PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND CHAPTER OF THE ORDER EASTERN STAR.

The Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star convened in its Ninth Annual Communication in the Hall of Excelsior Lodge, No. 12, F. and A.M., when the following proceedings were had, viz.: TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 9 o'CLOCK A.M. There being present the following officers and a constitutional number of subordinate chapters: J.E. Peake, Grand Worthy Patron. D.A. Robinson, Associate Grand Patron. Abbie G. Peake, Associate Grand Worthy Matron. A.D. Swift, Grand Treasurer. J.C. Corbin, Grand Secretary. Sister Julia Fairfax, Grand Conductress. Sister L.T. Allington, Grand Associate Conductress. Sister Sydney Hendrix, Grand Lecturer. Sister Esther Dockery, Grand Chaplain. Brother Nails, Grand Sentinel. Sister Cora Johnson, Grand Warden. Sister F.B. Webster, Grand Adah. Sister Katy Shorter, Grand Esther. Sister H. Murray, Grand Ruth. Sister Q.B. Doby, Grand Martha. Sister Mattie Miller, Grand Electa. Brother Wm. Brown, Grand Marshal.

The Grand Chapter was opened with singing and prayer by D.A. Robinson as Grand Chaplain. The following persons were appointed as a Committee 0003 3on Credentials, viz.: Cora Johnson, Hattie Alston, Lena Trigg. On motion the Grand Chapter was called from labor to recreation for one hour.

After recess the Committee on Credentials presented the annual report, viz: TO THE GRAND CHAPTER: Your Committee on Credentials find the subordinate Chapters represented as follows: Alpha No. 3, Hot Springs; Cora Johnson. W.M., L.H. King, W.P., Lizzie Glover, A.M. Adah No. 4, Little Rock; Maria Craigen, W.M., Wm. Smith. W.P., Mary Smith, A.M. Electa No. 5, Pine Bluff; A.B. Havis, W.M., D.A. Robinson. W.P., I.J. Young, A.M. Martha No. 6, McAlmont; Julia Fairfax, W.M., T. Fairfax. W.P., Nancy Rivers, A.M. Queen of the South No. 9, Arkadelphia; Abbie G. Peake. W.M., Wm. Brown, W.P., L. Trigg, A.M. Widow's Son No. 18. Fort Smith; Laura Quinn. W.M., Samuel Dean. W.P., Anna McKee, A.M. Pearly Gate No. 23, Malvern; Fanny Young. W.M., J.G. Mitchell, W.P., Mary Hopkins, A.M. Morrillton No. 16, Morrillton; L.T. Allington, W.M., J.C. Biddings. W.P., S. Biddings, A.M. St. Marys No. 25, Okalona; Sidney Hendrick, W.M., W.A. Webster, W.P., Amanda Webster. A.M. Pilgrim No. 27, Marianna; Georgia Anderson, W.M., S.L. Cannon, W.P., Sarah A. Turner, A.M. Mt. Olive No. 28, Prescott; Susie B. Dedman. W.M., P.D. Dedman, W.P., Fannie Webster, A.M. Phillis Wheatley No. 29. Hot Springs; A.D. Swift, W.M., Albert Kellum, W.P., Florence Bell, A.M. State Line No. 19, Texarkana: M.J. Elliot. W., M., G.W. Johnson, W.P. Laura Jones, A.M. Golden Light No. 20, Gardon; Esther Dockery, W.M., George Nails. W.P., Matthew Cunningham, A.M. Bloom of Hope. Chapter No. 26, Helena: Bettie Williams, W.M., Rufus Augustus, W.P., Phillis Brooks. A.M. Respectfully Submitted. Committee. Hattie A. Austin, Lena J. Trigg, Cora Johnson,

On motion of D.A. Robinson the times of session were fixed as follows, viz.: From 8:30 to 12:30 a.m.; from 3 to 5 p.m.; from 8 to 10 p.m.

