99th Session of theGrand Chapter of Saskatchewan

April 30, May 1 & 2, 2015Kerry Vickar Centre – Melfort, SK

ESTARL Worship ServiceThe 99th Session of the Grand Chapter began on Thursday afternoon, April 30, beginning with the ESTARL Worship Service. Albert Hilliar Grand Chaplain (#96) was Worship Leader. The Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron read their scriptures Matthew 5:16 and Galatians 6:9 respectively. Hymns sung were “By Earth and Sky” and “Spirit Open My Heart”. Prayer of Dedication was given by Rev. Jo Anne Knobbe PM (#7). ESTARL offering totaled $679.70.

Informal OpeningWelcome was given by Dorothy Busby PGM (#96) and Gerald Busch PGP (#31) followed by the Bible and Emblem Ceremony prepared and narrated by Betty Abrey PGM (#89). As the theme for this year has been “Shining Stars - Guided by the Light”, the ceremony prepared reflected “light”. The Emblems of our Order glow with beauty and significance and radiate the ideals and teach the lessons of fidelity (Adah), constancy (Ruth), loyalty (Esther), faith (Martha) and love (Electa) -- virtues exemplified in the lives of the five heroines of our Order. The emblem bearers were Audrey Purdie PM (#4) - Adah; Joyce Noble PM (#8) - Ruth; Merle Sawatsky PM (#89/#4) - Esther; Barbara Smith PM (#96) - Martha; Cora Gavel PM (#16) - Electa; and Susan Francescone PM (#2) - Bible Bearer -- The Holy Bible is God’s gift to mankind and that we may be guided by the light of God’s love, truth and faith and may it shine in each of our hearts.The Entrance of the “Shining Stars” Grand Officers followed the Bible and Emblem Ceremony.

The Presentation of Flags and Tributes was under the direction of Lloyd Pethick PGP (#1) and assisted by Jean Thibeault PM (#7) and Patricia Meddins PM (#4). The following flags were presented and tributes given: Canadian Flag – Bearer Roderick Lee PGP (#92), Tribute by Barbara Webb GGCCM (#1) followed by the singing of “O Canada”; United States of America Flag – Bearer Brandi Marchetti PM (of South Dakota), Tribute by Alan Siirila GGCCM (of North Dakota) followed by the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner”; Saskatchewan Flag – Bearer Glen Ridgway PP (#15), Tribute by Bev Otsuka GGCCM (#4); Christian Flag – Bearer Ray Moffatt PGP (#1), Tribute by Beverley Brooks GGCCM/Grand Secretary of Virginia; Order of the Eastern Star Flag – Bearer Rod Stafford PGP (#15), Tribute by Donna Sanders PGM (#89/#7)

Following the Presentation of the Official Flags, Brother Lloyd had the honour to present, for the very first time in the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan, the Cavalcade of Flags. Flags presented: Alabama^, Alberta^, Arkansas^, British Columbia and Yukon*, California**, Connecticut^, District of Columbia^, Georgia*, Idaho**, Indiana^, Kansas^, Manitoba*, Michigan*, Mississippi^, Missouri*, Nebraska**, New Brunswick*, New Mexico^, Nova Scotia and PEI*, Oklahoma^, Oregon*, Pennsylvania*, Quebec^, Rhode Island^, Tennessee^, Texas*, Utah*, Vermont^, Virginia** and West Virginia^. Each flag bearer (*Grand Representative of Saskatchewan to that province/state; **Grand Representative of Saskatchewan with their Counterpart accompanying them, ^Grand Representatives of Saskatchewan to Other Jurisdictions or Past Grand Representatives) was introduced at the altar and a brief history of the flag given by Brother Lloyd.

This was followed by the Invocation given by Rev. Jo Anne Knobbe PM (#7).

Introduction of Provincial and Civic Guests – The following were introduced and gave greetings:Province of Saskatchewan - Kevin Phillips the MLA for the Melfort ConstituencyCity of Melfort - Rick Lang the Mayor of Melfort

Introduction of Fraternal Bodies – The following were presented and gave greetings:The Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Most Worshipful Grand Master John LeyshonAncient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Scotland, Royal Arch Masons William Fitzsimmons (#2)

Presentation to the Special Project - Ronald McDonald House, Saskatoon: Tammy Forrester Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities was presented with a cheque in the amount of $14,771.00 by Worthy Grand Patron Bruce Lambert. Tammy, overwhelmed with the donation, said these funds will go a long way to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Families only pay $10.00 a night and the charity pays a lot to keep the rooms feeling like a home and the kitchen stocked and food in the cupboards and fridge.

