100th Anniversary Celebration

Music from the Carillon Bells of Wilmington College played by Barbara Dennis heralded the beginning of the celebration of the New Vienna Chapter No. 327, Order of the Eastern Star, 100th anniversary celebration held at Kelly Center.

Greeters at the sign-in table were the Worthy Matrons of District No. 21, who passed out pin-ons designating the 100th year, along with programs and printed history of the chapter. Guests were welcomed into the chapter room by the music of Richard Allen on the grand piano.

To open the meeting, Worthy Matron Joni Streber, Gretchen McGraw, Worthy Patron Don Williams and Cathy Williams placed family bibles on the steps leading to the East in memory of family passed on.

Special guests, Worthy Grand Matron Janice Goerss and Worthy Grand Patron Bruce Ailes were escorted to the altar where they were welcomed and presented with honorary memberships to the New Vienna Chapter No. 327.

They were escorted to the East where the Worthy Grand Matron then asked for New Vienna’s own Past Grand Matron, Doris Conley, to be presented at the Holy Altar. She was personally greeted by the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Ohio and saluted with Grand Honors.

Resuming the gavel, Worthy Matron Joni Streber continued introductions having the following presented: Past Grand Matron and Grand Secretary Emeritus, Jean Beck, Past Grand Patron of Ohio Ron Seigla who shared the Grand East with Doris Conley in 1980, Associate Grand Matron, Sue Kerns, Grand Conductress Jean Watters, Grand Chaplain Janet Sheehan, Grand Adah Elizabeth Isenberger, Grand Martha Cheryl Bullis, Grand Warder Gail Walsh, Deputy Grand Matrons Michelle Howell and Kay Ladd, Grand Representatives of other Grand jurisdictions in Ohio Linda Young, Ruth Ann Moore and Joyce Ailes, Worthy Matrons and Patrons of District No. 21 were seven and one respectively, and New Vienna’s own Past Matrons and Patrons were eight and two respectively. The following were recognized at their seats: Charities Director of District No. 21 Helen Walton, Honored Masons including a Grand Master of the 7th District and a number of Knights of the York Cross of Honor. New Vienna Chapter bestowed a long-stemmed yellow rose to each of its 50-Year Members numbering 12 in attendance. District No. 21 Officers in attendance included President Denise Gregory, Vice-President Joni Streber, Secretary Ruth Ann Moore, and Treasurer Connie Penquite. Grand Pages Lynn Fleck and Judy Tincher and Grand Aides Eldon Eastridge and Richard Allen were also welcomed. The OES Resource Bureau’s Barbara Ross and all Past Grand Appointments introduced themselves from their seats.

The Sunshine Collection was taken up by Larry kerns and Jimmy Walsh and donated to the Worthy Grand Matrons project: Rally for Rehab to build a rehabilitation center at the OES Home in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

WM Streber welcomed all and explained her year’s theme of Faith, Family and Friends and the colors chosen for the year which included blue for loyalty and gold for years of wisdom, leadership and service. She noted the many projects the chapter had accomplished citing examples like the charity work, the Blood Bank Canteen, the cooperative efforts with our ‘Sister’ Chapter in Leesburg No. 57 with Installations and Inspections, and Masonic Dinners. WP Williams read many of the highlights of New Vienna Chapter’s history including how dues were once $1 per year, there was no electricity or plumbing in the first lodge, and members arrived by horse and buggy.

Joni Streber sang “Upon This Rock” for the guests stating that New Vienna Chapter was built upon the rock of dedicated believers. Gratitude was expressed to all those who worked and contributed to make this anniversary event possible. A special thank you was extended to Leesburg Chapter OES, Cathy Williams, Brenda Vergne and Linda Price.

Sister Doris Conley gave remarks about the many changes in Eastern Star over the years including the mergers of three chapters with New Vienna Chapter: Harveysburg, Wilmington and Sabina. Doris expressed much joy relating events and friendships through her years in Eastern Star since 1980 when she served as Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Ohio.

WGP Bruce Ailes presented a plaque to New Vienna Chapter on the occasion of the 100th anniversary. WGM Janice Goerss then gave remarks and thanked New Vienna Chapter for continued work and service. The closing ceremonies progressed with the Farewell given by Grand Adah Elizabeth Isenberger of Hillsboro Chapter.

The group retired to the Hugh Heiland level of Boyd Auditorium for the reception. Guests enjoyed finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, veggies, and an Eastern Star decorated cake served by Sodexo. A display table held items including newsprint, pictures programs, and scrap books. A special tribute to Doris Conley was a collection memorabilia including the gown she wore for her installation at Grand Chapter.

Guest viewed the Bridges of Friendship display in the Heritage Quaker Center and the history of the local Quakers in the T. Canby Jones Meetinghouse. Each guest received a commemorative cup filled with candy as they left the reception.

Annual Inspection

The 2010 Annual Inspection is Monday April 19th at 7:30pm. All of the officers should be there by 6:15 to meet with the Deputy Grand Matron, Michelle Howell, our inspecting officer.

Refreshments will follow, see you all there!

2010 Officers

Worthy Matron Joni Streber
Worthy Patron Don Williams
Associate Matron: Sunnie Eastridge
Associate Patron: Gene Williams
Secretary: Linda Price
Treasurer: Goldie Hammon
Conductress: Cathy Williams
Associate Conductress: Cheryl Locke
Chaplain: Eldon Eastridge
Marshall: Jack Price
Organist: Anne Lynch, Richard Allen (pro-tem)
Adah: Linda Rulon
Ruth: Brenda Vergne
Esther: Gretchen McGraw
Martha: Shannon Wright
Electa: Betty Kerns
Warder: Schuyler Streber
Sentinel: John Vergne