Members of Hiawatha chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star were “honoured” to have offices of the grand chapter of Saskatchewan pay a visit to Kamsack for their official visit on August 26.
Members of the grand chapter visit each of the 17 chapters in the province once a year, said information from Hiawatha chapter.
Attendees gathered at the Iron Grill for nourishment and fellowship, the information said. Following the meal, members gathered at the Masonic Temple for a meeting when offices of the grand chapter were introduced and welcomed by everyone present.
Grand officers in attendance were: Cannida Coventry of Mantario, the worthy grand matron; Ernie Butz of Regina, worthy grand patron; Sue Butz of Regina, grand treasurer; Bev Otsuka of Saskatoon, grand lecturer; Audrey Purdie fo Saskatoon, grand Ruth; Anita Ingream of Saskatoon, grand Esther; Luba Tatarinoff of Regina, special page to the worthy grand matron, and Donna Sanders of Regina, grand trustee.
Musical selections were by Susan Bear of Kamsack who accompanied herself on the guitar. She performed Leonard Cohen’s Halleluiah and On the Wings of a Dove. These songs were favourites of the worthy grand matron and worthy grand patron. Everyone joined in singing Sugar in the Morning.
Musical selections were played throughout the evening by Rod Lee of Foam Lake, a past grand patron.
In her presentation, Coventry gave an inspirational talk on how to increase membership and spoke of the possibilities of growth. She commended members of Hiawatha chapter for its ability to obtain charitable donations and said that for a small group they did well and members replied by saying that the community is very supportive of their efforts.
Coventry discussed a new project of the grand chapter which is guide dogs.
In his presentation, Butz discussed the CHAMPS program for children amputees and talked about the special teddy bear pins that members are selling in order to help raise funds for CHAMPS.
Persons wishing to support the fundraiser are encouraged to contact any member of Hiawatha chapter.
Following the meeting, members had refreshments and visiting in the lower hall, which was decorated with the emblems of flowers, watch words, colours and mottos of the grand matron and patron.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the grand chapter in Saskatchewan, the information said.
