Opinion

Beckford honored at OES reception

Friday, May 18, 2007

Violet Chapter No. 200, Order of the Eastern Star, Fulton, met on May 9 with a reception honoring Grand Representative Mary Beckford, with Worthy Matron Karen Demm and Worthy Patron Raymond Flanner, presiding in the East. Mrs. Demm welcomed everyone with a reading "Take Time."

Those introduced and welcomed with friendship verses were: Loree Mendenhall, Grand Martha of the Grand Chapter of Kansas, Swan Chapter, LaCygne; Mary Beckford, Grand Representative of Massachusetts in Kansas, honoree for the evening, Violet Chapter. Both were seated in the East.

Others introduced and welcomed were: Margaret Johnson, Grand Representative of Delaware in Kansas, Bronson Chapter, Bronson; Don Kelley, Grand Representative of New Hampshire in Kansas, Violet Chapter; Evelyn Garner, Grand Registration Committee, Amy Chapter, Galena; Dorothy Erhart, Special Page to Grand Martha, Swan Chapter, LaCygne; Effie and Dean Mitchell, Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron Ideal Chapter, Hiattville; Imogene Glass, Worthy Matron, Amy Chapter, Galena; and Eugene Mendenhall, husband of Loree Mendenhall, Grand Martha.

Charles Beckford announced the Fulton Masonic Lodge family picnic at 5:30 p.m. on June 9 at the West Liberty churchyard and invited visitors to attend.

A letter was read from Mike Towner, Worthy Grand Patron, confirming he would attend the June 23 open meeting to present 50-year pins as well as 60 and 70-year certificates. Invitations were read from Chapters in Nevada, Mo., Yates Center and Weir.

Members voted to send a letter of recommendation to the Grand Chapter Scholarship Board on behalf of Lisa Lord, daughter of member Vickie Lord, and granddaughter of Charles and Mary Beckford, who is applying for a nursing scholarship.

During the good of the Order, Mary Beckford was presented a tote bag by Karen who gave interesting information about the state of Massachusetts. She was escorted to the Star Point officers who read verses and presented emblems of Massachusetts as Eleanor Rogers, pianist, played the Massachusetts State March.

In honor of Mary Beckford and all mothers presents, Karen sang "Precious Memories" and read a tribute to mothers. Mrs. Rogers played "Old Fashioned Mothers" as candy was distributed to those present.

Responses were given by Margaret Johnson, Loree Mendenhall, Vickie Lord and Lucille Eggenberger, who was visiting from Beulah Chapter, Topeka.

Mrs. Demm thanked her substitute officers. Effie Mitchell received the door prize. Chapter closed in form. Refreshments were served in the dining area after the meeting.

-- Submitted by Alice Flanner