Cariboo Chapter #71 Quesnel has had a busy time this month! This included attending Grand Chapter and an official visit from the Worthy Grand Matron and her officers. Worthy Matron Alice Mathews and Worthy Patron Del Cyr travelled with nine other officers to attend the five-day sessions.
This year, the 101 year of the Order of the Eastern Star, Grand Chapter Sessions were held in Kamloops. This is a time for members of the Order to renew old friendships, make new friends and conduct their official business.
Besides official business matters, the session honours its delegates and its members who have been in the Order for more than 50 years. Among those honoured this year was Cariboo Chapter’s Sister Betty Eyolfson for 57 years of dedicated service.
Our Grand Representative to Missouri, Brother Mark Heinzelman, was joined by his American counterpart, Ed Sprenkle and his wife Berniece from Stockton, Missouri. The two of them participated in the ceremonial Cavalcade of Flags.
Church service on the Sunday before official opening ceremonies honoured two of Cariboo Chapter’s departed members, Sister Irene Lorance and Sister Lil Walker. It was a very touching time to remember the more than 100 members throughout the province who have passed away this year.
After their installation, the Worthy Grand Officers then proceed to visit each Chapter in the province and the Yukon. At that time, the records of the chapter and its finances are reviewed by the Worthy Grand...and as always, our ‘books’ were in impeccable order.
Grand Chapter ended on Thursday, May 31 and members wended their way home just in time to start preparations for the Worthy Grand Matron’s official visit. Monday, June 4, Cariboo Chapter had a School of Instruction and in the evening the official visit took place.
This year, Worthy Grand Matron Jacquie Wowk and Worthy Grand Patron Jim Firbank honoured Sister Kathy Maxwell. Sister Kathy has been a member of the Eastern Star for 53 years, joining Star on May 25, 1959.
The specific honour accorded to Sister Kathy was The Owl Award. This is a new award for a member who has worked tirelessly but never held the office of Worthy Matron.
After the meeting, members partook in a delicious repast, bought tickets on a raffle for a variety of items and relaxed after a job well- done.
Grand Chapter and official visit were a huge success and it is onwards and upwards for another year.
If you, or any member of your family, has Masonic affiliation, consider joining our organization. We are a welcoming group and are always looking for new members.
Honey Affleck is a member of the Cariboo Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.