THE GENERAL GRAND MASONIC CONGRESS
ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ORGANIZED 1889 - INCORPORATED 1926
CLEVELAND, OHIO
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HISTORY OF THE
SUPREME CHAPTER,
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STARS
(1901 - 2018)
Under Development:
Through a variety of philanthropic and social activities, The General Grand Masonic Congress, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the United States of America
Organized 1889 - Incorporated 1926
Cleveland, Ohio inspires its members to adopt important values such as leadership, empathy and ambition, and to always strive for excellence.
Since its inception, members have upheld these values through academic success, philanthropy, character development and solid relationship-building skills. Our members are actively involved in many events throughout the year, allowing them to create lifelong bonds and consistently give back to the community.
THE SUPREME CHAPTER, INC.
ORDER OF EASTERN STAR, U.S.A.
“We live in the Present. We Dream of the Future. And We Learn Eternal Truths from the Past.”
Author Unknown
“The purpose of this history is to give each Brother and Sister of their respective Grand Chapter, working under the Supreme Chapter Order of Eastern Star, United States of America, a condensed history of past records available which may be useful to future generation of Eastern Stars.
Grand Chapters who submitted their data responded in various ways to the information requested by the Historian Committee. It is noted that many pertinent facts may be omitted, due to the lack of sufficient space and non-availability of records.
The Grand Chapter history reflects the growth and development of the Supreme Chapter, OES. As the Grand Chapters continue in their path of progress, each step toward the future will also reflect the indelible footprints of achievements, fundamental principles and purposes of the Order so firmly implanted in their efforts.
To the Glory of God…. And in appreciation of the prayers, vision and courage of leaders unknown, known, written and unwritten whose names do not appear here; to all who sacrificed; to all who are presently serving; to all who have toiled in the cause of human progress to further aid in the spreading of enlightenment of the Order, we are grateful for the devotion of sincere Stars who gave of themselves without thought of recognition – who gave only that they might serve.
It is with appreciation to every Grand Chapter that contributed to the reflections to promote sisterly and brotherly love through Christian principles throughout the Fraternal Order. With the support of a full Supreme body of sisters and brothers, the ideas and effort to leave a legacy of a condensed history of our collaborative unit. Whereby, these pages will prescribe a lasting record and impression to/for future generations of Eastern Stars.”
Taken from the writings of Sis. Mary M. Jamison, PA, 1976
A SHORT HISTORY
of the
ORDER OF EASTERN STAR
AMONG A.F. & A.M. MASONS
The Order of Eastern Star in the United States of America was established by Ill. Robert J. Fletcher of Sacramento, California, Royal Grand Patron of California.
The regular and genuine work of the Eastern Star Degree was conferred upon him by a deputy from the White Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of New York in 1878. Soon afterwards the State Grand Chapter of California was organized.
Some prominent members of the Order were: Ill. E.E. Pettiborne, Royal Grand Patron, State of Mississippi. Grand Prior of the Supreme Grand Council who has done much to promote the work of the order and to spread the work.
Mrs. D.O. Bryan, Ill. J.C. Scott, Ill. W.L. Kimbrough, Miss Anna M. Rowe of Texas. Mrs. M.L. Harrison, Mrs. F.L. Williams of Missouri. Mrs. M.E. Reed, Mrs. Catherine Johnson of New York, Dr. William H. Simmons, Rev. A.R. Morris, Mrs. P.L. Trigg, Ill. L.A. Belle of the Indian Territory.
Mrs. L.A. Williams, Mrs. A.E. Lovette of Mississippi, Mrs. R.D. Boone, Mrs. Helen Jones, Mrs. Lizzie Davis, Ill. R.M. Hancock, Ill. W.T. Scott, Mrs. Agnes Moody, Mrs. Lillian William, Dr. J.H. McGhee, Rev. C.W. Newton of Illinois, Ill. Richard E. Moore, Ill. B.S. Harris, Mrs. R.E. Moore, Ill. John A. Bell, Mrs. M.T. Buchner of Indiana.
Mrs. Martha A. Clark, Mrs. Belle Mills and Ill. James R. Dasey of California.
[Taken from Some Footsteps of the Progress of the Colored Race by John G. Jones.]
HISTORY OF SUPREME CHAPTER
The Supreme Chapter, Order of Eastern Star was organized July 16, 1901 in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois under the direction of Honorable John G. Jones, 33^, by the delegates in convention assembled, representing the State Grand Chapters and Subordinate Chapters, of the Order of Eastern Star, from the State of Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Michigan, Wyoming New Mexico and Ohio.
