Eastern Star marks 100th with picnic

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Pilgrim Chapter #157, Order of the Eastern Star, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a picnic beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at 322 Clark Road, Sequim, hosted by Robert Clark, a member for more than 50 years. The entire Masonic family is invited, including OES, Masons, Shriners, Rainbow, DeMolay and Job’s Daughters.

Festivities include food, fellowship, speakers and entertainment provided by Buck Ellard’s musical group.

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong and is based on relevant and inspiring Biblical examples of charity, truth, loving kindness, heroic conduct and moral integrity. The organization was created in the United States in 1850 by Dr. Rob Morris, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky (1858-1859).

Pilgrim Chapter was organized Jan. 22, 1917, instituted by the Grand Matron and Grand Patron of Washington State, Estella Mendenhall and George P. James, with Eastern Star members of Key City Chapter #71, Port Townsend, exemplifying the work at the Sequim Opera House.

Over the years, Pilgrim’s members have included many of the founding families of this area, including many whose names appear on roads and streets throughout the area such as Lotzgesell, Rhodefer, Woodcock, Ward, Kendall, Cline, Cays, Blake, Haller, Cameron and more — families still represented in the Sequim chapter. It currently has more than 50 members involved in supporting local organizations such as Volunteer Hospice of Clallam County, the Sequim Food Bank, etc., and sponsoring Assembly 57, Rainbow for Girls.

If you are interested in learning more about the Masonic family and Eastern Star, come by between 3-5 p.m. July 23. Members will be happy to answer your questions.

Current Worthy Matron is AnnaLee Smith and Worthy Patron is Joe Smith (pictured). This year’s theme is “Reach for the Stars.”