Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Georgia

Transcription

1 Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Georgia 117 th Annual Grand Chapter Session Georgia International Convention Center College Park, Georgia Wednesday, June 10, 2015 The 117 th Annual Grand Session began with the invitation for all Grand Chapter Officers to enter into the Grand Chapter Room by Brother Sam McDonald, Grand Worthy Patron. Marching in to the tune of Total Praise the Grand Chapter Appointed and Elected Officers entered the Grand Chapter Room. Sisters Belle S. Clark (12 th GWM), Vashti Grimes Pullen (13 th GWM) and Marilyn Moore (14 th GWM) all entered by way of the labyrinth adorned with their Past Grand Worthy Matron crowns shining so beautifully. Sister Lynnette S. Hymes, Grand Worthy Matron escorted by Honorable Bruce A. James, Most Worshipful Grand Master gracefully made their way through the labyrinth to the East where Brother Sam McDonald, Grand Worthy Patron awaited their arrival. The gavel of authority was then presented to Grand Master James who after bringing greetings presented the gavel to Grand Worthy Matron Hymes. She remarked how pleasing it was to have the MWGM participating in the processional this morning. She thanked him for all that he does for the Grand Chapter. He was then escorted to the West for departure by Sister Saundra Parks, Grand Conductress and Sister Joyce Gilchrist, Grand Associate Conductress. Grand Chapter Officers were asked to take their several stations. Grand Worthy Matron Hymes then proceeded with the Ritualistic Opening. Sister Malenthia Frazier, Grand Lecturer was asked to approach the East and perform the signs and passes which were magnificently done. Having satisfied that all present were members and entitled to be here, the Grand Worthy Matron extended a hearty welcome to all. The Roll Call of Officers was performed by Sister Theresa Hill, Grand Secretary. A total of ten Officers were absent; they were: Sister Patricia West Grand Marshall Sister Tracey B. Canty, Acting Sister Nantal Henry Grand Marshall Sister Annie Chaney Grand Warder Sister Karlyn Tolbert Grand Warder Sister Andrea Levant Grand Musician Brother Anson Jackson Grand Trustee Sister Linda Wilder Bryan Grand Security Trustee Sister Traci Turner Grand Lecturer Sister Sherri Davis Grand Assistant Youth Directress Sister Willie Bell Powell Grand CCFC Committee Quorum Starting with Chapter No. 137 the Grand Secretary performed the Roll Call of Chapters to reach the quorum. Page 1 of 5

2 Presentation of Emblems: Columbus District No. 4 presented the sacred Star-point emblems to Grand Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa and a presentation of the Bible. Team members were: Presentation to Adah: Sister Viva Jester (105) Presentation to Ruth: Sister Edna Dues (105) Presentation to Esther: PDWM Teena S. Delgado (105) Presentation to Martha: PDWM Blanchie Simmons (105) Presentation to Electa: PDWM Margarite Green (383) Presentation of the Bible: PDWM Angie Ayers (482) Marshall: Sister Anissa Smith (105) Marshall: Sister Deloise Crowell (105) Sister A.B. Jackson-Merritt, Grand Lecturer remarked how dedicated the team was when preparing for the presentation. She introduced the team and recognized those who served as alternates. The GWM acknowledged the team and thanked them for a job well done. Reading of Minutes Sister Theresa E. Hill, Grand Secretary read the minutes of Friday, June 13, 2014 for adoption. Sister Carrie Smith, PM (468) moved to accept the minutes with the necessary corrections should there be any. Sister Felisa Dennison, DWM No. 4 second the motion. Unreadiness: 1. Sister Nicole Williams, W.M. (1) questioned if the minutes should reflect that PGWP Marvin Knight was presented a PGWP collar? GWM Hymes answered Yes and asked the Grand Recordress to add the statement. The minutes were approved with the addition at the sound of the gavel in the East. Dedication of Room Sister Susan Gibson, Grand Musician so eloquently sung the dedicatory song, Bless This House. Brother McDonald, GWP then led the Grand Chapter in the Dedication of the Room. GWM Hymes asked the visiting dignitaries to exit the room and prepare to be received; they left the Grand Chapter room with the Grand Choir singing Every Praise is to our God. Grand Secretary s Report Sister Theresa E. Hill, Grand Secretary gave a financial report of activities from May 1, 2014 through April 30, She then shared the following information on Grand Chapter Membership: Total Active Membership: 5,558 Total Demit Members: 9 Total Reinstated Members: 70 Total Deceased Members: 84 Total Suspended Members: 111 Total New Members: 72 Total Chapters: 184 Page 2 of 5

