Eastern Star survives through years

Eastern Star Chapter activities in Columbia Falls have survived despite unanticipated changes. It was constituted Oct. 15, 1915. Major change was consolidation of Estella Pomeroy Chapter No. 68, Columbia Falls, with Vista Chapter No. 44 in Whitefish on April 22, 1998. Next consolidation ceremony was Dec. 29, 2003, when members in Eureka and Libby chapters became part of Vista Chapter. Their chapters had been chartered in 1915. Original Vista Chapter in Whitefish was constituted Nov. 18, 1908.

Vista chapter meetings are held in Columbia Falls Masonic Temple.

Variety of organizations in Columbia Falls interested women through the years offering membership from service groups to social and homemakers. There were Columbia Rebekah Lodge, Jayceens, Royal Neighbors Lodge, Columbia Annas Home Demonstration Club, Parent-Teachers Association, Rainbow Girls, Newcomers Club, Business and Professional Women, Columbia Falls Woman’s Club with Ladies Auxiliary to William Murphy Post 5650, VFW last to sing their swan song. 

Women were not accepted as members of Lions, Kiwanis, volunteer firemen, ambulance drivers, police officers, sheriff’s deputies, Chamber of Commerce, city councils, Flathead County commissioners, legislature until later years.

Miss Beulah Rayson was pastor of West Side Methodist, later Columbia Falls Methodist Church, until retiring. She had beautiful white hair and always wore long black dresses. Lady ministers were rare.

Eastern Star history in Columbia Falls continues with annual official visit of the worthy grand matron, head of Montana’s Grand Chapter. WGM Syble Rudd, Victor, is to be accompanied by Clint Frank, worthy grand patron, Billings, for a special session Saturday, March 9, at 2 p.m.  Betty Baldwin, worthy matron, and Curtis Peterson, worthy patron, will preside.

Gary Sparr is grand sentinel and Eddy Lou Benson is past grand matron of the Grand Chapter. Grand committee members are Eddy Lou Benson, host and hostesses for distinguished guests, Sue Marshall, Americanism, and Allyce Street, librarian and yogo sapphire necklace and OES ring raffle. 

Representing the local chapter as grand representatives are Patti Wynn, Bolivia; Allyce Street, District of Columbia; Donna Rae Stollfuss, New York, and Martha Hendrickson, Illinois.

Projects include ESTARL, which awards scholarships to students in all phases of religious vocations, heart and cancer funds, including York Rite cancer van in Billings, support Rainbow and Job’s Daughters, Masonic Home, Helena, with a Cinderella Shop for members.

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