114 th Annual Grand Chapter Session Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Virginia Prince Hall Affiliation

Transcription

1 114 th Annual Grand Chapter Session Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Virginia Prince Hall Affiliation Address of Grand Worthy Matron Robin M. Brown Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Doubletree by Hilton 1021 Koger Center Blvd. Richmond, Virginia 23235

2 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1 To the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Honorable Roger C. Brown, Grand Worthy Patron, Robert L. Chadwick, Sr., Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, Paige D. Cherry, Grand Associate Matron, Ivery B. Knight, Grand Associate Patron, Clarence E. Williams, Grand Chapter Officers, present and past, Grand Lodge Officers present and past, worthy matrons, worthy patrons, all officers and members of the subordinate chapters and visitors assembled, good morning! Greetings Giving all honor to my Lord and Savior who has guided me on this journey as I serve as Grand Worthy Matron. In July last year, Past Grand Worthy Patron, Robert G. Davis presented me with my jewel. I was very excited but yet somewhat overwhelmed as I knew the journey would not be an easy one. You see, the collar is not meant to just look good; it bears much weight both physically and mentally. My focus has been on the welfare of the Order and I have vowed to serve this beautiful Order with grace and dignity working as a team and not being about self. I set high standards for myself and knew that I would have to be determined and steadfast. I am employed full-time and I did not want this to hinder my ability to represent this jurisdiction because being Grand Worthy Matron is a full time job in itself. As you will see from my Stewardship Report, my travel has been very demanding, by choice. I have truly enjoyed the food, fun and fellowship all while keeping it SASSY. State of the Order Our membership is on a decline and I have heard your plea to lower the blood line. However, this should not be done for the mere sake of increasing membership numbers because it is not about quantity but quality of new members. We first must realize that we need to motivate our current members; come together and stay on one accord taking the time to enhance our programs and encourage each other. Once we accomplish this, our membership will grow. We are making strides trying to serve the subordinate chapters and members by utilizing modern technology. We are in the times of social media and we try to keep our website page gcoesva.org up to date with current information, travel agendas, announcements, etc. Also, we have established a face book page that was designed and is monitored by our Social Media Coordinator, Nikki Brown. Thank you Nikki. In order to enhance our audit process, our internal audit committee will meet with our CPA, Garland Adkins to find ways to eliminate unnecessary costs for auditing. An external audit of 2014 financial records has been scheduled for August Our Grand Treasurer, Gloria J. Brown, has done a splendid job assuring the accuracy of our finances and tax status. Thank you Gloria J. State of the Nation Our President, Barack Obama is still committed to making change! He remains under scrutiny on a daily basis but his work is evident in itself. He is in the process of working with Cuba to re-open Embassies; has established affordable health care; keeps a watchful eye on nuclear weapons; and the list continues but in spite of his accomplishments, there is still blatant disrespect to him as our President. Page 2 of 10

3 Racial tension is high since the flag came down in South Carolina. We must remember that times are different than in years past and we must focus on our ability to use common sense regarding any situation that may occur. Fraternal Relations The Grand Chapter and Grand Lodge are working together to become more visible within the communities; supporting the youth through training and scholarships; and assisting charitable organizations. We have planned a Masonic Cruise and will be setting sail in October. Necrology We will always remember and cherish the memories of our departed sisters and brothers who have left us since last year. Some days will be harder than others but we know they are no longer suffering from pain but are in the presence of the Lord. Maggie D. Poindexter Youth Department The youth department is much like our subordinate chapters, with membership slowly declining and I have heard their cry for help. Our youth are faced with many challenges such as bullying, social media scams and human trafficking. It is important that we educate our children on such issues in remind them to stay focus on achieving their goals. I applaud Grand State Youth Coordinator, Saundra L. Mason as she displays her leadership ability while she diligently works to encourage and educate our youth. She has tirelessly traveled the entire state giving assistance to all youths and their departments. I appointed Sharon Jones, to help assist her with these tasks. Scholarship We will award seven (7) scholarships this year. I ask that we each do our part to help further the education of our youth. I am pleased to announce that Ms. Courtney Cole of Fredericksburg was selected in May to receive a $1, scholarship during the Prince Hall Conference of Grand Matrons and Grand Patrons that was held in Atlanta, GA. Gratitude I thank each one of you for being here today to participate in this 114 th Annual Session. The white bible in your kit is a little token of thanks to you from me. To EACH member, THANK YOU for traveling with me to foreign jurisdictions, inviting me to your programs and banquets, your love and support means the world to me. From the grand line to all grand chapter officers, thank you so much for all you do and the support that you have shown to me this year. Special thanks to our office clerk Sandra Bowman. Page 3 of 10