Susan Bear PM (#47) sung “We Have This Moment” followed by the “Retirement of Non-Members”.

Introduction of Distinguished “Shining Stars” General Grand Chapter Committee Members:

Mary Lawrence (PGM of West Virginia) - Chair of Charters Kathy Blackstock (PGM of Saskatchewan) - International Peace Garden Chapel Carol Girling (PGM of Manitoba) - International Peace Garden Chapel Barbara Webb (PGM of Saskatchewan) - Membership Beverley Otsuka (PGM of Saskatchewan) - Eastern Star Journal Beverley Brooks (PGM of Virginia / Grand Secretary of Virginia) - Registration Alan Siriila (PGP of North Dakota) - Membership Robert Lawrence (PGP of West Virginia) - Chair of Properties Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons of Other Grand Jurisdictions: Andrea Storjohann PGM of Idaho, Phyllis Dyck PGM of Manitoba, Carol Hudkins PGM of Nebraska Cheryl Siriila PGM of North Dakota (and Grand Representative of Wyoming in North Dakota) Herbert Solmundson PGP of Manitoba Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons of Saskatchewan: Past Grand Matrons – May Mann (#96), Anne Bruce (#84), Dorothy Busby (#96), Ruby Lee (#92), Maureen Jackiw (#15) (Grand Secretary), Betty Abrey (#89), Llynne Lambert (#8) (Grand Lecturer), Thea Howe (#132), Donna Sanders (#89/#7) Past Grand Patrons – Thomas Hannan (#7), Jack Smith (#2), Roderick Lee (#92), John Zondervan (#15), Lloyd Pethick (#1), Ray Moffatt (#1), Gerald Busch (#31), Dennis Skuce (#132), Rod Stafford (#15) Elected Grand Officers and Grand Trustees of Other Grand Jurisdictions: Carole McElheran Associate Grand Matron of Manitoba Appointed Grand Officers of Other Grand Jurisdictions: Terri Ewing Grand Marshal of California, Kim McMinus Grand Electa of Alberta Grand Representatives of Saskatchewan in Other Grand Jurisdictions: Donna Hamblin of Saskatchewan in Idaho, Linda Pearce of Saskatchewan in Virginia Gary Ewing of Saskatchewan in California, Larry Hudkins of Saskatchewan in Nebraska Grand Representatives of Saskatchewan: Twenty-seven Grand Representatives were present

Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer Emeritus Janet Zondervan (#15) Grand Secretary Emeritus Marlene Ridgway (#15) Grand Treasurer Emeritus, Cannida Coventry (#84) Grand Treasurer Emeritus Grand Officers and Grand Trustees of Saskatchewan Introduced from their Stations by the Worthy Grand Matron The Family of the Worthy Grand Matron and Wife of the Worthy Grand Patron Alretta Walsh PM (#16) (Sister of the WGM) Shelley Brittain PM (#96) and Rhonda Edworthy (#96) (Nieces of the WGM) Llynne Lambert PGM (#8) (Wife of the WGP)

Necrology / MemorialMemorial Tribute to Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patron – The following Tributes were given to Past Grand Patron Kenneth “Kenn” George (#96) (June 5, 2014) by Dorothy Busby PGM (#96), Past Grand Matron Tillie (Smith) Jaeger (#1) (Aug. 19, 2014) by Connie Pinnow PGM (#1) and read by Lynann Pethick PM (#1), Past Grand Matron Ida Lawrence (#8) (Sept. 10, 2014) by Jack Smith PGP (#2) and Past Grand Matron Charlotte Vetzal (#21) (Feb. 15, 2015) by Anne Bruce PGM (#84). Followed by Marianne Woods PM (#7) singing “Hymn of Praise”.Star Point Memorial Addendum was narrated by Thea Howe PGM (#132) who spoke of Fidelity, Constancy, Loyalty, Faith and Love and how these virtues relate to the heroines of our Order and to our lives. Each Star Point placed a butterfly on a tree to represent our pledge to Fidelity (Adah), Faithfulness (Ruth), Loyalty (Esther), Faith (Martha) and Love (Electa). Necrology: As the Grand Secretary read the names of 38 members who passed away in 2014 from 16 Chapters, the 2014 Worthy Matrons and Patrons from each Subordinate Chapter carried an angel and placed it on the tree. Afterwards Marianne Woods PM (#7) sang “Where The Roses Never Fade”. The 2014 Worthy Matrons and Patrons joined the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron forming a Golden Chain.

