Rising Star, Chapter 115

A Special Session was called to order at the Odd Fellows Hall of Georgetown, KY on November 11, 1909 for the purpose if instituting Rising Star Chapter Under Dispensation. The meeting was called to order by Josephine H. Tinder- Grand Secretary served as Installing Officer with Brother C.B. Fitch assisting, Sister Eunice Collins-Grand Marshal and Sister Maurie Ramisen. – Grand Chaplain, with the assistance of the officers of Lexington No. 110. Edgar W. Whittemoor, Grand Patron, issued the dispensation.

 

There were 19 petitioners initiated on that date. The charter members were:

 

Miss Maggie Haggard       Mrs. Anna B. Whitton

Mrs. Minnie Jones            Mrs. Lizzie E. Wedgewood

Mrs. Stella McMakin         Mrs. Kathryn Marshall

Miss Catherine Whitton   Miss Effie Hearen

Mrs. Mattie B. Howard     Mrs. Flora Margolen

Mrs. Ella Pollard               Mrs. Clara E. Warren

Mrs. Addie Conner           Mr E. H. Whitton

Mr. E. K. Jones                 Mr. Charles P. Davenport       

Mr. B. M. Herndon           Mr. Henry T. Warren

Dr. R.D. Coffman

 

The 1st Worthy Matron was Sister Lizzie Wedgewood, Worthy Patron~ Brother Charles P. Davenport, and Associate Matron as Sister Flora Margolen.

 

From Oct to April meetings were held at 7pm and from April to Oct they were at 7:30pm. The initiation Fee was $2 and the annual dues were $1.50. The secretary did not have to pay dues. The affiliation fee was 50 cents. The Lodge did not charge the Chapter to meet at the Lodge Hall.

 

The first crown and scepter was purchased in January 1910. The first jewels were purchased April 1910 for $15. In July they purchased the first Altar Bible for $2.50.

 

There were 17 candidates initiated the first year.

 

1911 - Clara Henrichs honored our chapter by choosing Kathryn Marshall as Grand Organist. A reception was                 held for her on February 20, 1912 with 75 in attendance. Special guests were the WGM- Sister Clara                   Henrichs and Brother A. H. Davis-Grand Patron. Sister Kathryn was later appointed as Grand                               Representative to New Jersey.

 

The Chapter faltered during the war and reorganized on August 1, 1922. There had been no initiatory work since 1917. At the September meeting there were 4 petitioners and at the October meeting there were 20 petitions and 2 affiliations. Lexington No. 110 performed the courtesy initiation at the Lodge Hall for a total of 25 candidates.

 

 

In 1923 they adopted the salary of $1 per meeting for the secretary.

 

 

In 1924 the District School expenses were $5.

 

February 26, 1932 we hosted the District School of Instruction.

 

The Chapter was inspected each year from the time of reorganization to the time of the 25th anniversary.

Time was not listed in the minutes but they served lunch after the meeting! Sandwiches, moulded fruit salad, pickles, coffee and angel food cake was served.

 

25th Anniversary

The 25th anniversary was celebrated on November 20, 1934 with Grace Thomas as WM and John Jarvis as WP. Special guest was WGP- Thomas E. Cochran- a member of Rising Star Chapter. During the meeting, the Bible was closed and a cake with the five star points was brought into the room with 25 candles. Each officer brought birthday greetings and then lit one of the candles.

 

There were 5 surviving Charter Members at the time of this celebration. Two were in attendance and were honored.

 

50th Anniversary

The Golden Anniversary was celebrated at a stated meeting on November 17, 1959. Sister Rhoda Hagans was WM and William Hagans, WP. Mossie Neale was Associate Matron. Catherine Whitton was secretary and was presented her 50-year pin that evening along with a yellow rose corsage and an electric blanket.

Festivities were celebrated with a Large Angel Food Cake. Candles were lit for the Charter Members. Happy Birthday was sung. An addendum was given called “Building a Tree” The Chapter officers assisted.

The foundation was the chapter; the star points planted a seed of “Fidelity, Constancy, Loyalty, Faith and Loving Kindness. The Associate Matron placed the ball of the tree showing that the seeds have taken root and that the chapter is beginning to grow. First branch of the tree was placed representing the Officers and members of the chapter who served before us. The second branch was placed to recognize the reorganization in 1922 with 22 new members. The next branch was placed representing new life of the chapter and the beginning of new activities for the chapter.

 

The Past Matrons and Past Patrons who were present were recognized by year.  Special Guests included: Evelyn Sheehan was Grand Adah from Lexington #110 and Betsy Murphy – DGM for District 2

 

75th Anniversary

The 75th anniversary was celebrated on November 18, 1984 at the Episcopal Church in Georgetown. It was a casual gathering at 2pm with 75 plus friends joining the celebration. Mrs. Laverne Ryan was WM and Mr. Clarence Ryan was WP. Token gifts were pens with chapter name and date. Food was a token of love and enjoyed by all.

 

1970-71 - Mary Frances Cooper was chosen by Sister Jean Marshall, WGM and Charles Reed, WGP to serve as                      Grand Chaplain

 

1982-83 -  Marge Rodden was chosen by Sister Marilyn Crowe, WGM and Brother Leroy Buckingham to serve as                  Grand Martha.

 

1991-92 -  Alice Wiggins was chosen by Sister Cora Inman, WGM and Brother Bailey Spears, WGP to serve as                       Grand Chaplain.

 

1994 -  Alice Wiggins was elected as Associate Grand Conductress and went on to serve as Worthy Grand                       Matron in 1996-97 with Brother Ronald Gullett.

 

2007-08 - Stella West was appointed as Grand Warder by Sister Debbie Ballinger and Brother Adrian Cavanah.