Of the three Kamsack women attending the Grand Chapter of Saskatchewan Order of the Eastern Star Painting the Stars session, one was in the choir, one was a page to the Most Worthy Grand Patron and one was elected Grand Ada.
Held at the Travelodge in Regina from April 27 to April 29, the session was attended by Susan Bear, Milena Hollett and Marj Orr of the Hiawatha chapter in Kamsack. Bear was a member of the choir, Hollett was the page to the Most Worthy Grand Patron and Orr was elected the Grand Ada for 2017-18.
More than 200 members of the Order from 15 subordinate chapters of Saskatchewan as well as from other provinces in Canada and from the USA were in attendance to participate in the Painting the Stars, which was the 101st session of the Order, Hollett said last week.
Presiding were Cannida Coventry, this year’s Worthy Grand Matron of the Queen Alexandra chapter at Kindersley and Ernie Butz, the Worthy Grand Patron of the Mizpah chapter in Moose Jaw.
The Kamsack representatives along with members of the Yorkton chapter were in charge of the decorating, Hollett said, explaining that they made use of sunflowers, paint palettes, brushes, old keys, dragonflies, teddy bears, sheaves of wheat and star lights to enhance the appearance of the chapter room.
During the session, Bear, who was a member of the choir, played the guitar and sang solo numbers.
Hollett was selected as a page for Robert C. Penoyer of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, who is the Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter of the Order. As his page, Hollett was able to go on the tour for distinguished guests, which included a ride around the Legislative grounds and RCMP depot, lunch at Henry’s.
It was a very interesting historical afternoon and we got to meet members from other parts of Canada and the USA, Hollett said.
On Thursday, Lieut.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield addressed the gathering, the presentation of flags ceremony took place and tributes were made, she said. Fraternal bodies were introduced, including the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Canada, the Wa Wa Temple Shrine and the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan. Invited guests included Mark Docherty, MLA for Reina Coronation Park, and Mike O’Donnell, the city’s acting deputy mayor.
Because this year’s special project was the CHAMPS children’s amputee program, Cannida Coventry, this year’s Worthy Grand Matron, presented a cheque to Angeline Ducharme a CHAMPS graduate and Katelyn Weise, a member of the CHAMPS program. The money had been raised from the sale of Mr. Bear pins.
After the introduction of the distinguished guests, Helen Westmoreland, the Most Worthy Grand Matron spoke about the General Grand Chapter project which is regenerative medicine.
“Regenerative medicine works to replace or restore function to damaged or diseased tissues and organs and provide treatments for some of the diseases and injuries currently classified as untreatable,” said information presented at the session. “Through cell therapies and tissue engineering, regenerative medicine scientists hope to use the body’s own cells to restore diseased tissues and organs or grow replacement organs. Regenerative medicine also has the potential to provide both treatment and cures for conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
A formal banquet was held for all guests with time to catch up with old friends and meet new friends, Hollett said. “The meal was lovely and the entertainment was first class. A young choir from Campbell Collegiate that entertained us was given a standing ovation.
On Saturday evening, the installation of the 2017-18 slate of officers took place for the 102nd session which has as its theme: “The Ties That Bind.”
Before the new officers were installed, Susan Bear of Hiawatha chapter took part in the Bible and Emblem Ceremony.
After a musical prelude by Rod Lee, the organist, Colleen Hozack of the Lloydminster chapter was installed as Worthy Grand Matron and Bruce Farrer of Corinthian chapter in Govan was installed as the Worthy Grand Patron.
Members of the Hiawatha chapter in Kamsack “are so proud” that Marjorie Orr was chosen to be the Grand Ada for the 2017-18 year.
Following the installation, members and guests gathered at a reception to congratulate the incoming officers.
“Beautiful music was provided throughout the various events of the Grand Chapter” by the Eastern Star Choir and the Star 7 Singers while solo numbers were performed by Penny Pederson, Marianne Wood and Susan Bear of Kamsack.