Little Did We KnowLittle did we know that morning that God would call your name

In life we loved you dearly; in death we do the same.It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you the day God called you Home.You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you, you are always on our side.Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same.But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

A moment of silence followed to remember our loved ones who have gone before us who emulated the teachings of the heroines of our Order. The Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron lead the Grand Officers and Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons out of the Grand Chapter Room.

Grand Chapter ReportsGrand Secretary’s Report – Maureen Jackiw PGM (#15)Membership - Subordinate Chapters as of Jan. 1, 2014: 18 Increase: Decrease: Membership Initiations: 12 Demitted (Excelsior #21, Regina) 45 As of Jan. 1/14 975 Affiliations: 24 Demitted: 18 Increase +40 Reinstatements: 3 Suspended: 4 Decrease -105 Dual: 1 Deaths: 38 As of Dec. 31/14 910 Total: 40 Total: 105

50 - 60 - 70 Year Pins/Certificates – Congratulations to the following:50 Year Recipients: Vernetta Griffith, Judith Englan - Mizpah #1, Moose Jaw; Elizabeth Anderson Saskatoon #4; Melvina Johnson; Betty Lynn Lutz, Stu MacLachlan - Excelsior #21, Regina; Yvonne Heinrich - Hiawatha #47, Kamsack; Jean Cooper, Frances McManus - Queen Alexandra #84, Kindersley; Mary Dwyer, Mary Ann Basler - Regal #132, Saskatoon; 60 Year Recipients: Gladys Simpson - Regina #7; Vinona Sinclair, Melva Layman, Kay Mitchell, - Assiniboia #8; Tracene Hill - Prince Albert #16; Ruth Scott - Corinthian #89, Govan; Greta Switzer, Doreen Kirby - Regal #132, Saskatoon; 70 Year Recipients: Lorna Harmer - Saskatoon #4; Isabel Auld - Regina #7; Effie Cook, Cora Gavel - Prince Albert #16; Jean Baird - Excelsior #21, Regina; Dora Elian, Helen Johnstone - Regal #132, Saskatoon

Grand Chaplain’s Report – Albert Hilliar PP (#96)Thirty members (May 1, 2014 - Apr. 30, 2015) of 17 Chapters passed to the Grand Chapter on High.

Another star shines way up high, For loved ones who have gone before, Our loved one there you’ll see, Never really leave you’ll find, When on a dark and moonlit sky, Just look up above and see the stars, That’s where they’ll always be. That’s where they all abide.ESTARL Report – Marie Casavant PGM (#4) - Chair

A motion made by the Committee that $4,000.00 be the set amount for ESTARL along with the Christmas Eve Fund and the Emma Stevenson Award. Two applications were received and awarded to:

1) Jason Paul Richards sponsored by Saskatoon #4 – $2240.00 plus the Christmas Eve Fund of $100.00 2) Lindsay Mohn sponsored by Saskatoon #4 - $1760.00 plus the Emma Stevenson Award of $255.00

Blanche Squires Music Scholarship – Glenda Campbell PM (#76) - ChairpersonThe Saskatchewan Provincial Music Festival competitions were held in Saskatoon June 6-7-8, 2014 with the following receiving scholarships:

Memorial Woodwinds (Bassoon) - Christopher Kostyshyn of Yorkton $300.00Memorial Intermediate Percussion (Marimba) - Jasmine Tsui of Regina - $300.00National Strings Award (Violin) - William Boan of Saskatoon - $500.00

There were no entries for the Blanche Squires Memorial Percussion Award and therefore will be held “in trust” for 2015 and therefore two - $300 scholarships will be awarded in 2015.

