Charters and Returns, beg to submit the following additional report:

We recommend charters be granted the following U. D. Chapters:

Ellenboro, NO. 20.
Fort Gay, NO. 21.
Sistersville, NO. 22.
Wellsburg, NO. 23.
Clendennin, No. 24.
Wayne, No. 25.
Pennsboro, NO. 26.

Fraternally submitted,
MRS. CARRIE THURM,
MRS. ADDIE E. CLARK,
L. K. RICHARDS.

The report was on motion accepted and adopted.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

We desire to recommend to all Chapters uniform and detailed reports as per blanks furnished.

We further recommend:

That all subordinate Chapters report in their minutes the names of all members and visitors present at each meeting, regular or special of their Chapter.

Owing to the apparent impossibility of one committee handling all the work, in the given time, that is included in the duties of the Committee on Dispensations, Charters and Returns, we your committee,, most heartily recommend that this committee be divided into two committees to be known as

Committee 1, on Dispensations and Charters.
Committee II, on By-Laws and Returns.

On motion report was adopted,

MRS. CARRIE THRUM,
MRS. ADDiE E. CLARK,
L. K. RiCHARDS.

Committee on jurisprudence report the following:

We, your Committee on jurisprudence, report on the following recommendations of the Grand Matron:

That the Bible be opened at the second chapter of Matthew, which refers to the Star in the East.

We move the adoption of the above.

That a limit be fixed as to how long an unaffiliated member may visit Chapters. We offer the following:

Resolved, That in the Grand jurisdiction of West Virginia, an unaffiliated member shall not be allowed to visit an 0. E. S. Chapter after the expiration of one year after the date of dimit.

That our Chapters observe Robert Morris' birthday, August 31st, as Founder's or Festal Day.

We recommend the observance of this day but that it be obligatory.

On motion report was adopted.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS.

To the Grand Matron, Grand Patron,. Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:

We, your Committee on Resolutions, beg leave to submit the following report:

First-That a unanimous vote of thanks of this Grand Chapter be tendered the brethren of Knights of Pythias Lodge of Ravenswood for their kindness in tendering the Grand Chapter 0. E. S. their beautiful hall and committee rooms.

Second-That a unanimous vote of thanks be tendered the sisters and brothers of R. Douglas Chapter, No. 15, for the courteous treatment and fraternal hospitality extended to the officers, members and visitors of Grand Chapters during their brief sojourn among them at this session, and to the officers of R. Douglas, No. 15, for their, splendid entertainment at the special communication last evening.

On motion adopted.

Fraternally submitted,
THOS. G. STRICKLER,
GREEK A. PARK,
MINNIE A. WOLFE.

To the Grand Officers, Matt-on, and Members of the Grand Chapter 0. E. S. of West Virginia:

Resolved, That the expenses of one of the Representatives of this Grand Chapter to the General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star be paid out of the Grand Treasury. If the Grand Matron at-tends the General Grand Chapter assembly, that it be allowed to her, but if it is by a proxy of the Grand Matron he or she is to receive the compensation.

Respectfully submitted,
S. WATERHOUSE, JR.

Adopted.

To the Grand Matron, Grand Patron, and Officers and Members of the Grand Chapter of West Virginia:

I desire to offer the following resolution:

Resolved, That section 19 of the Rules and Regulations for the government of subordinate Chapters be changed to read as follows:

A candidate for degrees of the 0. E. S. must reside in the jurisdiction of the subordinate Chapter six months prior to presentation of petition for membership.

Fraternally submitted,
Laid over till next meeting. GREEK A. PARK

.
The following Officers of the Grand Chapter were elected and installed

MRS. MINERVA C. DEBENDARFER, Augusta No. 6 ---------Grand Matron
STEPHEN WATERHOUSE, JR., Miriam No. 1 ----------------Grand Patron
MRS. CLARA A. JAMISON, Lorraine No. 9 ------------------Assoc. Grand Matron
C. R. MARTIN, Ruth, No. 7 -----------------------------------Assoc. Grand Patron
MOLLIE R. BROOME, Alkire No. 10 --------------------------Grand Secretary
MRS. GREEK A. PARK, Ripley No. 17 ------------------------Grand Treasurer
MRS. Lucy JACOBS, Queen Esther No. 11 ------------------Grand Conductress
MRS. MARIE SOBANSKI, Miriam No. 1 ------------------Assoc. Grand Conductress
J. T. PILSON, Naomi No. 12 -----------------------------Grand Trustee, three years
ANNIE E. WATERHOUSE, Miriam No. 1 -----------------Grand Trustee, two years

The following appointments were made by the Grand Matron elect, and installed:

MRS. SALLIED. KNEEREAM, R. Douglas No. 15 ---------------- Grand Adah
MRS. JOANNA BISHOP, Huntington No. 8 ------------------------ Grand Ruth
MRS. EVA L. HAWKINS, Parkersburg, No. 14 -------------------- Grand Esther
MRS. ADA Lou HYER, Martha No. 19 ------------------------------ Grand Matron
MRS. ANNE MOTTER, Naomi No. 12 ----------------------------- Grand Electa
MRS. CORA B. JONES, Silver Leaf No. 5 ------------------------- Grand Warder
ALDIS L. DAVIS, Pennsboro NO. 26 ------------------------------- Grand -Sentinel
MRS. DOLLIE M. STRICKLER, Ellenboro NO. 20 -------------- Grand Chaplain
MRS. ELLA V. WOLCOTT, Thelma No. 24 ----------------------- Grand Marshal
MRS. GERTRUDE CHRISLEY, Ruth No. 7 ---------------------- Grand Organist

The officers were all present and installed by Sister Annie E. Waterhouse, Past Grand Matron, with the exception of the Grand Sentinel.

There being no further business before the Grand Chapter, it closed in regular form, to meet in Clarksburg on the first Wednesday in October, 1908.

MRS. MINERVA C. DEBENDARFER,
Worthy Grand Matron.

MRS. MOLLIE R. BROOME,
Grand Secretary.