Order of the Eastern Star, the Secret Fraternal Society

The Order of the Eastern Star, secret fraternal society, is composed of members of Free Masonry, wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters. It is the largest fraternal order in the world to which both men and women belong. Under the General Grand Chapter are chapters in every state and most possessions of the United States.     Its beginning is not known. Some say it was brought to the colonies by the French, when they came to help the colonies fight for their independence.
Much of the history of the Order of the Eastern Star in the United States centers around two men, Robert Morris and Robert Macoy. Morris was an ardent Mason, writer, poet, teacher and philosopher, also a prominent Masonic lecturer. It was his desire to give to the world an order in which Masons and their families could meet and enjoy fraternalism.
In 1850, he systematized the degrees. In 1866, the lecture system was adopted. In 1857, Morris published a ritual and in 1895, revised it.
Upon his departure for the Holy Land in 1868, he transferred all the authority he had assumed and exercised in regard to the order to Robert Macoy, Masonic writer and publisher of New York City.
The grand chapter and local chapters participate in welfare work, educational work and social enjoyment, maintain homes for the aged.
A great grandchild many times of the original organization is Elizabeth Chapter No. 108 of Caribou, which was organized Wednesday evening, March 23, 1904. The Masonic Hall was located over Clark and Jerrard’s Dry Goods Store at the corner of Sweden and Main Streets. The meeting was called to order by A.J. Taylor and 39 people were elected to the order. The following were charter members installed by the Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Maine A.W. Richer:
Edna M. Briggs, Leta C. Collins, Ruth; Adelaide E. Garden, marshal; Edith B. Gustin, secret; Elizabeth A. Hardison, Tirza A. Hardison, Martha; Cordelia K. Hamilton, Electa; Ida N. Hendrix, chaplain; Lillian G. Holmes, Adah; Belle C. Howe, treasurer; Adelaide J. Johnson, Ethel W. King, worthy matron; Marion O. McLellan, conductress; Emily McNelley, warder; Lizzie E. Oak, Ethel G. Pendell, Esther; Louise B. Spaulding, Associate conductress; Emma L. Shaw, associate matron; Mattie E. Shaw, Mabel C. York, Charles G. Briggs, Walter L. Collins, Arthur A. Garden, William M. Gustin, P.L. Hardison, W.P. Hamilton, Cyrus W. Hendrix, Eugene A. Holmes, George H. Howe, D.E. Johnson, C.C. King, Irving W. McLellan, P.L. McNelley, Fred L. Oak, Lyman G. Pendell, Albion Runnells, sentinel; Atwood Spaulding, Ross A. Shaw, and Albert J. Taylor, worthy patron.
Mrs. Leta Collins, Caribou’s only living charter member, recalls that the chapter was named for Mrs. Fred Oak (Lizzie E. Hayford) of Caribou. She had been very active in Universalist circles, and in town activities and was considered one of Caribou’s “best cooks.” It was voted at that time to meet the first and third Mondays of each month. The first and following years were busy ones with many candidates seeking the privileges of the order.
During the spring of 1906, San Francisco was shattered by an earthquake. Elizabeth Chapter, 3,000 miles away, sent a contribution to aid her distressed brothers and sisters there.
In 1908, Sister Edith Gustin attended Grand Chapter in Portland. She returned to give an interesting account of proceedings and presented a bill for her expenses—railroad fare, $2.75 and meals, $5.
Some of the bills of the chapter in past years indicated that four dozen carnations could be had at $2 and chicken sold for 20 cents a pound.
In January, 1916, the Masonic Hall burned and the OES moved to the Odd Fellows Hall. All property except the records was destroyed. Meetings were held there from March, 1916, to March, 1917, when members moved to a new hall at the former location.
Each year, members visited neighboring chapters and entertained them. Summer activities included one or two picnics and the formation of an annual Eastern Star Field Day. Extra funds were raised in early years by Lyceum entertainments, and in later years by Masonic suppers.
Past Matron Marion McLellan was appointed Grand Chaplain in 1906, Grand Warder in 1918, District Deputy Grand Matron in 1920-21, Associate Assistant Grand Matron in 1925 and Worthy Grand Matron in 1926. Mrs. McLellan is the only person from Elizabeth Chapter thus far to have achieved this distinction.
The 25th anniversary was observed in 1929 with appropriate ceremonies. Membership was 192, with 20 active charter members. Seventeen worthy matrons and worthy patrons had held office.