SUPREME MATRON
Sister A.P. Hogans*
Sister Ellen Poole*……………………………………….. 1922 – 1940
Sister Mary Patterson*……………………………………. 1940 – 1954
Sister Wadie Dunn McKenzie*…………………………… 1954 – 1963
Sister Esther Green………………………………………. 1963 – 1972
Sister Lucille Miley*……………………………………… 1972 – 1982
Sister Elizabeth Harvey………………………………….. 1982 – 1996
Sister Mary Greenle*....…………………………………… 1996 – 1998
Sister Alma Nolan………………………………………... .. 1998 – 2006
Sister Inez B. Hunt…………………………………………. 2006 – 2012
Sister Jacquelyn D. C. Spires…………………………….. 2012 - 2018
SUPREME PATRONS
Ill. Bro. John G. Jones*…………………………………….. 1901 – 1914
Ill. Bro. Edward Love*…………………………………….. 1940 - 1948
Ill. Bro. R.W. Wheeler*……………………………………. 1948 – 1954
Rev. Bro. Major Cherry*………………………………….. 1954 – 1956
Ill. Bro. Joseph Smith*……………………………………. 1956 – 1958
Rev. Bro. Charles Major*………………………………… 1958 – 1966
Ill. Bro. Henry W. Taylor*……………………………….. 1966 – 1970
Ill. Bro. Clifford Winbush*………………………………… 1970 – 1980
Ill. Bro. Alvin C. McPherson*…………………………… 1980 – 1990
Ill. Bro. David L. Patterson*……………………………… 1990 – 1998
Ill. Bro. Charlie Cranford*…………………………………… 1998 – 2004
Ill. Bro. James McNeil ……………………………………… 2004 - 2008
Ill. Bro. Johnny Washington………………………………… 2010 – 2016
Ill. Bro. Leonard Brown……………………………………… 2016 -
*Deceased
HISTORY OF THE GENERAL GRAND MASONIC CONGRESS
The History of the General Grand Masonic Congress
The lineage of the General Grand Masonic Congress began in London. Four (4) decade lodges in London after the rebellion was over, saw fit to cement the lodges in union and harmony. From these four (4) decade lodges the origin of the General Grand Masonic Congress will be organized in 1889. The lodges meet at the following locations; (1) met at the Goose and Grid Iron, Ale House in St. Paul’s Church yards, (2) met at the Crown Ale House in Parkers Lane near Drury Lane, (3) met at the Apple Tree Tavern in Charles Street at Covent Gardens and (4) met at the Rummer and Grapes Tavern at Canal Row West Ministers. Thus the establishment of Free Masonry in the United States began. In 1850 Dr. St. Larine and Inspector General and Supreme Deputy from the Supreme Council of France came to the United States and conferred a Scottish Rite Degree on David Leary a prominent black man of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and some other men of color. Leary was granted a patent of power to establish masonry among blacks of the United States. In 1856 David Leary organized a Supreme Council in the United States thus the beginning of the King David Supreme Council was formed and confirmed by Ill. John G. Jones of Illinois. From the King David Supreme Council came the United Supreme Council.
On September 22, 1885 at Lausanne Switzerland, the International Convention was held with recognition to certain Grand Lodges. Those Grand Lodges were as follows: Alabama, Illinois, Florida, New York, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Indiana, and Ohio. In 1889 with Grand Lodges from the mentioned states a convention was held in Cleveland, Ohio and the establishment of The General Grand Masonic Congress had its beginning with Thornton Jackson being elected as the 1st President, John G. Jones Grand Senior Warden, James H. Hill Grand Junior Warden, Henry Dade Grand Treasurer and James O. Bumpfield Grand Secretary. On November 4, 1912 at the World Masonic Union Convention at Luxemburg with John G. Jones in attendance from Illinois wrote the following statement in his special report; “We establish our legitimacy, regularity and legality of Free Mason from the 1st degree to the 33degree. The following lodges of color from the United States met at this convention: Florida, Illinois, Alabama, New York, Indiana, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, California, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, New Jersey, Mississippi, West Virginia, and Maryland. On December 28, 1920 President H.T. Broadus while presiding over the General Grand Masonic Congress stated that the Congress officers title should be changed from styling of Grand Lodge Officers to that of National Titles and he recommended that the officers should be styled as the following; President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, Grand Chaplin, and Grand Tyler. It was moved and seconded with the motion unanimously carried the title of each officer being changed.
The General Grand Masonic Congress with the election of Presidents from its affiliated Grand Lodges of various states as great leaders began its growth. The General Grand Masonic Congress has continued to grow through low periods of its existence. But even with states dropping its membership from the Congress since 1936, the Congress has continued to grow educationally, socially, financially and civilly. It has taught its member states the value of educating its members in the Masonic field. The Congress continues to provide social activities for enjoyment of its members as well as scholarships to help young people to continue their education along with contributing to many charitable organizations and churches and providing aid in time of disaster.
Since 2000, The General Grand Masonic Congress, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the United States of America, Organized 1889 - Incorporated 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio has welcomed strong-willed and intelligent members into our Professional Fraternity. Founded by a group of courageous individuals who took a leap of faith to form this body. Our hope is to keep their legacy alive for generations to come.
We encourage intellectual growth and success by offering alumni networking opportunities and a variety of events throughout the year, which encourage bonding between members and help create a foundation of lasting history and friendships.