The Worthy Matron presented the annexed list of committees appointed, viz: 0004 4Returns, Miller, Evans and Hopkins. Dispensations and Charters, Johnson, Miller, Fairfax. Accounts, Cunningham, Pitts and D.A. Robinson. Ways and Means, Sisters Young, Webster and Brother Robinson. Condolence, Sisters Swift, Willie Lee Seals, Tenny Randall. Addresses, Sisters Allington, Fairfax, Doby. Unfinished Business, Alston, Weedon and Hendricks. The Grand Chapter was called to recreation. TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 1894, 3 o'CLOCK P.M. The Grand Chapter resumed labor, Sister Peake presiding as General Matron. The following proceedings were had, viz.: The reports of the officers were presented as follows, that of the Grand Matron not being at hand, on account of her absence from sickness. A number of queries were read and discussed, when at 5 o'clock the Grand Chapter was called to recreation until 9 o'clock p.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 1894, 8 o'CLOCK P.M. The Grand Chapter resumed labor, Sister Abbie G. Peake present and presiding. The following proceedings were had, viz.: The Committee on Condolence presented the annual report, viz.: To the Worthy Grand Matron and Officers of the Grand Chapter of the State of Arkansas: Your Committee upon Condolence submit the following report: Whereas death, at whose hand all must bow, has visited and taken from our circle several near and dear sisters, for what purpose we dare not divine, we deeply deplore their loss, as God has seen best in his wise providence to remove them, we know that he doeth all for the best. Let us cherish the hope that we may meet in the far beyond. The names of these deceased sisters are: Mollie Peoples, of Alpha Chapter No. 3; Alice A. Childress, Julia Reed and Anna Knight, of Electa No. 5; Delilah Williams, of Widow's Son, and Cornelia Middleton, of Chapter No. 21.

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Dearest sister, you have left us, Here thy loss we deeply feel: But 'tis God that has bereft us, He shall all our sorrows heal. Respectfully Submitted, A. D. SWIFT. ) W. L. SEALS. )Committee T. R. RANDALL.)

The work was then exemplified by an occasional chapter.

The Grand Chapter was called to recreation until 8 o'clock tomorrow. ARKADELPHIA, JUNE 13, 1894, 8:30 A.M. The Grand Chapter resumed labor, Sister Peake presiding, when the following proceedings were had: 1. Devotional exercises. Prayer by Rev. Samuel Dean; singing by members; Prof. J.C. Corbin presiding at organ.

2. Several communications were read and properly referred. (a) From Mrs. Callie Swan. (b) From Mr. Ben Turner, of Searcy, was referred to Committee of Dispensations and Charities.

3. The report of the Grand Patron was read as follows and properly referred: GRAND PATRON's ADDRESS. “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.”

Such, dear sisters and brothers of our noble order, were the words that heralded the advent of Him whom we love to worship. When we consider the terrible agitation and convulsion that now disturb the peace and harmony of our country: when we witness the action of the great Commonweal Army and read of the dreadful destruction of life and property by the numerous labor organizations, and also see even the highest legislative body of the land unable or unwilling to cope with these things, it is pleasant to know that you are still at the post of duty, ready and willing to do your part in the great work of extending the reign of peace and good will on earth. And though the present outlook may be dark and gloomy and at times even discouraging, we should not forget that such were the conditions that met our blessed Savior, and that while his mission was one of love, his life was one of labor for the amelioration of fallen humanity. Let us, therefore, redouble our efforts in the good work and never give over till the enemy is vanquished and the victory won.

