Eastern Star continues traditions

Another longtime organization in Columbia Falls is Eastern Star. Three Eastern Star chapters, each chartered Sept. 17, 1915, were consolidated with Vista Chapter No. 44, Whitefish, in recent years. It was chartered Sept. 18, 1908.

Members of Lillian Chapter No. 64, Eureka, Estella Pomeroy Chapter No. 68, Columbia Falls, and Libby Chapter No. 69 , Libby, now work together as Vista Chapter members. Meetings are first and third Mondays, September through May, at Columbia Falls Masonic Temple.

Sue Marshall is worthy matron and Gary Sparr, worthy patron. Dedicated members from throughout Montana attended highlight of the year, official visit of Eleanor Tesch, worthy grand matron, Great Falls. She was accompanied by Bill Stenerson, worthy grand patron, Hardin.

Other officers from Montana Grand Chapter participating were Clint Frank, associate grand patron, Billings; Diane Lockey, grand conductress, Helena; Bonnie Anderson, grand associate conductress, dual member, Bigfork and Fort Benton; Denny Perry, grand chaplain, Choteau; and Rob Robinson, grand sentinel, Superior.

Betty Lockey, past grand matron, Helena, was introduced as General Grand Chapter International Peace Garden committee member. Others welcomed included Eddy Lou Benson, Kalispell; Marilyn Bowman, Bigfork; and Donna Ransdell, Great Falls, past grand matrons, and Richard Ransdell, past grand patron, Great Falls.

Montana's Grand Chapter of Eastern Star was started in 1889. Today's members continue traditions and their many helpful community projects have expanded through the years. These include ESTARL, scholarships for students training for religious vocations, cancer aid and research, remembering Masonic Home residents, Helena.

Chapters also have individual community charities, including food banks. One of the newest Grand Chapter projects is collecting eyeglasses for Lions Clubs in Montana. WGM Tesch noted eyeglasses may be given to individual Lions clubs.

It seems to me that Eastern Star meetings, whether state or local sessions, can be likened to family reunions. Members of all ages renew friendships maintained through the years and welcome new members.

This was an "Eastern Star family month" for me. Attended Centennial celebration for Zidonian Chapter No. 50 in Laurel. Daughters participating were Becky Shay, worthy matron, and Janet Shay Townsend, grand Adah, Baker. Other family members participating were their cousins, Jerry Shay, worthy patron, and his wife, Chris. Jerry is also past grand master of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Montana.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.