The San Francisco call., 1897-10-20
EASTERN STAR SHINES.
Silver Anniversary of Grand
Chapter of the State of
California.
Extracts From the Annual Reports OF
the Worthy Grand Patron and the
Worthy Grand Matron.

The Grand CHAPTER of the Order of the
Eastern Star of the State of California met
yesterday in Golden Gate Hail. There
were present representatives from ITO Of
the 135 chapters at the morning. session,
and ali but three of the grand officers were
present.
The entire day was taken up in the work
OF organizing, receiving the report of the
COMMITTEES on credentials and with the
reading of the annual reports of the
worthy grand patron, James r. Tapscott,
and of the worthy grand matren, Mrs.
Ella I. Hall.
The grand patron in reviewing the
growth of the order during the twenty
five years that the Grand Chapter has
been in existence points with pardonable
pride to the fact that the order numeri-
cally equals nearly ore-half of the num-
Der enrolled by the Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons and he speaks
hopefully of the future for the order. His
reports contain mum ber of decisions on
questions that were submitted to him. He
suggests that in view of the fact that a
number of grand chapters have increased
the power of the grand matron and made
her the presiding officer of the Grand
Chapter while in session, and, it appear-
ing that such should prevail in this juris-
diction, committee of seven should be
appointed to consider the proposition and
report to the next Grand Chapter.
The worthy grand matron congratulates
the order on its prosperity, then gives q
detailed account OF the work done by her
during the year and that performed by
tue deputies she appointed. During the
year she personally visited fifty-one
chapters. She recommended the granting
OF charters to chapters working under dis
no " hich hau hoor
tent to perform the work. She says:
The work of the chapters is constantly i'm
proving, bo til in excellence and uniformity,
an evidence that the book of instru uctions is
sued last year has been of invaluable assist
ance.
Our elations with the Masonic bodies are
most gratifying; doors OF Masonic halls and
temples, which have heretofore been closed.
have been opened TO US and we are receiving
the recognition so essential to our success.
We find that where the relations between
chapters and their respective Masonic lodges
are unfraternal the cause may generally be
traced to the misuse of the ballot.
While every chapter has the right to decide
from among eligible candidates who shall be
admitted to membership that right is derived
from the high standard of honor and justice
taught by our order, and the principle that
whatever benefits are due by Masons to the
wives, daughter, Others, widows and sisters
of Masons, reciprocal duties are due from
them to the brotherhood.
The Grand Chapter was called off at a
quarter before o'clock and will meet
again this morning.
Last evening there was a reception in
the Baldwin to the represen atives to the
Grand Chapter. To-day the reports of
the grand secretary and grand treasurer
will be presented. In the evening there
will be theater party, which had been
announced for tomorrow night. The
work will be exemplified IN King Solo
mons Hall, Masonic Temple, on Thurs
day night.