4 To my advisor, Past Grand Worthy Matron, Cecelia R. Ibry, thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do to support me and this administration. Words cannot express my gratitude to you. So, I will simply say you are awesome! Robert L. Chadwick, Sr., Grand Worthy Patron on the down side! As you join the elite, please know that I have truly enjoyed serving with you and I know that you and your wife will continue to be here for me with your support. Vivian, thank you for all of the pep talks and encouragement we have shared. The Most Worshipful Grand Master, Roger C. Brown and I have established a bond that is unbreakable and unbelievable to some. Our first year together has been a memorable one. His love and support for me is beyond measure and I thank him from the bottom of my heart. I would also like to thank his wife, Brenda for her sisterly love. Thanks to Maloney, Parks & Clarke, P.C. The attorneys, Joel G. Clarke and Malcolm Parks, are wonderful. My co-workers, Donna Chalkley and Tina Glazebrook are always there to lend a helping hand to cover my desk when I am not there. I have been away from work A LOT but I have been blessed with an employer who understands my love for the Order and supports me 100% in all of my endeavors. Being in this position does not allow me to share a lot of time with my family. It is a great sacrifice! I tried to explain to my family what this position entailed but I do not think it was clear to them until now, especially my grandchildren. As a matter of fact, as I stand before you today, Floyd and I are expecting our eighth grandchild that is due this week. We will most likely miss the birth but will be ready for the news once the baby girl is here. I thank my family for their love and understanding. Erma and Floyd M. Brown, Sr., thank you for your love and support. Aunt Carlene, what can I say? You made sure old school was not forgotten and implemented into new school fashion. Betty O, thank you! My sister, Saundra Mason, thank you for EVERYTHING! Claudette & Herman Eggleston, thank you so much for being there during the good and difficult times. Last but not least, my husband, Floyd M. Brown, Jr. He has been a rock! Whatever I need done, he makes it happen without giving it a second thought. It does not matter how much it cost or how ridiculous it seems to be, it s done. I have not made his job as my administrative assistant an easy one and I owe him a world of thanks. Most importantly, he is my husband and I love him very much. Fraternally yours, Robin M. Brown Grand Worthy Matron Page 4 of 10

5 Grand Worthy Matron Brown Travel July 26, 2014 MWPHGL of Virginia Western Cookout o Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative s Pavilion Hwy 92 West Chase City, VA. August 4, 2014 Jurisdiction of Ohio Visitation o The Millennium Hotel 150 W 5th Street Cincinnati, OH. August 9, 2014 MWPHGL of Virginia Eastern Cookout o MWPHGL Training Center - Kilmarnock 1434 Goodluck Road Kilmarnock, VA August 15, 2014 Helena #110 OES Chapter Meeting o County Drive Disputanta, VA August 16, 2014 Youth Advisors Council Meeting o Golden Corral Spotsylvania Avenue Fredericksburg, VA August 31, 2014 Divine Sunday 11 th Masonic District o First Baptist Church Disputanta County Drive Disputanta, Virginia September 6, 2014 Jurisdiction of North Carolina Visitation o Benton Convention Center 425 North Cherry Street Winston-Salem, North Carolina September 18-20, MWPHGL of Virginia 139th Annual Session o Fairview Park Marriott 3111 Fairview Park Drive Falls Church, VA September 22, 2014 Queen Ebony #241 - Visitation o Richmond Masonic Association Building 25 th & Leigh Street Richmond, VA September 27, 2014 Most Royal Grand Court Order of Cyrene Virginia Jurisdiction, P.H.A. Conference o Airport Holiday Inn- Sandston 445 International Center Drive Page 5 of 10

