Masonic/Eastern Star Service in Randolph

Masonic/Eastern Star Service

September 11^th there was a very nice Masonic/Eastern Star service at the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph.  We had small group of Eastern Star members, lead by our Worthy Grand Matron, and Worthy Grand Patron who joined the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Thomas Johnston IV and several Masonic brothers for the 11am ceremony.  We were lead to the Vermont Masonic flag pole by W. Grand Piper Donald C. Murray.  The W. Grand Chaplain lead us in prayer, with R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Philip W. Morton honoring the flag of our country. 

The Masonic Lodge then presented the emblematic corn, wine and oil as an offering during the dedication.  After which, the M. W. Grand Master shared the following story about the use of a bugler and the song ‘Taps’:

"We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, 'Taps.'  It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.  But, do you know the story behind the song?  If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.  Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia.  The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field.  Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention.  Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock.  In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier.  It was his own son.  The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out.  Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son full military burial despite his enemy status.  His request was only partially granted.  The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.  The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.  The Captain chose a bugler.  He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.  This wish was granted.

The haunting melody we now know as 'Taps,' used at military funerals, was born."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, we were lead off the area by the W. Grand Piper.

A Christmas Angels Celebration

After the ceremony, most of the Eastern Star contingency left the Veterans Cemetery in Randolph and traveled to Windsor for Ascutney Chapter No.2’s entertainment of the Grand Officers.  Another beautiful day, it was sunny with the temperature in the high 80’s as we gathered.  I, like most were greeted by Sister Linda Farnsworth, who was seeing that we all put our names in the ‘wishing well’ for a drawing to be held later during the meeting.

I was asked to give the blessing before lunch, and it being September 11^th, I asked for a moment of silence so we could reflect on the events that transpired 9 years ago in New York City and Washington, DC. 

Lunch was another yummy feast, roasted turkey and gravy with a home-made cranberry relish.  Potato salad, coleslaw, rolls and fresh fruit salad also were served.  I may have missed an item, but there was plenty to go around.  The kitchen staff did and outstanding job, as always.  We saved the assorted pies for after the meeting.      

The meeting was an open meeting, the Grand Officers and guests were introduced and we enjoyed a Christmas Celebration.  Sisters Sherrill Gould and Linda Farnsworth and committee were responsible for the entertainment, and we all enjoyed it.  Some of us were the entertainment.  The Star points had a reading, followed by the 12 Days of Christmas.  This included the volunteers from the audience (how many times have I decided, “I’ll never volunteer again!”) Well, guess again.  Sister Sherrill needed 13 volunteers (including the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron), hum. 

When we were “strategically” lined up, we were the ’12 days’.  The catch was, when it came to our part of the song, we had to ‘act out’ the character.  Example, Sister Grace Bagley was the “partridge in the pear tree”, so on and so forth. . . .   I was the FIVE Golden Rings (thank you to the props).  Our WGM was the “eight maids a milking” and the WGP was (if you haven’t guessed), “ten Lords a leaping”.  The whole place was in stitches, we all were good sports and there is rumor of a repeat performance somewhere down the line. . .  . .      

Our Silver Collection was presented to the WGM and WGP for the Make-A-Wish Project.  Thank you all for your generosity. 

WGM, Sister Kathy and WGP, Brother Alec were presented honorary memberships to Ascutney Chapter in cute Christmas stockings, and the Make-A-Wish Project donation from the chapter was presented in a little red sack.  Very nice, in keeping with the Christmas theme. 

The wishing well with the names was passed to the WGM and WGP to start the drawing for t-shirts and angel pins.  Smiles all around as we concluded the meeting.

The WGM Kathy has the Make-A-Wish cook books so if you want one, she will have them available.  Remember, $15 and ALL the money goes to the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron's Project.

The next Grand Officers event is on September 15^th in Swanton, contact Sister Sue Collins, PGM at 868-7975 for directions and information.  Enjoy and see you on the Star Trail!  


Thank you to Sister Barbara Coleman for the pictures.

Brother Dan, Grand Chaplain