Cancer – Lynann Pethick PM (#1) - ChairpersonThe year began with a new Resolution reducing the committee from six to four -- two from the South and two from the North and the Chairperson being either from the South or North. “Patient Comforts” is the main concern. A donation of $400.00 was given to the clinics in Saskatoon and Regina -- a yearly donation requested through the Finance Committee after year end. Turbans, head scarves and pillows were made by Bonnie Busch PM (#31) and friends in Texas and delivered to each clinic. Tote bags are now being made by Saskatchewan members and are needed for patients to carry requisitions, magazines, iPads, phones, medications, etc. while at the clinic and taken home by each patient. One more item for “Patient Comforts”. Stamps (which now includes the whole envelope) are given to Karen Catterall PM (#132) where she takes them to a collector in St. Walburg who pays $5 per pound. Sister Karen has already turned in $450. The Grand Representatives Club donated $500 for Cancer Comforts and has been given to each clinic. A total of $1,750.00 has been donated to the Cancer Clinics ($875.00 to each) to help make life a little easier for the many “Patients” passing through the doors in search for some “Comfort”.

d’Arcy Morrice Award 2013-14 Presentation – Associate Grand Patron Eric Rann (#3)In 2014, there were 12 new members in six Chapters. The winner of the d’Arcy Morrice Award with a percentage of 4.16% was Prince Albert Chapter #16, Second place to Regal Chapter #132 with a percentage of 3.84% and Third place to Regina Chapter #7 with a percentage of 3.57%. Accepting the award were the 2014 Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron Alretta Walsh PM and Rick Galloway PP.

60

50

70

Honoring the “Shining Golden Stars”Presentation and Introduction of the 50 Year and Over Members

The “Shining Golden Stars” were seated in the West where they gave their name, chapter and number of years of membership. There were 35 present including three Past Grand Matrons Barbara Webb GGCCM (#1), Dorothy Busby (#96) and May Mann (#96) and one Past Grand Patron and the only Brother -- Tom Hannan (#7). The Worthy Grand Matron and Patron congratulated each member and presented them with a small gift. An Obligation Ceremony by Doris Long PM (#96) and assisted by Wanda Ollivier PM (#96) was presented followed by a solo by Penny Pederson PM (#7) singing “One God”. The 35 members’ years totaled 2076 years of membership which resulted an average of 61.05 years.

The world is a brighter and a whole lot happier tooBecause of folks as considerate and caring as each of you.Who live each day unselfishly, with others’ cares in mindConcerned about what they can do and not what they can find.And those whose paths have crossed yours will agree,You are some of the nicest folks this world will ever see.

Tribute to the 25 Year Pioneer Past Grand Matron and Past Grand PatronCelebrating the 25th Anniversary of our Pioneer Past Grand Matron Marianne Dowie (#92) and Pioneer Past Grand Patron Allan Inglis (#7). Their “Gleaners of Wisdom” Session was Saskatchewan’s 74th Session and was held in Moose Jaw in 1990.The tribute to Sister Marianne and Brother Allan was given by Llynne Lambert PGM (#8) and Jean Thibeault PM (#7). Sister Llynne stated The Order of the Eastern Star is a way of life for Sister Marianne and Brother Allan and the Star of Bethlehem is their Beacon. This theme and inspiration guided them through their “Gleaners of Wisdom” year as they endeavoured to encourage the members to be “Faithful to the duties of their station” with Wisdom, Understanding and Obedience. These watchwords were chosen by the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron as they represented a great importance in their life and teachings.In 1989, there were 59 Chapters, 5385 members and 20 districts. Unfortunately, four Chapters surrendered their Charters (Royal #29 at Cupar, Craik #85 at Craik, Wapella #102 at Whitewood and Windthorst #111 at Windthorst) and Tisdale #73 amalgamated with Accession #96 at Melfort. Their Special Project was the Canadian Foundation for Ileitis and Colitis and to raise funds “Book Tracker” bookmarks were sold (bookmarks designed so that you would add your name and keep track of where you loaned or borrowed books would be). Due to a time of family bereavement, Sister Marianne was not able to attend several Official Visits.Sister Jean stated that Brother Allan has been a willing, faithful, knowledgeable, reliable member, as he protrays with humility what it means to be a “Star”. He joined Regina Chapter #7 in 1956, because it was something that he and his wife Eileen could attend together. In 1971 they served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron -- the first wife and husband team to do so in Regina Chapter #7. He served as their Worthy Patron nine more times, even succeeding himself once. He served the Grand Chapter as Assistant Grand Sentinel, Captain of Ushers, Home Fund and Grand Chapter Committee then was elected as Grand Sentinel in 1987, Associate Grand Patron in 1988 and Worthy Grand Patron in 1989. After his year of service, he continued to serve Grand Chapter with Flag Tributes, opening Sessions, Tellers and Chapters and Dispensations.Unfortunately, Sister Marianne and Brother Allan were unable to attend due to health issues; but Sister Marianne (who now lives in British Columbia) sent a letter to Grand Chapter stating the years have passed quickly since they had the honour of serving this Grand Chapter and were always supported by their spouses Brother John Dowie and Sister Eileen Inglis; but they will always remember, with warm heart, the love and support they received from the members.