6 Sandston, Va October 3, 2014 Truxton #63 Friendship Night o 1500 London Blvd Norfolk, Va October 3-4, 2014 Gilgal Grand Court Heroines of Jericho, P.H.A. o Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center 5655 Greenwich Road Virginia Beach, Va October 5, 2014 Honoring Worthy Patron Wendell Givens o Petersburg Chapter #33 Metropolitan Baptist Church 1021 Halifax Street October 9, 2014 Rosetta Chapter #119 (Annual Friendship Night ) o Ruth Lodge # Landmark Square Virginia Beach, Va October 11, 2014 Executive Board Meeting o Grand Chapter Office 906 N. Thompson Street Richmond, Va October 14, 2014 o Evening Light #48 (Annual Friendship Night) Oceana Lodge # Potters Road Virginia Beach, VA October 18, 2014 Leadership Day o Doubletree by Hilton 1021 Kroger Center Blvd Richmond, Va October 25, 2014 District Council #31 (44 th Anniversary Banquet) o Temple Beth El 3927 Bridge Road Suffolk, VA October 26, 2014 District Council #31 (44 th Anniversary Banquet) o William Perry Elementary School 840 King Ave. Waynesboro, Virginia October 29, 2014 Meeting with McCoy regarding the sash o 31 Dumbarton Road Henrico, VA November 1, 2014 Jurisdiction of Delaware Visitation St. Matthews Grand Chapter o Doubletree Hotel by Hilton 700 N. King Street Wilmington DE Page 6 of 10

7 November 8, 2014 Grand Chapter OES Founder s Day - Richmond o Doubletree by Hilton 1021 Kroger Center Blvd Richmond, Va November 8, th Annual Black and Gold Banquet o Fort Belvoir Officers Club 5500 Schulz Circle Building 20 Fort Belvoir, Virginia November 15, 2014 Adeline Ward #197 Prayer Breakfast o Mount Lebanon Baptist Church 1141 Campostella Road Norfolk, Va November 15, 2014 An Evening of Elegance with First Lady Mrs. Brenda Brown o Masonic Temple 1004 Halifax Street Petersburg, Va November 16, 2014 District #2 OES Council Meeting o International Longshoremen s Association (ILA) Building Local # rd Floor 3300 E. Princess Anne Road Norfolk, Va November 22, 2014 Jurisdiction of Maryland Visitation Myra Grand Chapter o 118 th Annual Grand Session BWI Airport Marriott 1743 West Nursery Road Linthicum, MD December 6, 2014 Holland Chapter # th Anniversary Banquet o Laurel Hill United Church of Christ 8001 South Quay Road Suffolk, VA December 7, 2014 Collar Presentation to HPGWM Lois Morris o Aladdin Temple 4328 Salem Turnpike NW Roanoke, VA December 19, 2014 Hosted a Christmas dinner for the OES Grand Line at my home January 3, 2015 Head of Houses Meeting Grand Lodge Office Richmond January 10, 2015 OES Executive Board Meeting o 906 N. Thompson Street Richmond, VA January 17, 2015 Maggie E. Poindexter Youth Meeting o Woodlands Page 7 of 10

