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Beginning in the mid-1890s, families moved to Bay City to establish homes, operate businesses, join churches and educate their children. Many of the men were members of the Masonic fraternity and their wives were members of the Order of The Eastern Star. On July 8, 1907, fourteen women and six gentlemen met in the Masonic Lodge Room for the purpose of organizing a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.
For several weeks prior to this time, J. W. Miller, who had been referred to as "the Robert Morris of Bay City Chapter," discussed the proposition with Masons and their wives. He aroused the interest of a sufficient number to warrant application being made to the proper authorities to organize a chapter of the Order of The Eastern Star in Bay City.
The request was granted, and Sarah Parker, deputy grand matron, was commissioned to come to Bay City to effect the organization of this chapter. She was accompanied by L. J. Black, Grand Ruth, and Leila Pond of the Orange Chapter; they arrived here on Sunday, July 7,. On Monday morning, July 8, the three women were escorted to the Lodge Room. Upon ascertaining the eligibility of those present to become members of the chapter, they proceeded to initiate the following individuals: Zoe Fowler, Sallie LeTulle, Lorena Gaines, Sallie Matthews, Mae Vaughn, Cora Perry, Mary Baker, Virginia Corbett, Lula Farmer, Lola Brown, Emma Whitehurst, Rose Duller, Pearl Morton, Fannie McDonald, L W. Brown, G. A. Moore, Jessie Matthews, J. W. Miller, J. E. Fowler and Charles E. Duller.
The visiting women spent Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday instructing those newly obligated members in the monitorial and esoteric work of the Order. On Tuesday night, July 9, the following were initiated: Bell Scott, Lorena Miller, Katie Vaughn, Cora Moore, John W. Gaines, R. L. Vaughn, A. S. Morton and W. H. Vaughn.
The following officers were installed by Sarah Parker and her assistants:
Zoe Fowler, worthy matron
Each succeeding year saw this chapter growing, always striving to become more proficient in its work and to be an active chapter.
A pledge of $1000 to the Masonic Building Fund was eventually met through rummage sales, cake sales, and meals served for other organizations.
A number of members have served as deputy grand matron and grand representatives, and others have served on grand committees. The chapter’s 50th anniversary was observed in 1957 with Mrs. Mary Ann Morgan as Worthy Matron and Judge Jack Spurgeon as Worthy Patron.
Another 25 years passed and on October 9, 1982, the 75th anniversary was observed. Ms. Neva Bunch was Worthy Matron and Mr. Jerry Thompson was Worthy Patron.
Palacios Chapter No. 125 Order of the Eastern Star consolidated with Bay City Chapter No. 380 in March 1996.
On October 9, 2007 the chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary. The chapter started with 20 members in 1907 and in 2007 there were 114 members.
Historic Matagorda County, Volume I,
pp. 460-462 |
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Past Worthy Matrons & Worthy Patrons
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On October 9, 1907, the Grand Chapter of
Texas, Order of the Eastern Star, declared the
chapter legally constituted and issued a charter to Bay
City Chapter No. 380, Order of the Eastern Star.
