Hi Sisters and Brothers,
I have been asked to write a short news item for the Trestle Board and I am happy to do that.
Eastern Star is a Fraternal group affiliated with the Masons, but no part of that Ancient Institution. We have similar rituals and ceremonies, and we also strive to live a better life and help each other. We raise money for charities, and share our love of God and country. The difference is both men and women can join, as long as you have a Masonic affiliation or in the case of men, they must be a member of a Masonic Lodge. We enjoy fellowship and it is something husband and wives can attend and share together. We hope those of you new to the Masonic family will consider joining us and expand your association with this great Order. We welcome you and will be glad to extend a loving hand of friendship and hugs. Next to food, hugs are our specialty.
As our year ends in March, I am just about at the end of my year as Worthy Matron. So there isn’t a lot of activity scheduled. The Worthy Grand Matron always has a special charity she supports, as does the subordinate chapter Worthy Matrons. Mine is the Shriners Hospital this year. We also support two scholarships to the local High Schools. We meet at the Masonic Lodge and are very appreciative that the Mason’s allow us to do so. Our meetings are on the first Friday of the month, at 7:30 pm. We are planning on initiating the husband of one of our new members in January, weather permitting. We always look forward to that. We are hoping to have a dinner in February, open to the public, also a fund raiser for our scholarship fund. In March we will elect our new officers for 2013 – 2014 year.
Our incoming Worthy Matron, and Worthy Patron will be Sister Sandra and Brother Joel Ratliff. I know they would love new members. I will take the liberty of extending an invitation to their open installation to be held the first Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 2 pm at the Masonic Lodge in Front Royal. We welcome our Masonic brothers and their families to join us.
I will close for now and again, I appreciate the opportunity to share our beautiful Order with you. Hope to see you in March.
God Bless, Hugs and Smiles,
Sister Sandra Engle Worthy Matron
Brother Rodney Ayers Worthy Patron
Unity Lodge No. 146 