8 1327 Pine Forest Court Henrico, VA January 30, 2015 Joint Grand Charity Ball Meeting o Doubletree by Hilton 1021 Kroger Center Blvd Richmond, Va February 3, 2015 Meeting with McCoy regarding the sash o 31 Dumbarton Road Henrico, VA February 14, 2015 Eva M. Jackson #211 - Visitation o 311 Berkley Street Ashland, VA February 21, 2015 District #6 Queen s Pageant Banquet o St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Edmonds Center 2714 Frederick Blvd. Portsmouth, VA February 28, 2015 East End #79 Luncheon and Talent Show o Henrico Recreation Center 1440 North Laburnum Avenue Richmond, VA March 8, 2015 Attended District 5 & 35 Council Meeting March 14, 2015 Maggie D. Poindexter Youth Workshop o Metropolitan Baptist Church 1021 Halifax Street Petersburg, March 14, 2015 Rhoda Chapter # st Anniversary Banquet o St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Edmonds Center 2714 Frederick Blvd. Portsmouth, VA March 20-21, 2015 Virginia State Council of Assemblies Order of the Golden Circle o Four Points By Sheraton Richmond Airport 4700 South Laburnum Avenue Richmond, VA March 21, 2015 Adeline Ward #197 Worthy Matron s Luncheon o Murray Center Taste N See 455 E. Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA March 27 28, 2015 Mid-Atlantic Conference o Holiday Inn Fayetteville Bordeaux 1707 Owen Drive Fayetteville, N.C April 4, 2015 Charlotte Chapter # nd Annual Banquet o Southside Community College Workforce Center Building 200 Daniel Road Page 8 of 10

9 Keysville, VA April 11, 2015 OES Executive Board Meeting o 906 N. Thompson Street Richmond, VA April 11, 2015 Pride of Fairfax County Lodge #298 and Pride of Fairfax Chapter #225 Past Masters and Past Matrons Banquet o Fort Belvoir Officers Club 5500 Schulz Circle Building 20 Fort Belvoir, Virginia April 18, 2015 Pride of Hampton #150 Crazy Hat Luncheon o American Legion Post # Victoria Blvd Hampton, VA April 18, 2015 Evening Light #48 95 th Anniversary Banquet o New Hope Baptist Church 395 Old Great Neck Road Virginia Beach, VA April 25, 2015 Smith, Claiborne, Butts, Roberts, Cox Day - Petersburg o Masonic Temple 1004 Halifax Street Petersburg, VA April 25, 2015 Grace Chapter #239 Joint Banquet o Clubs at Quantico and Conference Center Marine Corps Base Quantico 3017 Russell Road Quantico, VA April 26, 2015 King Cyrus Grand Chapter, Holy Royal Arch Masons, Jurisdiction of Virginia, Prince Hall Affiliation - Zerubbabel Day Service o Metropolitan Baptist Church 1021 Halifax Street Petersburg, VA May 13 17, th Conference of Grand Masters Prince Hall Masons and 67 th Prince Hall Conference of Grand Matrons and Grand Patrons o Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel 4711 Best Road Atlanta, GA May 24, 2015 OES Whit Sunday o District #16, District #17 and District #18 Celebration First Baptist Disputanta County Drive Disputanta, VA May 30 - June 2, 2015 New York Jurisdiction OES Session o Doubletree by Hilton Syracuse 6301 State Route 298 Page 9 of 10

10 East Syracuse, NY June 6, 2015 Fellowship Celebration honoring HPGWM Linda Baker o Norfolk State University - Scott-Dozier Dining Hall 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, VA June 7, 2015 MWPHGL of Virginia St. John the Baptist Day with 11 th Masonic District o First Baptist Church Disputanta County Drive Disputanta, VA June 13, 2015 Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter Joint Charity Ball o Doubletree by Hilton 1021 Kroger Center Blvd Richmond, Va June 23-26, 2015 New Jersey Jurisdiction OES Session o Crowne Plaza Philadelphia-Cherry Hill 2349 West Marlton Pike Cherry Hill, NJ June 27, Eureka Chapter No. 2 Red and White Ball o Fort Belvoir Officer's Club 5500 Schultz Circle Building #20 Fort Belvoir, VA July 11, 2015 OES Executive Board Meeting o 906 N. Thompson Street Richmond, VA July 11, th Joint Ball of Magnus Temple No. 3 o Westin Hotel 2520 Wasser Terrace Herndon, VA July 21-23, th OES Grand Chapter Session o Doubletree by Hilton 1021 Kroger Center Blvd Richmond, Va Page 10 of 10