3 Grand Treasurer s Report Sister Mary Surry, Grand Treasurer gave a very detailed report on the five accounts belonging to the Grand Chapter from May 1, 2014 through April 30, Grand Auditor s Report Sister Deaidra P. Wilson, Grand Associate Matron read the Annual Audit Report. All statements, cash receipts and disbursements belonging to the Grand Chapter were examined for the year ended April 30, 2015 and found to be in order. She then reported ending balances on the five accounts and two Savings Certificates. The GWM entertained a motion from Sister Maisha Land (584) to accept the reports coming from the Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and Audit Committee. She further added that all future Grand Secretary reports should reflect the number of membership certificates requested and distributed to the Chapters annually. Sister Eva Holmes James, DWM No. 5 and Sister Eva Ates (77) both rose to second. The motion was carried and approved at the sound of the gavel in the East. Observation: Sister Gilchrist, GAC stated the Grand Secretary s report has a typo on the total income reported for May Grand Worthy Matron Hymes stated the reports will be given to District Worthy Matrons and placed on the Grand Chapter s website. Announcement GWM Hymes announced the Grand Chaplain s Prayer Room is in Italian Suite 3. Receiving of Guests and Remarks: The Grand Conductress and Grand Associate Conductress were asked to retire and escort the visitors in the Grand Chapter room. Entering to the Grand Choir s rendition of Oh Happy Day they were presented as follows: Representing Georgiana Thomas Grand Chapter, District of Columbia was PGWM Barbara E. Murray who while entering via the labyrinth was serenaded by Sister Susan Gibson, Grand Musician singing Georgia on my Mind. From the Jurisdiction of South Carolina, the Palmetto State, GWM Joyce Durrant, GWP Fred Herriott and entourage was presented. GWM Hymes recognized the various Officers and their Grand Chapter Queen. She then shared with us that South Carolina give scholarship recipients $4, per year until they finish college which is both very generous and a remarkable commitment. Grand Chapter Queen Sister Lynnette S. Hymes, Grand Worthy Matron presented the newly crowned Grand Chapter Queen, Sister Teresa Brown Lurry from the Grand Master s District, Thomasville District No. 10. GWM excitedly reported that we raised over $108,000 for scholarships however if all of the Districts participated the total scholarships we could give would be significantly higher. Page 3 of 5