In 1931, the worthy matron and worthy patron were Norman and Eva Currier. Other couples serving in the East were the D.E. Johnsons, Perley Allyns, and Fred Nortons.
In 1932, while Mrs. Jane B. Hall was worthy matron and Perley Allyn was worthy patron, the Masonic Hall burned again. Meetings were held in the patrons of Husbandry dining hall. In the spring, the Masonic Association was formed and purchased the present brick building on Washburn Ave. at Vaughan.
In 1941, Worthy Matron Dorothy Richardson Crossly presented the white altar Bible to the chapter. An impressive dedication service was held and the names of past matrons and patrons inscribed therein. This custom continues to the present.
On Dec. 9, 1947, while Pauline Richardson was worthy matron and D.R. Buchanan was worthy patron, the new electric signet was dedicated. Several other memorial gifts-the white gavel, door knockers, charter drapes and others, were realized at this time.
In 1948, Elizabeth Chapter was invited by WGP Brother Frank Thomas to exemplify the degree at the organization of Polaris Chapter No. 196, in Fort Kent.
The 50th anniversary of the chapter was observed March 23, 1954, with Catherine Hjermenrud as worthy matron, Edward Lundgren as worthy patron, Helen Ricker, secretary. Worthy Grand Matron Ruth L. Crowley was present, along with charter members Leta Collins, Walter Collins, A.A. Gardner, and W.P. Hamilton. The history of the order was presented by Past Matron Eva Currier. There were 74 members, 18 officers and 133 guests present. Membership was 275 people.
Elizabeth Brown was appointed Grand Electa in 1956. A Grand Family Night was held  Oct. 6 with the entire grand family present. In November of that year, Helen Ricker, Mabel C. Files and Jane B. Hall were granted life memberships.
During a Christmas party Dec. 3, 1956, Helen Ricker was honored for 25 years of service as secretary of Elizabeth Chapter.
On Dec. 1, 1958, OES voted to sponsor the Order of the Rainbow for Girls. The first advisory board was Mr. and Mrs. Alfred McLean, Mr. and Mrs. Avon Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Lombard, and Mr. and Mrs. Harris Green.
The new star point chairs were used for the first time in October, 1961, Ruby and Raymond Hewitt’s year in the East.
After a stated meeting on Feb. 5, 1962, a surprise reception was held for Sister Helen Ricker, the occasion being her retirement after 30 years of dedicated service.
The lights over the star point chairs were installed in March, 1962, with Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron Irene and Ray Proctor. At the close of their year in the East, Dr. and Mrs. Proctor presented Elizabeth Chapter with a worthy matron’s traveling jewel to be worn by Sister Constance Harmon and to be passed on to succeeding worthy matrons.
A reception was held in 1964 to honor Sister Irene Proctor, newly appointed district deputy grand matron after the June meeting. Gifts were presented to her by all chapters of the district. Soloist for the evening was Effie Black of Fort Fairfield.
No history of Elizabeth Chapter would be complete without inscribing a page to those who have brought honor and distinction to Caribou.
Sister Marion McLellan is our most distinguished. Sister Helen Ricker, joined in 1906, was elected worthy matron in 1914-15; Grand Adah in 1915-16. She was marshal until 1930 of the chapter and at that time was elected secretary. This office she held until 1962—30 years of service. She also organized and was first president of the Past Matrons Club. Sister Annie Bishop preceded her as secretary from 1910-30. Sister Lizzie Oak served as treasurer from 1906-25. Brother Albion Runnells served as sentinel from 1904-24.
Sister Annie Knox has served as treasurer from 1938 until the present, bringing devotion to her office and helpful guidance to all. Sister Bertha Spaulding served as grand marshal in 1927, Elizabeth Brown as Grand Electa in 1956-57, Helen Ricker as Grand Adah, 1915-16.
Members appointed as grand representatives were Mary Ahern, Mary Collins, Jane Hall, Pauline Richardson, and Norma May. Serving as district deputy grand matrons were Grace Davis in 1944, Martha Stevens, 1945-46; Elizabeth Brown, 1955-56 and Irene Proctor, 1964-65.
Elizabeth Chapter contributes to the grand chapter charity fund, worthy matrons’ special project, Estarl (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership); Knights Templar eye fund, Shriners’ hospital, International Temple Fund, Christmas baskets, memorial funds at Cary Memorial Hospital, the public library and band calendar.
The Star has helped to furnish the Masonic Hall over the years, serve supper for Maine groups, and sponsor the Order of Rainbow for Girls.
Mary Lou Brown