Every grand and noble movement that has ever been inaugurated was blessed with the assistance of noble women. This is fitting and right, for while 0006 6there may be difference of opinion as to the propriety of giving you the ballot, there can be but one opinion as to your right to contend for the purity of your homes and the society of your family. In at least one State of the Union your sex is now engaged in a terrible battle against debauchery and immorality, and are demanding the condemnation and punishment of all who would dare invade the sacred precincts of your homes for othee than noble purposes. In this good work I am sure you are ready and anxious to join. Again I bid you God's blessings and urge you to push the battle to the gates, and, if perchance you feel discouraged, look to him who has promised to bless us and uphold us in the right hand of his power, ever remembering that “There will come a blossom-time, a sweet blossom-time. When with rapture and swift glad surprise, We shall sleep to wake in a shadowless clime. Midst the brightness and bloom of Paradise. Then sing, heart, sing! this blossom-time is nigh, Your blighted buds of hope will bloom beyond the sky; Oh, sing, heart, sing! heaven's summer land is fair, And the crimson roses of love will bloom forever there.”

OFFICIAL ACTS AND VISITS. I had planned to visit every chapter in our jurisdiction this year, but, as you are aware, God, in his wisdom and mercy, deemed otherwise, and that serious sickness of myself and family prevented me from doing so. I started, however, and reached St. Mary No. 25, of Okolona, which I found still suffering from the effects of last year's trouble. I am glad to say to you, however, that a faithful few are still there determined to hold the fort, and I believe they will succeed.

I next visited Golden Light No. 20, of Gurdon, and, indeed, had a pleasant time basking in the light that emanates from a band of devoted sisters, working in love and unity. Bro. Clark is interested in his praise of the work of this Chapter; in fact, had they not given me such a cordial reception I would have felt a tinge of jealousy. Would you know the secret of success of this Chapter? The brothers are members and meet with their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters in the chapter.

Mt. Olive U.D., of Prescott, and found it all that could be expected for a young sister.

As you are now the guests of Queen of the South No. 9, I leave you to draw your own conclusions as to her condition, trusting and believing that you will throw the mantle of charity over her imperfection.

I called at Pearly Gate No. 23, of Malvern, but did not succeed in meeting the Chapter, as the lodge used the hall for the regular communication.

I next met Adah No. 3, of Hot Springs, and was agreeably surprised at the general improvement all along the line. A pleasant feature of the occasion was to see several of the old members whom I had never met actually engaged in the work.

Phillis Wheatley No. 29, of the same city, I found still at work and proving herself in every respect worthy of its illustrious name. Here again G.M. Clark was received in royal style by these two chapters, but I now assure him that I had no cause for jealousy, for they reserved the lion's share for me. All right, sisters, do the honors for our noble G.M., for he deserves it. But let me tell you a secret. He is urging me to institute a chapter in every lodge in order that the brethren may be put to work and that each of his points he may meet a Gurdon or a Hot Springs. As the G.L. of F. & A.M. will convene in this city in August these two chapters are preparing to give them a grand reception. I hope they will succeed. I know it will be highly appreciated.

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It was at this point that sickness compelled me to return home and turn the work over to Bro. Robinson.

Sickness and death in his family, however, prevented him from visiting many of the chapters, and I now ask that you allow all that have not reported thirty days in which to do so.

I requested each chapter to devote at least one meeting to the consideration of the following items and forward the result of their deliberations to this G.C. for consideration.

1. Our Home. 2. A New Book of By-Laws. 3. A Plan of Insurance. 4. A National G.C. As several have sent in the result of their deliberations, I ask that they be referred to a competent committee.

I have received several communications on the question of “Grand Representative,” but as there seems to be a difference of opinion, both as to the utility and appointing power of the same, I refer the whole matter to you for final action.

I have granted a dispensation to Bro. I.H. Young, Sister Maggie Cox and others, to be known as Western Star U.D.. of Guthrie, Okla. This work was done by W.H. Cole, G.M., of Okla.

I also granted a dispensation to Bro. Ben Turner and others to form a chapter of Searcy, Ark., to be known as Searcy Chapter U.D. I ask that these chapters be granted charters on the usual conditions. RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. I feel it to be my duty to again urge the necessity of quarterly reports. Several matters that will be hereafter explained to you will, I think, convince you on that point. Adopted.

