History of Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star dates back to the mid-19th century. Dr. Rob Morris was a Freemason, Master Mason and Poet Laureate of Masonry, who made it is his mission to share the principles of Masonry with women. He and his wife, Charlotte Mendenhall Morris, developed the concepts and beliefs that formed the foundation for the Order of the Eastern Star.
The foundation of the Order utilizes the beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to build an environment for our members and our Order which is truly dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness by uplifting each other and through service in our communities.
The real origin of the Order of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of “Female Masonry” or “Androgynous Degrees,” i.e., degrees for both men and women. There appeared at that time to be a demand for “Side Degrees” or Degrees conferred on ladies and quite a list sprang up: “Heroines of Jericho,” “Danger in the Dark,” “Tall Cedars of Lebanon,” and others. These were extensively used, but soon fell into decay due to lack of lasting worth.
Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry and founder of the Order of the Eastern Star, was also never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to men. Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family, but the laws of the ancient Order of Masonry did not allow women to be eligible for its degrees. Knowing he could not change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought to develop a method by which women could share with the Masonic Brothers the same inspiration that “prompts man to noble deeds” and the basis for the Order of Eastern Star was born.
The First Era of the Order of Eastern Star extended from 1850 to 1866, under Dr. Morris’ leadership. In 1850, Dr. Morris selected the Biblical heroines representing the heroic conduct, high moral values and noble principles of this fledgling Order. The Second Era extended from 1866 to 1876, under the leadership of Robert Macoy of New York. The Third Era, 1876 to the present time, saw the establishment of the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. Of these Eras, the first is perhaps the most important as it prepared the way for the other two.
The real origin and honor of the Eastern Star initiatory degrees belongs to Dr. Rob Morris and this origin comes under the First Era. It wasn’t until 1850, while confined to his home after an accident, that Dr. Morris fully developed the Eastern Star Degrees. During this time, he carefully thought out the symbolism, the significance of the floor plan and the corps of officers. He also established the Order’s signs and passes; the colors and emblems; and defined the fundamental principles that have remained unchanged throughout the years. The so-called mysteries of the Order were communicated freely to all Master Masons and their relatives. Dr. Morris and other prominent Master Masons gave many lectures and conferred the degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.
The first ceremony book for the Order was compiled and published under the title of “The Rosary of the Eastern Star.” In 1866, Dr. Morris became associated with Mr. Robert Macoy, who took over the planning and organization of the Order. In 1867 and 1868, Mr. Macoy compiled and published a Ritual, using Dr. Morris’ Rosary as a guide. This was the beginning of the organization of the Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star in the United States, as well as internationally. The first Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized in Michigan in 1867.
While the Order of the Eastern Star has evolved over time, its tenets, ceremonies and fundamental principles have remained relatively unchanged. The Order is an active and successful worldwide fraternal, non-profit, charitable service organization with dedicated members who are making a positive difference in their local communities and ultimately, the world.
In Laramie, Alpha Chapter #1, Order of the Eastern Star, was chartered on April 3, 1896 by the General Grand Chapter, and Snowy Range Chapter #45 was chartered on August 31, 1939 by the Grand Chapter of Wyoming; the two chapters later consolidated.
History of Snowy Range Chapter #45
On May 20, 1939, the dream of three Alpha Chapter members, Sisters Maude B. Ingram and Susan Chamberlin and Brother Roy Chamberlin, were realized when Brother Bert Crist, Worthy Grand Patron, instituted Snowy Range Chapter U.D. in Laramie.
Snowy Range Chapter's first Worthy Matron, Sister Mary Jennings and first Worthy Patron, Brother Roy Chamberlin, received the chapter's charter at the Grand Chapter Session in August 1939 with the signatures of the thirty-four charter members listed on it. On September 16, 1939, Sister Mollie Ellis, Worthy Grand Matron, assisted by Brother Oliver J. Colyer, Worthy Grand Patron, constituted the chapter.
