The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-01-23

Eleanor Young, grand secretary, and
other prominent members of the East
ern Star, all expressing their desire to
aid in establishing the new chapter. A
meeting will be held on Saturday, Feb.
10, by which time it is expected that
the necessary authority can be secur-
ed to institute the chapter.
The installation of the officers of Min
ncapOIs Chapter No. 8, Order of the
Eastern Star, the largest chapter in Min
resOta, was a recent occurrence at the
Masonic Temple in Minneapolis. This
temple is a grand edifice, and the spaci-
Gus hall and connecting ante-rooms
were filed to Overlooking with members
Of the order and their guests. Standing
room was at a premium, and the install
latiOn ceremonies did honor to the sur
roundings and to the order The in
Sailing officer, Mrs. Louise Lyon John
son, deserves more than passing notice.
She spent her earlier years in Penn
sylvania, where she received a liberal
education. After graduating at the
state normal school at Mansfield, she
removed to Minneapolis, where she was
employed as a teacher in the public
schools Of the city. But the youth Of
the schools were not long to enjoy her
Instructions, for Mr.. Joseph H. Johnson
soon persuaded her to abandon her
married. In 1886 Mrs. Johnson received
the degrees Of the Eastern Star, uniting
with Harmony chapter, later serving
that chapter as worthy matrOn. She
has Oficiated in nearly every Office i'll
the chapter, has served the grand chap
ter as grand correspondent for three
years, and as worthy grand matrOn one
year. Her knowledge of the ritualistic
work, the history, customs and laws Of
"a Sta ic h
ably second to that Of no person in the
state, and her constant efforts to elevate
the order and beautify its work and
teachings are much appreciated by her
associates. Mrs. Johnson has been elect
ed to honorary membership in several
chapters in the state, an honor not pre-
ViOusly conferred upon any other person
in Minnesota. AS she stood before that
august assembly and gave to the Off
cers-elect their official obligations, and
regularly indicted them into their re-
spective Offices, her quiet dignity, clear
enunciation, and eloquent rendition of
the ceremonies held the closest atten-
ton of all present Among the officers
installed was her husband, Joseph H.
Johnson, who assumed the obligations
Of worthy patron of Minneapolis chap
ter. Mrs. Johnson was ably assisted
by Mrs. Virginia L. Flint, past worthy
matron, as marshal, whose prompt and
graceful manner of performing her part
OF the ceremonies added much to the
success of the exercises, and as the
grand installation prayer was pronounc-
ed in the clear, sweet voice of Miss
Eleanor I. Young, of st. Paul, who Off
ciated as chaplin, all felt to say with
her, BLESS and prosper our beloved or
der; may 1T be known and honored
among the institutions of the land as
one whose foundation is laid upon the
enduring principle Of truth The
Masons claim, and undoubtedly justly
so, that their institution is the Oldest
and grandest secret organization in ex-
istance, one Of the fundamental laws
Of which prohibits the admission of
women to the order. Perhaps one
reason for this is the fact that in those
early days when the Masonic fraternity
was established, woman was but little
more than the slave of man. But wom-
ans heart beats responsive to the same
inspiration that prompts man to noble
Deeds" and the spirit of progress and
advancement and the mental develop
ment of woman opened the way to the
establishment Of secret societies among
the Masons into which their female rela-
tives could be admitted. AS early as
1880 these secret societies were estab-
hshed In France, Sweden and other
European countries. About 1856, the
idol Of the Masonic fraternity, Robert