4 Circle of Love Also received were the following Heads of Houses: Heroine Pamela Y. Lee, Grand Most Ancient Matron of Wilhelmina Parrish Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho; she also represents the Lillian E. Blake Grand Court, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection as their Royal Grand Perfect Matron. Princess Beverly Morrison, Most Royal Grand Princess Commandress, John A. Robinson, Sr. Grand Court, Order of the Cyrene Crusaders. Loyal Lady Clara B. Thomas, State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, Georgia State Grand Assembly, Order of the Golden Circle. Daughter Brenda B. James, Imperial Deputy for the Desert of Georgia, D.O.I. Grand Worthy Matron Hymes received and welcomed her guests inviting them to greet the membership. They were seated in the East and in a designated seating area. Greetings were brought as follows: Sister Barbara Murray, PGWM greeted us on behalf of GWM Venecia C. Besselieu and the Georgianna Thomas Grand Chapter, Jurisdiction of D.C. She noted her various recent visits to our state and said indeed Georgia has been on her mind. She then introduced those traveling with her. Appreciation was expressed to Grand Worthy Matron Hymes for the hospitalities extended to her during this visit. She then presented a donation towards the Lillian E. Blake Scholarship fund and thanked the GWM for the donation given to them during her visit to their Grand Session. GWM Hymes embraced PGWM Murray and presented her with a gift. South Carolina s GWM, Sister Joyce Durrant bringing greetings on behalf of Prince Hall Grand Chapter expressed gratitude to GWM Hymes and the Grand Chapter for the invitation to visit. She then introduced her entourage which consisted of seventeen (17) delegates. GWM Hymes stated remarks will be given by the Circle of Love on tomorrow however Dt. Brenda B. James will not be in attendance so she was presented to greet the membership. Imperial Deputy for the Desert, Dt. Brenda B. James greeted the Grand Chapter and thanked GWM Hymes for the invitation. All Daughters were asked to stand as she reminded the GWM that we were here to support her. Brother Sam McDonald, Grand Worthy Patron introduced Brother Fred Herriott, GWP of South Carolina who also brought greetings. Announcements Lodge of Sorrow will be performed at 5:30 p.m. Atlanta District s All White Masquerade Party will be at the Grand East tonight at 9:00 p.m. Morning Inspiration & Praise tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. in the Ballroom at the Marriott Hotel. Page 4 of 5

5 The Grand Worthy Matron asked Grand Associate Matron, Sister Deaidra P. Wilson to call the Grand Chapter to recreation at 2:24 p.m. until Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. Sister Saundra Parks, Grand Conductress attended the altar and GWM Hymes called the Grand Chapter to recreation allowing members to attend the Grand Cookout at Atlanta Beach. Sister Lynnette S. Hymes, Grand Worthy Matron Brother Sam McDonald, Grand Worthy Patron Sister Theresa E. Hill, Grand Secretary Sister Mary A. James, Grand Recordress Sister Susie Reed, Grand Recordress Sister Christie Hudson, Grand Recordress Page 5 of 5

6 Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Georgia 117 th Annual Grand Chapter Session Georgia International Convention Center College Park, Georgia Thursday, June 11, 2015 The 117 th Annual Grand Session resumed labor at 9:10 a.m. by orders of the Grand Worthy Matron. Sister Joyce Gilchrist, Grand Associate Conductress was asked to attend at the altar. GWM Hymes thanked everyone for returning this morning and updated us on the day s agenda. Sister Darylene Rood-Allen, Grand Chaplain brought a spiritual prayer of praise. The Grand Choir followed with an anointed song, Every time I feel the Spirit. GWM Hymes greeted the membership and declared the Grand Chapter opened. Minutes of June 10, 2015 were read by Sister Mary A. James, Grand Recordress. Sister Brenda Pough, DWM No. 1 offered a motion to accept the minutes with any necessary corrections should there be any; second by Sister Tracy B. Canty, PM (411), Sister Mattie Williams, DWM No. 14 and Sister Grace Dawkins, W.M. (6). Unreadiness: 1. Sister Abby Davis, PM (105) stated Sister Angie Ayers, Bible Bearer on the Presentation of Emblems team is a PDWM and asked that the minutes reflect it. The minutes were approved at the sound of the gavel in the East. GWM Hymes shared some details pertaining to the wonderful Devotion Service held this morning and thanked the choir for the much needed songs of praise. Visitation of Grand Youth Chapter Officers Sister Hymes, GWM invited the Grand Youth Officers and Sister Mary A. James, Grand Youth Directress into the Grand Chapter Room. Sister James introduced the Grand Youth President, Kobe Wilson to bring greetings. Miss Kobe Wilson adorned with her crown brought greetings on behalf of the twenty-three Grand Youth Officers and almost 500 members. She then introduced the two Officers in attendance with her, Miss Jaylene Taylor Grand Youth Vice President and Miss Korinda Johnson Grand Youth Recordress. Grand Youth President, Kobe Wilson shared details on the 39 th Grand Youth Session held in Macon District No. 5 and the 7 th Marilyn Moore Grand Youth Officer s Retreat to be held in Columbus District No. 4. In closing, she thanked the GWM, GWP, Sister James, Sister Davis and all Youth Directors for their support and dedication to the youth members. Before exiting the Grand Chapter room she recognized her mother, GAM Deaidra P. Wilson, her grandmother, Sister Mary E. Graves and the Directors of Deaidra P. Wilson Youth Chapter No Page 1 of 6

