On the warm evening of Monday, July 11, the members of Evangeline Chapter #31, Order of the Eastern Star, were honoured by the official visit of Worthy Grand Matron Eileen Palmieri and Worthy Grand Patron Alex Reid. They, with numerous other members of the order, had on the previous Saturday, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Order in B.C. in Trail.
Though no longer existing, the Rossland chapter was named No. 1 in Canada. It was constituted on June 8, 1899 and closed its doors on March 14, 1994.
A re-enactment of the initiatory work of 1869 was a feature of the celebration, followed by a banquet and entertainment by the Rusty Nails.
In 1867, after previous unsuccessful attempts, a successful meeting was held as organized by Dr. Robert Morris, a Boston lawyer. Several systems were combined to make an acceptable plan for the new organization with, of course, many revisions over the years.
At our own meeting, several Grand Officers were present, including one from the state of Washington. As a result of the Trail function, many chapters from throughout the province were represented here. Also present was Past Grand Matron Rena Davis, Past Grand Matron Kim Ball serving as Grand Lecturer, and Steve Virskovy, general Grand Chapter committee member and others.
Donations from the Evangline chapter were made to the Eastern Star cancer projects and the Worthy Grand Matron’s special project of the year, which will be the donation of special equipment to the Children’s Hospital. Your support of our fall tea and saving cancelled stamps enables us to support these charities. Thank you!
During the evening, the brothers, on behalf of the Rob Morris Society, presented Worthy Matron Diane Williamson with a beautiful corsage.
Refreshments followed the meeting with the cool fruit punch being the favoured drink of such a warm evening.