Columbia Chapter Celebrates

On Sunday we all gathered in Alburgh to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Columbia Chapter.  This cozy Grand Officers event was hosted by Columbia Chapter and Island Chapter. Over 100 people were present on this early fall day.  As you can see the chapter room was filled to capacity with many special guests and friends.

Donny Chamberlain provided the entertainment as he recounted the history of Columbia Chapter. He told jokes and conducted a sing-a-long accompanied by Sister Norma Wales on the piano.

After the arrival of a few late comers the meeting was informally opened. The American and Canadian flags were presented. Sisters Judy Martin and Linda Lake shared the East as co-Worthy Matrons.  Judy welcomed everyone and shared that her maternal  great grandmother and grandfather were some of the first members of Columbia Chapter. Linda took on the responsibility of introducing all of the special guests. These included Barbara Wheaton, GGCCM, Kathy Sjolander WGM and Alec Porter WGP of Vermont, and Huguette Daguerre, WGM and Armand Lono, WGP of Quebec.  Complicated footsteps allowed everyone to be presented in the East.

Due to the temperature in the room both Kathy and Alec spoke briefly.  Honorary memberships were presented to Kathy and Alec from both chapters.  Monetary gifts were presented by both chapters to support this year's special project, Make-a-Wish.  Kathy reports there is child wishing for a hot tub.  Brother Robert Lumnah spoke on behalf of the Past Grands.  Kay Strong spoke as the newly appointed Grand Representative of Vermont in Quebec.  The WGM of Quebec spoke of the Order of Eastern Star as a family with no borders.

Sister Judy shared additional Columbia Chapter history. Most notable was the 32 members initiated before the end of the first year.  Amazing!

Sister Kathy and Brother Alec presented the chaplains from both chapters with special gifts as representatives of this year’s honored station.  An addendum praising the founding members of Columbia Chapter was read by the Star point sisters.  Sister Linda Lake reminded us that Island Chapter is Columbia Chapter's mother. She presented a beautiful plaque to Sister Judy and the members of Columbia Chapter.

Judy thanked Kathy for the use of her Alter cloth. She also thanked Donny and Fay for their help planning the entertainment.

A moment of silence was held in memory of Sister Edna Kole, of Island Chapter, who passed away this week as a result of an automobile accident.

A quick count of the silver collected netted about $162 for the special project.  The total number of registered guests was 118.  We retired to the dining room for a delicious catered meal of roast pork, mashed potato and veggies.  Desert was a beautiful cake made and decorated by one of Columbia Chapter’s newest members, Tara Liloia. (Hope I got that right.)

What a great day.  Congratulations Columbia Chapter on one hundred years of good work!