[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1531953723088{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion style=”classic” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”About Star of Georgia Chapter #378″ tab_id=”1531947362369-baa84dd1-a246″][vc_column_text]Star of Georgia Chapter No. 378 was initially chartered on August 3, 1920 during Grand Session held in Brunswick, Georgia. The following officers were appointed: Sister Eula B. Sewell, Royal Matron, Brother B. G. Burkes, Royal Patron, and Sister Bertha Hampton, Associate Matron. Unfortunately, there are no written chapter records available for the period between 1920-1944.
In 1945, Star of Georgia Chapter No. 378 was re-organized and reinstated under the leadership of Brother George W. McKisic who served as the Chapter’s Worthy Patron. Sister Lillie Owens served as Worthy Matron (1945-1946). The chapter officers in 1945 were, Sister Lou Edna Westmoreland, Associate Matron, Sister Josephine Ivey (Alexander), Secretary and Sister Josephine Lewis, Treasurer. Brother George McKisic and Sister Eula B. Sewell were both charter members from 1920 and provided invaluable knowledge and guidance during this stage of re-establishment. Information provided from these two charter members indicate that the chapter was disbanded as a result of the depression and that those who desired to remain active sought membership with one of the other chapters in the jurisdiction.
Roster of the other Charter members from 1945 included; Sister Isabelle Lloyd; Sister Mary Westmoreland; Sister Willie F. Arnold; Sister Gertrude Wyatt; Sister Josephine Lewis; Sister Mary Emma Westmoreland (Spencer); Sister Mattie Ruth Westmoreland (Hood); Sister Josephine Ivey (Alexander); Sister Annie McKisic; Sister Mary Wyatt; Sister Covene Burton; and Sister Willie Lou Burton.
The following year 1946, Sister Lou Edna Westmoreland was elected Worthy Matron and served until 1949.
The Star of Georgia Chapter continued to grow in membership and purpose. As the chapter flourished, membership also benefited. February 1948, Sisters: Willie F. Arnold and Gertrice Trice. June 1954, Sister Rozenia Banks (demitted from another Chapter) January 1956, Sister Mary W. Spencer became a part of the chapter. January 1962, Sisters Jewell H. Foster and Eva Mae Lee became members. February 1963, Sister Jessie R. W. Harris became a member of the Star of Georgia and in 1972 was elected as the Chapter’s Worthy Matron, but due to illness was unable to end the year in that capacity. January 1970, membership was extended to Sister Dollie Jackson, Sister Dollie Hixson and Sister Mary Redding. January 1971, the chapter again grew with the addition of: Sister Ruth H. Kemp, Sister Flora Crawford, Sister Rosie L. Poole and Sister Emma Atkinson.
Sister Flora Crawford served as the Chapter’s Worthy Matron for two years, from 1973-1975 and Star of Georgia experienced growth that saw the additions of: March 1974, Brother Joe L. Cook, Sister Edna Cook, Sister Betty Westmoreland and Brother Westmoreland. April 1974, Sister Sarah Smith. December 1974, Sister Mary Westmoreland and Brother Roscoe Westmoreland.
Then in 1975, Sister Dollie Hixon served as the Worthy Matron for one year and the Chapter embraced, in March 1975, Sister Esther Davis. In June 1975, Sisters Mary L. