The history of an organization is an important part of the organization’s future; it is the foundation on which the organization is built. Knowing this, Wanda M. Ryan, PGM, envisioned a web page on the Kansas Grand Chapter website where visitors could locate information about Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons of Kansas. This history page is courtesy of Wanda J. Ryan, PGM.
Please click on one of the sections below to read more about the history of the Grand Chapter of Kansas.
This history has been extracted from The History of the Order of the Eastern Star, written and published by Reverend Willis D. Engle, Most Worthy Grand Patron and first Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter of the Order.
KANSAS.
The first Chapter was Esther No. I, at Burlington, organized in December, 1875, and eighty-two were organized principally through the labors of Harmon G. Reynolds, who called the convention to organize the Grand Chapter, at Emporia, October 18, 1876, when forty-two Chapters were represented, thirty-one of them by proxies, many of the proxies not being members of the Chapters they represented. The Grand Patron was made the executive head of the Grand Chapter, but this was changed in 1877, since which time the Grand Matron has held the authority. The constitution also provided for a Deputy Grand Patron and a Deputy Grand Matron, but these offices were abolished in 1878. The annual per capita dues were fixed at 10 cents, but were raised in 1877 to 20 cents, in 1896 to 30 cents, but were later reduced to 20 cents.
In 1877 delegates were elected to the General Grand Chapter, with discretionary powers, who, for the Grand Chapter, formally gave its allegiance to the General Grand Chapter at its meeting in 1878.
By the provisions of the constitution the annual meetings were held at the same time and place at the meetings of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and owing to the postponement of its meeting from October, 1879, to February 1880, no meeting of the Grand Chapter was held in 1879. The annual meeting was changed in 1882 to such time and place as the Grand Chapter shall designate.
An Eastern Star Association, whose object is to properly celebrate the festal day of the Order was organized by members in Kansas and western Missouri in 1884, which held most enjoyable picnics, which have been participated in by goodly numbers.
A Past Grand Matron’s jewel was presented to the retiring Grand Matron in 1886, and, with few exceptions, all Grand Matrons have been similarly remembered with valuable gifts. In 1891 it was
“Resolved, That, in token of the high appreciation of her services, the Grand Chapter extends to its first Grand Matron, Mary A. Hepler, a heartfelt welcome, and authorizes the Grand Secretary to draw an order on the Grand Treasurer refunding to her the amount of her expenses incurred in attending this meeting, and this be done annually so long as she remains in this Grand Jurisdiction.”
In 1893 the Grand Chapter presented Sister Hepler a gold watch, suitably inscribed, and, in 1895, appropriated $10 per month to her during the remainder of her life. Sister Hepler’s services to the Order in Kansas and generally were invaluable, and she well deserved all the kindnesses that the Order bestowed upon her.
The Grand Chapter, in 1891, also voted to appropriate $50 annually to aid Electa Chapter in caring for the orphan, Emma Avery, so long as the Chapter has her in charge.
At the funeral of Lizzie E. Gabriel, Associate Grand Matron, in February 1891, the Knights Templar Commandery, by permission of the Grand Commander, acted as escort to the Chapter, which performed the funeral rites of the Order, and, in 1892, a Chapter of Sorrow was held in her memory, and that of Georgiana SeCoy, Past Grand Matron, by the Grand Chapter. The memory of the different Past Grand officers has been similarly commemorated by the Grand Chapter.
By invitation of the Grand Commandery, the meeting of the Grand Chapter was held at Topeka in 1893. The many courtesies extended to the Order by the different branches of Masonry in Kansas and elsewhere are noted in this history to show the growing recognition of the Order and of its good works. No one who has come into the Order in recent years can so fully appreciate the contrast between the condition of matters in this regard and what formerly prevailed, as can those who were early laborers in its upbuilding. In a historical address delivered by Mary H. Buck, Past Grand Matron, at the twenty-first annual meeting, she said:
“In those days it was deemed expedient to meet at the same time and place as the Masonic Grand Lodge. I well remember the cold stare we received, and the elevated noses of some of the the brethren, as we were compelled at times to pass through their committee rooms and anterooms, going to and from our place of meeting. . . . There was much prejudice to overcome on behalf of our Order in the minds of even the truest and best of Masons, the idea having become fossilized with many that woman never had been and never could be made a Mason – never had and never could keep a secret. But I can safely say we have learned to do even that better than many of them, for if by chance any terrible mystery is revealed ‘to the profane,’ it is usually traceable to the brethren.”
A painting designed by Sister Hepler, giving a pictorial history of the Order in Kansas, was paid for by contributions from the subordinate Chapters, amounting to $300, and was displayed in the Kansas building at the World’s Fair, and it now adorns the walls of the Kansas Masonic Home. The Galveston flood sufferers were relieved to the extent of $282.
In 1895 the Grand Chapter was invited to attend a reception and ball given by Mt. Olivet Commandery, Knights Templar, and in 1898 the Grand Commandery unanimously adopted the following:
“Resolved, That the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar, in annual conclave assembled, hereby extends to the Order of the Eastern Star our knightly and courteous greetings and our sincere wish that their session may be pleasant and harmonious and their legislation wise and judicious.”
In 1908, in response to the circular letter of the General Grand Chapter officers, it was unanimously
“Resolved, That we reaffirm the action taken by the Grand Chapter two years ago relative to the use of the square and compasses, the rods in purging the Chapter, and Matron leaving her station to greet newly admitted members; that we continue all the usages.”
The Grand Secretary is paid a salary of $1,000 and allowed $240 for office rent. There were 615 voters in the meeting in 1911, 328 of whom were representatives and 287 were either Grand officers, Past Matrons or Past Patrons.
The general fund receipts in 1911, including balance, were $9,845; disbursement, $4,080; balance, $5,765.
Engle, Rev. Willis D. “Kansas.” In The History of the Order of the Eastern Star, 184–87. Indianapolis, Ind.: Willis D. Engle1912.
This history has been extracted from The History of the Order of the Eastern Star, written and published by Reverend Willis D. Engle, Most Worthy Grand Patron and first Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the General Grand Chapter of the Order.
Kansas – The movement for a Masonic Home was begun by the Grand Chapter in 1885, when a committee was appointed to confer with the Grand Lodge, but little advance was made until 1891, when the Grand Lodge unanimously voted to yield to the solicitations of the Eastern Star and resolved “to co-operate with similar committees from the other regular and recognized Masonic bodies, and the Order of the Eastern Star, to furnish plans for arranging and carrying into effect the action of the Grand Lodge.” At its organization, and continuously since, a sister was made a member of the board of directors, the first time that a woman has served in such a capacity. The regulations were made to provide for the admission of the children of members of the Order.
In 1895, the Grand Lodge having decided to abandon the project on account of the prevailing hard times, the Grand Chapter asked the Grand Lodge to reconsider its action and to take steps toward founding a Home, pledging the heart assistance of the Order. To this request the Grand Lodge acceded, and in 1896 an annual per capita tax of 10 cents was made by the Grand Chapter for the object; a standing committee on the Home was provided for; June 24 was made Masonic Home day, which each subordinate Chapter was requested to devote to raising money for the Home. The contributions of the Order toward the Home have aggregated more than forty-three thousand dollars, in addition to special contributions for particular objects. Emma W. Port, Past Grand Matron, contributed $1,000 as the foundation of an endowment, to which the Grand Chapter added $500 in 1900.
In 1896 the board of directors adopted the following:
“We appreciate and gratefully acknowledge the encouragement, aid and support, moral as well as material, given by the Order of the Eastern Star, and record our conviction that an Order so distinguished and noted for its efforts in behalf of distressed, destitute and helpless humanity is entitled to the active support as well as the commendation of all good Masons.”
The Home was dedicated by the Grand Lodge September 10, 1896, and in his address on the occasion the Grand Master said:
“We do not forget the powerful aid and influence of the Eastern Star and its Chapters. Without their aid, and the support of the women of Masonry, we could boast neither of past success nor future hope.”
Rinda E. Chesney, Past Grand Matron, was the first matron of the Home, while the present one is Mary C. Snedden, Past Most Worthy Grand Matron.
We are pleased to present herewith an illustration of the home, and to quote the following description of it:
“It was erected for Hon. R. E. Lawrence in 1888, when Wichita was in the zenith of her glory and money was no object, and cost $97,000.
“It is built of stone, three stories high, with basement under the entire building; double walls and slate roof render it fireproof. The building is 90 by 90 feet. The reception room is 20 by 25, finished in oak, with massive French plate mirrors and parquet floor. Opening from this room, with folding doors, are the library, parlors, sitting room and matron’s room
“It is one of the many places in this land that cost a fortune and sold for a song. The Masons bought the place for only $21,000. Since buying it they have built an addition connecting the stable (which was as fine as the house) with the house. The addition contains the dining room and kitchen, the original dining room being used as the matron’s room and the original kitchen as the children’s play room. The stable has been fitted up for the old men, the former carriage room, with its beautiful mantel and grate, being their reading room. The Masons bought the Home and Eastern Star furnished it.”
Engle, Rev. Willis D. “Kansas.” In The History of the Order of the Eastern Star, 184–87. Indianapolis, Ind.: Willis D. Engle1912.
Grand Chapter Year Session Title Worthy Grand Matron Worthy Grand Patron
2018-2019 “Spirit of Love and Aloha” Session Mary R. K. Hayselden Stephen (Steve) W. Boyer
2017-2018 “Believe in God’s Miracles” Session Wanda M. Ryan Stephen (Steve) W. Boyer (Acting)
2016-2017 “God’s Gift of Friendship” Session Susan McGinnis Francis (Pete) Peterson
2015-2016 “Our Hands for God’s Work” Session Pam Abel Richard (Dick) Short
2014-2015 “Star Within The Star” Session Donna M. Fagg Michael (Mike) Edwards
2013-2014 “Fully Rely On God (F.R.O.G.)” Session Dolores (Dee) Smith Larry D. Swaim
2012-2013 “Joy of Music” session Kimberly D. Dellinger Robert D. Hess
2011-2012 “In His Amazing Grace” session Kathryn L. Johnson Rick Stripling
2010-2011 “One Nation Under GOD” Session Gayle J. Cousatte John J. Ryan
2009-2010 “Stars Across Kansas” session Trudy Riddle James W. Billings
2008-2009 “Family of God” session Karen J. Adams David Rake
2007-2008 “Footprints Through Life” session Isabel Adams Mike Towner
2006-2007 “The Spirit of Christmas” session Nancy J. Zook Don Flickinger
2005-2006 “Wings of Change” session Paula Gettles Darrell Shanteau
2004-2005 “God’s Garden of Love” session Lynne Hendricks Robert Ott
2003-2004 “Galaxy of Stars” session Kathy Johnson Tom Fowler
2002-2003 “Angels Among Us” session Nancy A. Wentling Johnnie W. Cawthorn
2001-2002 “Sharing Our Story” session Patricia R. (Pat) Brothers William Larson
2000-2001 “Castles in the Clouds” session Carol Hanlin Richard K. Smith
1999-2000 “Stargate” session Kelly L. Herring Darrell M. Holmes
1998-1999 “Bond of Love” session Shirley J. Palmer Roland C. Bonjour
1997-1998 “Hands of Friendship” session Emily E. Royer Boyce W. Dougherty
1996-1997 “Our Father’s World” session Nancy S. Evans Dean Wyant
1995-1996 “The Gift of Life” session Sherrell K. Heft Donald W. Hendricks
1994-1995 “Light Bridges Time” session Patricia Hanson John E. Carlson
1993-1994 “Trust in the Lord” session Patricia A. (Patti) White Dewaine Geiger
1992-1993 “Believe in Yourself” session Martha J. Norris Thomas J. Owen
1991-1992 “Our Prairie Heritage” session Patricia Berry Kenneth C. Jeffrey
1990-1991 “Wings on the Four Winds” session Karen S. Clark D. B. Schwartzkopf
1989-1990 “Peace and Harmony” session Virginia Johnson Reuben Berg
1988-1989 “To God be the Glory” session Frances Eckhoff Wolcott Jerry K. Van Allen
1987-1988 “Treasures of Time” session Mary Ann Wilson Floyd H. Dibbern
1986-1987 “Sheaves of Love” session Ruth E. Williams Stephen W. Karstadt
1985-1986 “Pathways with Purpose” session Ruth Cearley Buford M. Strader
1984-1985 “Melody of Faith” session Doris R. Norden Darrel R. Miller
1983-1984 “The Miracles of God and Man” session Mary L. Graham Charles D. Gallipeau
1982-1983 “Crown of Happiness” session Marcie Holloway Benjamin F. Green
1981-1982 “The Road of Life” session Joan K. Crotchett Carl W. Schroeder
1980-1981 “Harbor of Hope” Loretta Secrest Paul Cain
1979-1980 “Treasures of the Heart” session Jeanne Beck Lynn States
1978-1979 “Garden of Faith” Pauline Yockey Leo Whitley
1977-1978 “Open Door” Session Dixie Knauss Kenith S. McNett
1976-1977 “Wonder of It All” Session Joan Dunn Kenneth V. Moses
1975-1976 “Centennial” session Jeanette Huett Walter C. Smith
1974-1975 “Harmony and Ritual” session Beverly Rowe Thurman D. Miller
1973-1974 “God’s Wonderful World” session Marilyn Jensen Robert M. Nease
1972-1973 “Song in My Heart” session Agnes Hill Christian C. Bomberger
1971-1972 “The Way, the Truth, the Life” session Jean Heer Marvin VanVleck
1970-1971 “Chimes of Love” session Darlene Mack Owen E. Hodgson
1969-1970 “Sunflower” session Ruth Caldwell James M. Hoggard
1968-1969 “Constellation” session Pearl I. Gretz Gilbert H. Finlay
1967-1968 “Unending Song” session Kathryn Webb David F. Johnson
1966-1967 “Gateway to Peace” session Elnita Jezek Dr. Carroll C. Arnett
1965-1966 “Pearl” session Pearl Cooper Armand H. Bishop
1964-1965 “Cathedral” session Ione Jordan J. Vernon Powell
1963-1964 “Led By His Light” session Myra Wille Douglas Crotty, Sr.
1962-1963 “Friendship and Service” session Bernadine Russell LaVerne Spears
1961-1962 “Shepherd of Peace” session Bernice B. Stutzman Richard W. Farris
1960-1961 “Symphony of Happiness” session Pearl Baumgartner Steve W. Church
1959-1960 “Adah” session Aenid Hill Eugene S. Parker
1958-1959 “Melody in E” session Elsie Van Blaricum Edward E. Fanestil
1957-1958 “Stardust” session Carolyn L. Warren Charles S. McGinness
1956-1957 “Faith and Friendship” session Cecil Brown Clyde R. Lillard
1955-1956 “Golden West” session Lucy Geckeler Clyde Riley
1954-1955 “Jewel” session Jewel Lepley Harry D. Harrison
1953-1954 “The Bible” session Fern L. Haddan Martin H. Potter
1952-1953 “Our Father’s World” session Catherine T. Beckwith Harold P. Lowe
1951-1952 “Daisy” session Daisy Force Thomas B. Finigan
1950-1951 “Divine Guidance” session Alyce McMichael Herman D. Kopper
1949-1950 “Queen Esther” session Marguerite Webster James H. Parsons
1948-1949 “Light of Life” session Gladys Peacock J. Herbert Talbert
1947-1948 “World Friendship” session Anna L. Foust Major William W. Smith
1946-1947 “Chapel” session Emma M. Poland Forest Hashbarger
1945-1946 “Triangle” session Viola Marcoott Samuel G. Wiles
1944-1945 Build Stately Mansions Florence G. Grant Henry S. Buzick, Jr.
1943-1944 “Love and Loyalty” session Mildred J. Rice Maynard H. Coe
1942-1943 “Harmony” session Marjorie Schwartz Otto Souders
1941-1942 “Art of Living” session Anna Mae Bradshaw Harry A. Wayman
1940-1941 “In His Footprints” session Rose Mae Collier Victor L. Kirk
1939-1940 64th Annual Session Adelaide Shepard J. Forrest Ayres
1938-1939 63rd Annual Session – Motto: Let us strive to be Kind, Happy and Charitable Kathryn H. Campbell Charley B. Erskine
1937-1938 “Sunshine” Session Maud K. Vincent William Fred Shea
1936-1937 “World Friendship” Session Margaret H. Ballard Fred W. Smith
1935-1936 “Golden Rule” Session Maude Clossen Richard H. Cravens
1934-1935 “Rose” Session Rose Swallow Dr. Douglas A. Meredith
1933-1934 “Star of the East” Session Pearl Smith Charles A. Loucks
1932-1933 “Lilac Time in Lawrence” Session Margaret J. Stevenson Ted C. Senter
1931-1932 “Spring Flower” Session Bermetta Miller D. Clarke Kelly
1930-1931 55th Annual Session Maude E. Wayman George W. McClelland
1929-1930 54th Annual Session Jessie N. Thorp Walter B. Hoagland
1928-1929 53rd Annual Session Artie T. Harrison Roy H. Clossen
1927-1928 52nd Annual Session Mabel Scott Charles W. Reeder
1926-1927 51st Annual Session Grace See Martin Ben S. Paulen
1925-1926 50th Annual Session Olga Philip Charles W. Garrison
1924-1925 49th Annual Session Verna Gough Asa Taylor Hoge
1923-1924 48th Annual Session Beatrice Woodcock Walter L. Payne
1922-1923 47th Annual Session Evelena Cochran Guy L. Hursh
1921-1922 46th Annual Session Rebecca May Ayers-Crask John A. Ferrell
1920-1921 45th Annual Session Ura Feely George W. Pogson
1919-1920 44th Annual Session Julie K. Hohn Fred Voiland
1918-1919 43rd Annual Session Mattie Davis Elmer S. Nance
1917-1918 42nd Annual Session Lilla V. Lennen Walter E. Wilson
1916-1917 41st Annual Session Blanche Wilson David Ayers
1915-1916 40th Annual Session Myrtle W. Suit Rev. John W. Waldron
1914-1915 39th Annual Session Emma M. Viets Oscar Rice
1913-1914 38th Annual Session Mary A. Harrington Selden H. Kilgore
1912-1913 37th Annual Session Clara M. Bramwell Robert S. Hendricks
1911-1912 36th Annual Session Mabelle F. Lane J.E. Porter
1910-1911 35th Annual Session Anna B. Morrish Dr. J. S. May
1909-1910 34th Annual Session Minnie P. Burke J. E. Humphrey
1908-1909 33rd Annual Session May Crawford Thomas L. Bond
1907-1908 32nd Annual Session Elizabeth West Reeder C. W. Murphy
1906-1907 31st Annual Session Anna M. Applegate Leslie M. Liepman
1905-1906 30th Annual Session Carrie E. Yates E. H. Anderson
1904-1905 29th Annual Session Katherine C. Hughes John C. Fry
1903-1904 28th Annual Session Katie Z. Crumbine Arthur Davis
1902-1903 27th Annual Session Dilla Bittel Grant W. Harrington
1901-1902 26th Annual Session Lou A. Olmstead Arthur Edson
1900-1901 25th Annual Session Ettie S. Main David Smythe
1899-1900 24th Annual Session Eva Wheeler E. W. Poindexter
1898-1899 23rd Annual Session Libbie B. Towner Albert Sarbach
1897-1898 22nd Annual Session Della Bennett Edd Hayes
1896-1897 21st Annual Session Ellen A. Kenner August Anderson
1895-1896 20th Annual Session Helen B. Farnsworth John A. Regnell
1894-1895 19th Annual Session Lettie Trouslot John E. Postlethwaite
1893-1894 18th Annual Session Elizabeth Magie Alfred Whitman
1892-1893 17th Annual Session Carrie O. Getty David C. Battey
1891-1892 16th Annual Session Eudora Hall Thomas E. McFarland
1890-1891 15th Annual Session Lillian A. Wiggs William Julien
1889-1890 14th Annual Session Lottie E. Young George W. Clark
1888-1889 13th Annual Session Georgiana Flinn SeCoy B. R. Stevenson
1887-1888 12th Annual Session Rinda E. Chesney Dr. R. E. Stevenson
1886-1887 11th Annual Session Emma W. Port J. Iran Brown
1885-1886 10th Annual Session Phebe Colton Julius R. Trouslot
1884-1885 9th Annual Session Celestia A. Stevenson Henry Parker
1883-1884 8th Annual Session Amelia C. Peters Daniel Clayton Young
1882-1883 7th Annual Session Mary C. Snedden Gustavus A. Colton
1881-1882 6th Annual Session Myra Mottram Judge J. Jay Buck
1880-1881 5th Annual Session Lavonia J. Becker Willis Brown
1879-1880 4th Annual Session Mary H. Buck Daniel W. Coxe
1878-1879 3rd Annual Session Mary A. Hepler E. D. Hillyer
1877-1878 2nd Annual Session Mary A. Hepler Herman G. Reynolds
1876-1877 1st Annual Session H. F. Hepler H. G. Reynolds