7 Sister James, Grand Youth Directress thanked the Grand Chapter for supporting the Grand Youth Chapter in all their endeavors. She then invited everyone to the 40 th Grand Youth Session to be held in Augusta on April 22 23, Sister Mary A. James said she was proud of our youth and is very appreciative of the dedication and financial support given them. GWM Hymes presented GYP Kobe Wilson with a gift and thanked her for her commitment to the Grand Youth Chapter. Sister Lynnette S. Hymes, GWM also expressed her appreciation to the Districts who hosted youth events. Certificates were presented as follows: Sister Carolyn Williams DWM Albany District #11 Hosting the 6th GY Officers Retreat Sister Eva James DWM Macon District #5 Host of the 39 th GY Session The Grand Choir rendered a selection as the Grand Youth Officers and Sister Mary A. James, Grand Youth Directress marched out of the Grand Chapter room. Portrayal of Ruth Members of LaGrange District No. 15 gave an awesome performance while portraying events related to the life of the Heroine, Ruth. The skit narrated by Sister Anita Williams was directed by Sister Jacqueline Dyal. Team members were: Sister Laverne Jenkins Sister Cynthia Ross Sister Janice Walton Sister Ruth O. Render Sister Barbara Strozier Sister Ann Astin Sister Sylvia Patterson Sister Olivia Meeks Sister Dorothy Cameron Sister Jennye Lou Hardaway Sister Janie P. Hardaway Sister Lois Reese Sister Margaret Blandenberg Sister Virginia Hill Sister Beverly Kennedy Sister Mary Elder Sister Alice Malcolm Sister Hymes, GWM presented a Certificate of Performance to Sister Martha Ross, DWM for LaGrange District No. 15 s Portrayal of Ruth and announced that Atlanta District No. 3 West will perform the Portrayal of Esther during the 118 th Session. A Certificate of Appreciation was presented by GWM Hymes to Thomasville District No. 10, Columbus District No. 4 and Atlanta District No. 3 East and West. Greetings from the Circle of Love GWM Hymes recognized her visiting guests; remarks were received as follows: Heroine Pamela Y. Lee, Grand Most Ancient Matron of Wilhelmina Parrish Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho greeted the membership and invited the GWM to attend their Convocation on September 25 th here in Atlanta. Royal Grand Perfect Matron Pamela Y. Lee representing the Lillian E. Blake Grand Court, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection brought greetings and invited the GWM to attend their Convocation on September 24 th. Princess Beverly Morrison, Most Royal Grand Princess Commandress, John A. Robinson, Sr. Grand Court, Order of the Cyrene Crusaders also brought greetings. Loyal Lady Clara B. Thomas, State Grand Loyal Lady Ruler, Georgia State Grand Assembly, Order of the Golden Circle greeted the membership and read a poem titled, The Best will come back to you. Page 2 of 6