2. I recommend that a committee be appointed to revise and codify our by-laws, as our present code is sadly deficient in many respects. Adopted.

3. I recommend that a committee be appointed to arrange a plan of insurance. Adopted.

4. I recommend that a committee on Easter and Star Day be appointed and that the programs be printed in the minutes. Adopted.

5. I recommend the appointment of a committee on foreign correspondence; that said committee be instructed to correspond with all branch of Adoptine Rite Masonry and also present a plan for a union of the same. Adopted.

In conclusion, dear sisters, permit me in again returning to you the high and resuonsible trust, which you one year ago confided to my care, to return my heartfelt and sincere thanks to one and all for the many words of encouragment acts of kindness of which I have been the recipient. Fraternally, J.E. Peake, G.P.

Assistant Grand Patron's Address:

To M.W.G.M. and G.P. and Members of the Eastern Star. State of Arkansas:

I beg leave to make the following report as A.G.P. of my official acts for the year ending June 12, 1894. As A.G.P. I have done but little. On May 14, 1894, I received a letter from the M.W.G.P. requesting me to visit the chapters at Little Rock, Marche, Morrillton, Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, Hensley, Altheimer Long Lake, Marianna and Sellig. I answered the M.W. G.P. and told him that I would try and make the visits to the named chapters as per order and request, but owing to the shortness of the notice I did not have time to visit chapters as per orders, and only visited the following:

Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, Little Rock, Hensley, Altheimer, and found the chapter at Fort Smith in a little trouble, which as A.G.P., I succeeded in getting matters settled with the chapter. I found the chapter in good working 0008 8order and left everything all O.K. at Fort Smith.

At Little Rock I found it was just holding on, and Hensley chapter I could not get a meeting, and from all I could learn that chapter was doing but little, if anything.

The chapter at Altheimer, from what I learned from the W.P., is still at work, but the W.M. and A.M. were both away and on account of sickness would not be able to make a report and returns.

Pine Bluff, owing to having three deaths and a great deal of sickness during the year and now will not be able to make such report as she has done heretofore, but she still lives, and by the help of the blessing of the Lord she will live till time be no more. Respectfully submitted for your consideration, D.A. ROBINSON, A.G.P.

The Committee on Ways and Means presented the annexed report, viz.: TO THE M.W. GRAND CHAPTER: Your Committee on Ways and Means recommend the annexed appropriations: Grand Patron—Railroad fare, $6.50; board, $3.50; total, $10. Grand Secretary—Railroad fare, $6.50: board, $2.50; total, $9. Grand Warden—Board, $2.50. Janitor—75 cents per day for services. Respectfully Submitted, D. A. ROBINSON,) F. B. WHITE, ) Committee. IDA J. YOUNG. )

The Committee on Accounts presented the annexed report, viz.: TO THE GRAND CHAPTER: Your Committee on Accounts have examined the Financial report and find the same correct. Respectfully Submitted, MARTHA CUNNINGHAM,) ANNA PITTS, ) Committee. D.A. ROBINSON. )

The above report was as follows, viz.: TO THE GRAND CHAPTER: The receipts and expenditures for the current year have been as follows.

RECEIPTS. EXPENDITURES. 1893, June 16, balance $18 34 Charter Olive Branch $ 3 00 “ “ 17, Pilgrim 2 75 Carried to house from 2 50 “ “ 24, Morrilton 2 08 July 11, postage 66 “ Aug. 12, Marche 2 00 January 30, postage 40 “ Nov. 22, Seeley 2 00 Minutes 18 00 1894, May 2, Searcy 6 00 April 12, disp. Guthrie 2 75 “ “ 14, Pilgrim 3 17 Postage 15 “ “ 15, Alpha 7 50 April 16, postage 30 “ “ 20, Fort Smith 7 00 May 17, disp. Searcy 2 50 “ “ 22, No. 16 . 2 25 June 6, charter Mt. Olive.... 3 00 “ “ 30, Mt. Olive 7 00 Grand Secretary's salary 10 00 “ Jan. 8, Pilgrim 25 $43 20 Total $60 59 Balance $20 33

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Sister Cora Johnson offered the annexed resolution, viz.:

WHEREAS, Many members of the O.E.S. do not attend meetings;

RESOLVED, That any member failing for three months in succession to attend meetings without a lawful excuse be fined 50 cents. This was adopted.

