MYRA GRAND CHAPTER HISTORY
MYRA GRAND CHAPTER
In pursuance of a call by Electa Chapter No. 2 (now Electa Chapter No. 1), Baltimore City, instituted May 1876; Queen Esther Chapter No. 5 (now Queen Esther Chapter No. 2) Frederick, Maryland, instituted May 24, 1882; Queen of Sheba Chapter No. 6 (now Queen of Sheba No. 3) Baltimore City instituted August 10, 1874; and Bathsheba Chapter No. 7 (now Bathsheba No. 4) Nanticoke, Maryland, instituted November 26, 1895 assembled in the new Samaritan Temple at Calvert and Saratoga Streets, Baltimore City, Maryland on Thursday, November 26, 1896 and after mature deliberation did organize and form a Grand Chapter Adoptive Rite, Order of the Eastern Star for the State of Maryland and Its Jurisdiction in the name of Myra Grand Chapter.
The first Grand Officers were:
Royal Grand Matron Harriett A. Blake
Royal Grand Patron Blake Downs
Royal Associate Grand Matron Elizabeth Scroggins
Royal Grand Associate Patron Samuel Young
Grand Secretary J. Murray Ralph
Myra Grand Chapter has been blessed for 120 years with outstanding leadership from our Grand Matrons and Grand Patrons. Over the years the title has changed from Royal Grand Matron and Royal Grand Patron to Grand Worthy Matron and Grand Worthy Patron, but the diligence required for the job has been the same. Upholding our belief in God; the gift of benevolence; the pride of providing service to our community; the spirit of giving; and loving kindness will sustain our beliefs and give us the foresight to send these beliefs out into the world, so that others may see what the Order of the Eastern Star is about and strive to emulate and join us in the future.
A Way of Life Eastern Star
The noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members are based on five biblical heroines whose virtues we strive to emulate. Adah, the daughter, shares the lesson of Duty of Obedience to the will of God. Ruth, the widow, shares the lesson of Honor and Justice. Esther, the wife, shares the lesson of Loyalty to Family and Friends. Martha, the sister, shares the lesson of Faith and Trust in God and Everlasting Life. Electa, the mother, shares the lesson of Charity and Hospitality.
The Order of the Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service; and through precept and example build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth, benevolence, and loving kindness.
MISSION STATEMENT OF MYRA GRAND CHAPTER:
Members of Myra Grand Chapter and its Constituent Chapters are dedicated women and men who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and desire to work together for good. Our Grand Chapter gives our members the opportunity to give part of their time to many projects that benefit mankind. Our lessons are scriptural, our purposes are beneficent, and our teachings are moral.
- GOALS OF MYRA GRAND CHAPTER:
- Promote the principles/ideals of the Order of Eastern Star and the activities of Myra Grand Chapter.
- Increase membership of the constituent chapters and youth fraternities.
- Regularly train leaders of the chapters in order to increase their knowledge of the procedures and policies.
- Enhance fiscal management policies and procedures.
- Strengthen relationships with constituent chapters, the Grand Lodge and other appropriate individuals and organizations.
- Identify an organization to collaborate and coordinate a community outreach program.
- Promote love and respect among each other using the Word of God as our sources and model.