8 First Time Attendees First Time Attendees were asked to stand and be recognized. GWM thanked them for attending the session and encouraged them to be at work the next time they come back. First Time Certificates were issued to all of them. Annual Address of the Grand Worthy Patron Brother Sam McDonald, Grand Worthy Patron began by expressing sentiments of gratitude to serve the Grand Chapter as Grand Worthy Patron. GWP McDonald quoted references to the Landmark and stated he endeavored to proficiently discharge his duties. GWP McDonald shared his very extensive travels and thanked the Districts for graciously receiving him and for their accommodations. GWP ended by asking us to remain focused and do what is right for the Order of the Eastern Star and the Jurisdiction. Brother Marvin Knight, PGWP entertained a motion from Sister S. Diane White (148) to accept the GWP s Annual Address. Second by PGWM Vashti Grimes Pullen, Sister Lucille Clark, PM (82), Sister Regina Brinson (485) and Sister Donna Cook (148). The motion was carried and approved. PGWP Knight asked us to give GWP McDonald a rising vote of thanks. Annual Address of the Grand Worthy Matron Grand Worthy Matron Lynnette Scott Hymes welcomed us to Riverdale, a suburb of the 3 rd Masonic District East and West of Atlanta, Georgia. In a spirit of friendship and hospitality recognition was given to District Worthy Matrons Sister Susan Gibson (PDWM), Denise Mundy and Kisha West. District Worthy Patrons, Brothers Bertram Thomas and Calvin Moody were also recognized along with District Deputy Grand Masters, Brother Charles Truitt, Matthew Lewis, Jonathan White and all Sisters and Brothers of responsible for hosting this 117 th Grand Chapter Session. She further thanked the visitors for being in attendance. Grateful and heavenly blessed that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave her the opportunity to serve as the 15 th Grand Worthy Matron of this Great Organization, and reminded us that the Five Rays of the Star when totaled, spells SERVE, which is our mission on earth SERVICE. The Honorable Bruce A. James, 33, MWGM was mentioned as the GWM stated it was an honor and a pleasure to work with such a fine gentleman. The MWGM pledged his honor of working with us as a body and it s been shown in everything he s done. GWM stated she s truly humbled by his leadership and asked us to pray that he has a successful tenure as our Leader in this Prince Hall Family. GWM Hymes addressed the State of the Order by assuring us that the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, OES, Jurisdiction of Georgia is doing well at this time. Working in a spirit of peace and harmony we should be concentrating on making our Order better for our future Sisters and Brothers. She questioned if we were doing that? She urged us to seek more instruction, understanding and a positive commitment from those who are in leadership positions. Other notable items from the Grand Matron s energetic Address included the charitable contributions made to Savannah State University Scholarship Fund and the NAACP Scholarship Fund. Page 3 of 6

9 Remembering many of our loving Sisters and Brothers who are no longer with us as the Death Angel took them to their home not made by hands, the GWM said we cherish their memories and the lives they lived. We should remember each of them with sincere love and gratitude for all they have done. GWM Hymes reminded us that it s essential that we continue to support our Youth in every respect as the Youth of our Order is moving forward. The GWM announced that she received an invitation to attend the Commencement Exercises of two Grand Youth Officers, Maya O Neal and Jalen Prince. Commending the talents and efforts of Sister Mary A. James, Grand Youth Directress, Sister Sherri Davis, Grand Assistant Youth Directress and all who works with the youth she thanked them for displaying such precision in the great job they re doing. Highlights of the Grand Youth Department were shared. Sister Saundra Parks, Grand Conductress and her committee was recognized for a beautiful Brunch held in honor of PGWM Belle S. Clark. The participation was great, the food was good, spirits were high and the speaker was Awesome. Sister Hymes, GWM informed the membership on the status of the Sol C. Johnson Scholarship Program and Lillian Blake Extravaganza as we continue to give hope to the Youth through scholarship donations. She thanked Sister Deaidra P. Wilson, Grand Associate Matron, Chairperson, her committee, the District Queens and the various Chapters for their hard work and every donation that was given. Over the past year, GWM Hymes has been extremely busy representing the Jurisdiction of Georgia by visiting the various Districts, Youth Meetings, Regional Conferences and Grand Sessions of other Prince Hall Jurisdictions. Grand Worthy Matron stated the State of the Country is better than it was during the last administration. Our President, Barak Obama has been working tirelessly to make our country better for the future for all of us despite the negativity of those unwilling to work with him. Highlighting accomplishments our President has made we were urged to ask ourselves, what more can we do as one body to add a posting impact on our leaders of tomorrow? The GWM s Address included six (6) Recommendations and four (4) Directives all for the betterment of this Order; a copy of the GWM's Address was distributed to all District Worthy Matrons. In closing she said it is an honor to be a member of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and to be of service to each of us. She challenged us to continue encouraging one another in a spirit of faith and love making our Order known for its positive effort all over the world and to never forget the legacy we ve created for others to follow. PGWM Vashti Grimes Pullen entertained the motion coming from PGWM Marilyn Moore to accept the moving, inspiring and detailed Address adopting the recommendations coming from Sister Lynnette S. Hymes, Grand Worthy Matron; that it become a part of the archives and history. Second by Sister Josephine Simpson, PDWM (14), PM Faye Butts (82), GAC Joyce Gilchrist, PDWM Patricia Jones, DWM Patrice Campbell and Sister Savannah Beadles Smith (138). The motion was carried and approved. Page 4 of 6