The chapter's first gift was a framed charter from Brother Howard E. Grunden, Associate Grand Patron. This was followed by five lovely lighted pedestals built by Brother Roy and presented to the chapter by Sister Susan and Brother Roy Chamberlin. Other gifts were the white Altar Bible from Sisters Mary and Alice Jennings; sheaf of barley, Sister Iva Caverly; Altar cloth, Sister Evelyn and Brother George Gillespie; Electa's cup, Sister Danis Hilliard; broken column, Mr. Martin Soule; and five small Bibles, Alpha Chapter No. 1. The chapter purchased the sword, crown and scepter.
During the early years, Sister and Brother Tipton presented the Eastern Star Flag and Sister Edythe Krafczik gave the Christian Flag. The officers who served in the first two years bought badges which are still in use. One of the most valued gifts was the beautiful gavel presented by Sister Marie Norton. She had acquired it while on her trip to the Holy Land. It is made of olive wood and hand carved by Arabian Christians.
The chapter's "Project Fund", provided for in their By-laws, started functioning in 1941 and the chapter has been able to contribute to many worthwhile causes because of this fund.
In 1943 Sister Laura and Brother Nels Swenson and Brothers Roy Chamberlin and Pete Perman presented a beautiful signet to the chapter. The signet was financed, built and decorated by these members. Presentation was made in a ceremony in which five brothers each told the significance of one ray of the emblematic star in the Signet.
Sister Susan Chamberlin, lovingly called "our Mother Matron", instructed every proficiency class until 1970 when her health prevented her from continuing.
As a birthday gift to the chapter in 1944, a pedestal for the Worthy Matron's station was designed and built by Brother Roy Chamberlin. In keeping with the motif adopted by the chapter, the pedestal was white and featured a lighted star. The custom-made furniture remains in use today a tribute to the memory of Brother Chamberlin, whose pride in and devotion to Snowy Range Chapter helped the baby chapter take its first walking steps.
In 1946 the chapter purchased, through its project fund, two "blocks" in the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in Salt Lake City, Utah. When Grand Chapter convened in Laramie in 1949, the Worthy Grand Matron's project was the Intermountain Unit Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Sister Alice Jennings, Worthy Matron of Snowy Range, was instrumental in having an art student at the University of Wyoming paint the picture of "Christ Blessing Little Children". This picture hung in the East of the Grand Chapter room and afterwards was presented to the Shriners Hospital in Salt Lake City. Snowy Range Chapter was honored by being asked to present the memorial service, "The Clock of Life".
In 1966 the chapter, for the first time, saw a member progress to an elective Grand Chapter office and in 1969, Sister Elsie Henn was elected and installed as Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Wyoming. In 1970, she presided over the "Snowy Range" Session, named in honor of her chapter. Since then, the chapter has been honored with two Worthy Grand Patrons: Brother Web Robinson served in 1976 and Brother Don Heiser served at the l00th Grand Chapter Session in August 1997. At a special meeting on September 22, 1989, Snowy Range Chapter celebrated its 50th Birthday. Approximately 120 Eastern Star members from around Wyoming enjoyed a dinner prior to the meeting. Worthy Matron Shiral Farnham and Worthy Patron Larry Farnham introduced and welcomed many special guests, including Worthy Grand Matron Nadine Raffelson; Past Grand Matrons Elsie Henn, Daryl Baker, Margaret Mecca and Dorothy Dietz; Past Grand Patrons Web Robinson, Vern Gersmehl, Jr and Harry Baker. Three 50-year members were given special welcomes and gifts. One special invitation was read during this meeting and that was for all members to attend the 101st birthday party for Brother George Gillespie. Entertainment was provided by the "Gem City Gents" Barbershop Chorus. Alpha Chapter No. 1 presented a gift of an engraved silver platter and Bethel No. 44, International Order of Job's Daughters, presented a gift of a silver coffee service.
Through the chapter project fund, the chapter has been able to contribute generously to each Worthy Grand Matron's and Worthy Grand Patron's projects and to many other worthwhile causes. Snowy Range Chapter has been honored by having many appointive Grand Officers and Grand Representatives. The Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons have served as Grand Guards and Emblem Bearers. Past Matrons and Past Patrons and other members have served on Grand Chapter Committees, have sung in the Grand Choir and have been in special ceremonies at the Grand Chapter Sessions.