Sister Swift offered the annexed, which was adopted, viz.:

WHEREAS, Our W.G.M. has been quarantined on account of small-pox and sickness, we deplore her bereavement and pray God her speedy recovery, that she may be able to meet us again in our next grand chapter.

The Committee on Unfinished Business presented the annexed report, viz.: M.W.G.P.M.W.G.M., Officers and Members O.E.S., jurisdiction of Arkansas:

We, your Committee on Unfinished Business, beg leave to make the follow-lowing report: We recommend that this Grand Chapter take in consideration the Home of the Widows and Orphans; that some plans may be devised to that effect. Respectfully Submitted, L. WEEDON, ) SIDNEY HENDRIX, )Committee. HATTIE A. AUSTIN.)

Pine Bluff was chosen as the next place of meeting.

The election of officers was made the special order for 3 o'clock p.m.

The following was presented and adopted, viz.: To the M.W. Matron and Members of Grand Chapter, State of Arkansas: We, your Committee on Charters and Dispensations, submit to you the following as our report: RECOMMENDATIONS. 1. That Oklahoma chapter be granted a charter; also, Searcy chapter, Searcy, Ark., be granted a charter according to the usual custom.

We further recommend that the subordinate chapters be compelled to make their quarterly reports. Respectfully Submitted, C. JOHNSON, ) J. FAIRFAX, )Committee. M. A. MILLER.)

Phillis Wheatley Chapter was allowed to change her time of meeting to the first Thursday.

The following resolution was adopted, viz.: That a committee of three male members and two females be appointed to organize Children's Association, under the patronage of the Order of the Eastern Star.

The following were appointed, viz.: Corbin, Peake, Robinson, Cora Johnson, Swift, Young and Miller.

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The Committee on Addresses of Grand Chapter presented the annexed report: TO THE GRAND CHAPTER: Your Committee on Grand Patron's Address would recommend that the recommendations of the Grand Patron, Nos. 1,2,3,4 and 5 be adopted. The report was adopted.

The Grand Chapter was called to recreation until 3 o'clock p.m. ARKADELPHIA, JUNE 14, 1894, 3 P.M. The Grand Chapter resumed labor, Sister Abbie G. Peake presiding.

The following proceedings were had: The Committee on Returns presented the annexed report, which was adopted: To the M.W.G.M. and G.P. and Members of the G.C. of Ark.:

We, your Committee on Returns, present to you the following report:

Alpha No. 3.—Members, 26; new members, 2; admitted, 1; deceased, 1; reinstated, 3; finance, $7.50.

Adah No. 4.—Members, 10; suspended, 8; finance, $1.50.

Electa No. 5.—Members, 16; new members, 1; deceased, 3; finance, $5.

Martha No. 6.—Members, 10; new members, 1; finance, $2.40.

Queen of South No. 9.—Members, 24; new members, 3; admitted, 1; suspended, 1; reinstated, 1; finance, $7.50.

Morrilton No. 16.—Members, 9; suspended, 1; reinstated, 2; finance, $2.25.

Widows' Son No. 18.—Members, 28; new members, 2; admitted, 1; deceased, ;; suspended, 1; reinstated, 2; finance, $7.

Pearly Gate No. 23.—Members, 13; suspended, 1; finance, $3.25.

St. Marys No. 25.—Members, 10; new members, 2; suspended, 3; finance, $2.50.

