A visit to Jackson Masonic Lodge on April 21 was like a time warp back to the year 1893 as the Seymour chapter of Order of the Eastern Star celebrated the 125th anniversary of receiving its charter April 26, 1893.
The lobby of the lodge was decorated with many antiques owned by members of the chapter. A pictorial timeline of the history of Order of Eastern Star and the Seymour chapter correlating chronological events in Seymour and around the world was on display along with an antique handmade quilt, crocheted afghans, the first minute book of the chapter and many other ancient artifacts.
Bouquets of daisies in glass jars adorned with crocheted ribbon along with antique crocheted doilies and antiques decorated the dining tables. A complete noon meal reminiscent of an 1893 dinner was catered by The Pines.
Following pictures taken by Stephen Kroman, photographer for the Grand Lodge F&AM of Indiana, the Holy Bible was placed on the altar by chapter chaplain Denver Gray. This original Bible from 1893 was signed by all of the past matrons and patrons from 1893 to 1993 when it was retired at the chapter’s 100th anniversary.
Mary Janette Fleetwood was presented a 50-year award of gold by Cindy Skura, worthy grand matron of the Indiana Grand chapter, and a 25-year pin was presented to Terrie Briscoe by Loretta Riehl, past grand matron and a member of the Seymour chapter.
Worthy matron Gale Acton and worthy patron Terry Byrns conducted a ceremony honoring the chapter’s past matrons and past patrons. Remarks were given by worthy matron Kathleen Johnson in 1951 and the chapter’s senior living past matron and by Terry Byrns, who has been worthy patron seven times since 1981.
The history of the Order of Eastern Star and Seymour chapter as it correlates to the growth of the city of Seymour from its outlaw days of the Reno Brothers’ train robbery and events of the world was given by Margaret Kroman, chair of the quasquicentennial celebration.
A musical presentation of songs of the gay ’90s was presented by past deputy of District 10 Tiffany Ingles. All was enjoyed by the nearly 100 members, guests and visitors in attendance.
Seymour chapter anniversary committee members Robbie Anderson, Pat Cummings, Brenda Goss, Wanda Gray, Loretta Riehl, Rick Smith and chair Margaret Kroman were assisted by Nancy Byrns and the worthy matron and worthy patron, ex-officio members of the committee.
Master masons and ladies with specified relationships to them are eligible for membership in the order. For information, call 812-528-3293 or email [email protected].