Notes of InterestStar Gazer Newsletter - Marianne Woods PM (#7) Co-Editor

Wilma McKee WGM and Bruce Lambert WGP had the inspiration to have an OES newsletter published during their year. Marianne Woods PM (#7) and Rose Whaley PGM (#7) were asked to serve as Co-Editors. The newsletter to be known as “The Star Gazer” and to be published four times during the year -- June 15, Sept. 15,

Dec. 15, Mar. 15. Each Chapter was asked to appoint a correspondent. Circulation was by email only and Secretaries were asked to distribute copies to those who may not have email. It was also posted

on the OES Saskatchewan Website. Newsworthy items included special presentations in chapter, official visits, community service, honour nights, fundraisers, etc. Pictures were also included in

the articles. With these contributions “The Star Gazer” was an outstanding success.

Peace Garden Pilgrimage - Cheryl Rann WM (#3)On August 10, 11 and 12, twenty plus Star members of Saskatchewan jurisdiction attended the pilgrimage to the International Peace Garden. Arriving Friday evening supper, ice cream and a stroll through the Cacti Gardens were enjoyed. During the weekend members were entertained by the Most Worthy Grand Matron and attended

a ceremony in the Peace Garden Chapel. Saturday members were invited to an open ceremony for the Masons and in the evening a visit from Buffalo Bill Cody who told about his life and adventures. Sunday morning another tour of the Gardens followed by a brunch bringing an enjoyable weekend to an end.

Election of Grand Officers and Grand Trustees – Seventeen Chapters were represented with 189 voting members. Following were elected for 2015-16: Worthy Grand Matron Idella Barr (#2), Worthy Grand Patron Eric Rann (#3), Associate Grand Matron Cannida Coventry (#84), Associate Grand Patron Ernie Butz (#1), Grand Treasurer Sue Butz (#1), Grand Conductress Colleen Hozack (#76) and the two newly elected members were Associate Grand Conductress Angela Oleskiw (#92/#15) and Grand Sentinel Bruce Farrer (#89). Elections were held for Grand Secretary -- nominated were Maureen Jackiw PGM (#15) and Thea Howe PGM (#132) with Sister Thea declared as Grand Secretary. Elections were held for Grand Trustee - 3 Year Term nominated were Fred Coventry PP (#84), Angela Bothner PM (#47) and David Polachek PP (#92) with Brother David declared as Grand Trustee for a three year term.

Excelsior Chapter #21 at Regina Amalgamates – Worthy Grand Matron Wilma McKee conducted the Amalgamation Ceremony of Excelsior Chapter #21 with Mizpah #1 at Moose Jaw on November 10 . She was assisted wih the Ceremony by members of Assiniboia Chapter #8.

Further Donations presented to WGM/WGP Special Project - Ronald McDonald House –Treasure Chest, $413.00; Basket Raffle $1235.00; Worthy Grand Matron/Patron Sale Table, $674.00.

New Business – Announcement of Saskatchewan’s 2015-2018 General Grand Chapter Committee Members Worthy Grand Matron announced the names of two members of our Grand Jurisdiction who have been appointed by Helen J. Westmoreland Right Worthy Associate Grand Matron, to serve as Committee Members during the next triennium. Congratulations to Donna Sanders PGM (#89/#7) appointed to the Credentials Committee and to Rod Stafford PGP (#15) appointed to the Registration Committee.

Final Reports from Finance and Jurisprudence, Presentation of Memory Books and Gifts, Closing Remarks from the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron, Closing Ode “Go Now In Peace”, Retiring of Badges brought the 99th Session of Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan to a close.

Final Report of the Credential CommitteeJoAnn Scott-Hodgins PM (#89/#2) - Chairperson

Chapters Represented: 17Voting Members: 190; Visitors: 28

Total Present: 218