Pilgrim No. 27.—Members, 13; new members, 1; admitted, 1; suspended, 1; reinstated, 1; finance, $3.50. A deficiency of 25 cents on new members,

Mt. Olive No. 28.—Members, 13; admitted, 2. Most W.G.M., the returns of this chapter not specifying the amount of money sent, we, therefore, specify none, but the amount due is $3.25.

Phillis Wheatley No. 29.—Members, 17; new members, 5; suspended, 5, finance, $5.50.

Guthrie, Okla, U.D.—Members, 14.

Searcy U.D.—Members, 16.

Most W.G.M., we find several of the returns not filled out in due form, the names not written alphabetically, the financial spaces not filled out at all, and in one instance the report of the financial standing of one of the members was specified.

We, therefore, recommend that the G.W.P. will give instructions to this G.C. what is necessary concerning these things that each one may be rightly informed about it.

Golden Light No. 20—Members, 27; new members, 5; deceased, 1; suspended 2; finance, $6.75; balance due, $2.50. Committee. L. EVANS, M. HOPKINS, M.A. MILLER

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By special order the election of officers was taken up.

The following tellers were appointed: Sisters Cora Johnson, M.A. Miller and Queen Doby. The following was the result, viz.: Worthy Grand Patron—J.E. Peake. Worthy Grand Assistant Patron—D.A. Robinson. Worthy Grand Matron—Cora Johnson. Worthy Grand Associate Matron—Abbie G. Peake. Worthy Grand Treasurer—Laura Quinn. Worthy Grand Secretary—J.C. Corbin. Worthy Grand Conductress—Mattie A. Miller Worthy Grand Associate Conductress—A.D. Swift.

The Worthy Matron—Elect announced the following appointments, viz.: Marshal, Samuel Dean; Warder, Ida J. Young; Adah, Fanny Webster, Prescott; Esther, Fanny Young, Malvern; Martha, Julia Fairfax; Electa, L.F. Allington; Chaplain, Sydney Hendrix, Okalona; Lecturer, G.W. Johnson, Texarkana.

The following committees were appointed, viz.: On Insurance—M.A. Miller, Swift, Doby. On Esther and Star Day—A.B. Havis, Elenora Shanks, Ida J. Young. On Foreign Correspondence—Ida J. Young. J.C. Corbin.

The Grand Chapter was called from labor to recreation until 8:30 p.m. ARKADELPHIA, JUNE 13, 1894, 8 o'CLOCK P.M. The Grand Chapter resumed labor, Asoociate Matron Abbie G. Peake present and presiding.

The following proceedings were had, viz.: The following bills were paid:

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Associate Patron, D.A Robinson, $10; Grand Secretary, J.C. Corbin, $9; Grand Warder, Cora Johnson, $2.50; Janitor, John Blagg $2.25; J.E. Peake, minutes, etc., $3.25; J.E. Peake, salary, $15; total $42.

The Grand Chapter proceeded to Odd Fellows' Hall, where the officers were duly installed by Prof. J.C. Corbin. On returning the following resolution was adopted, viz.: That thanks be returned to Queen of the South Chapter for the hospitality extended to the members of the Grand Chapter.

The Grand Chapter was duly closed. J.C. CORBIN; J.E. PEAKE, Grand Secretary. Grand Patron.

STAR DAY PROGRAMME.

1. Opening Chorus, “Our Glorious Star.” 2. Prayer. 3. Responsive Reading by the Chapter. 4. Recitation. 5. Declamation. 6. Song: “Rock of Ages.” 7. Recitation for six girls. 8. Declamation. 9. Essay by Sister; “Our Chapter.” 10. Recitation by boy. 11. Song, “Beautiful Star;“ page 93. 12. Recitation by girl. 13. Essay by boy; “Influence of Masonry.” 14. Recitation for eight girls. 15. Address by brother Mason. 16. Responsive Reading by Chapter. 17. Song by Chapter, page 98; air, “Retreats.” COMMITTEE-Elenora Shanks, W.S.; Ida Young, A.M.; Alice Havis, W.M.