10 GWM Hymes made presentations recognizing excellence in the performance of service exemplifying leadership in different areas of the Grand Chapter. Certificates were given as follows: Sister Susan Gibson, PDWM of Atlanta District No. 3 Sister Shirley Henderson, PDWM Macon District No. 5 Sister Eva Sims, PDWM Brunswick District No. 7 Sister Althea Brown, PDWM Baxley District No. 17 Sister Doris Harris, PDWM Dublin District No. 19, and Sister Frances Caldwell, PDWM Butler District No. Other awards presented were: Esteen Allen Credentials Award: Sister Natasha Thomas, WM (584) Sister Lillie Hobbs, WM (115) Sister Rosemary Merday (313) Annie L. Anderson Secretary Award: Sister Ann Bates (50) Honorable Mention Sister Christine Johnson (36) Sister Constance Dean (467) District Worthy Matron Honorable Mention Sister Vivian Pierce, Louisville District No. 22 Sister Chriseen Johnson, Thomasville No. 10 District Worthy Matron of the Year Sister Felison Dennison, Columbus District No. 4 GWM Hymes thanked Atlanta District for everything they did to assist with the three Conferences held here this year. She further recognized Committee Chairpersons for services during the Conference of Grand Masters, Grand Matrons and Grand Patrons, they were as follows: PGWM Vashti Grimes Pullen, Sister Mary Surry, Sister Deaidra P. Wilson, Sister Maisha Land and Sister Pat Bostic. She further stated the Conference give a national donation to an organization in the visiting city so she was grateful to be able to give a donation to the Tabitha House, an organization helping girls caught in the sex trafficking world. Sister Joyce Gilchrist submitted information on three agencies and the Tabitha House was selected. Committee reports were received from the Georgia Highlights committee and Arts and Crafts. The Gibbons-Grimes Give Away was as follows: 1 st Place: $ Sister Letisha Rozier (82) 2 nd Place: $50.00 DWM Tieka Skrine, Valdosta No. 9 Grand Lecturer Advisor, Sister Berthenia J. Gibson was given an opportunity to share words of wisdom. PGWP Aaron Kent was recognized and brought greetings he was happy to be here and reported his health and strength is good. He further stated how happy he was with just being awakened in the morning. Much appreciation was expressed to those for sentiments shown through cards, phone calls and letters during his time of distress. All District Worthy Matrons and District Worthy Patrons were invited to the Grand East for a luncheon. Page 5 of 6

11 The Grand Worthy Matron asked Grand Associate Matron, Sister Deaidra P. Wilson to call the Grand Chapter to recreation at 12:53 p.m. until Friday morning. Sister Saundra Parks, Grand Conductress attended the altar and GWM Hymes called the Grand Chapter to recreation. Sister Lynnette S. Hymes, Grand Worthy Matron Brother Sam McDonald, Grand Worthy Patron Sister Theresa E. Hill, Grand Secretary Sister Mary A. James, Grand Recordress Sister Susie Reed, Grand Recordress Sister Christie Hudson, Grand Recordress Page 6 of 6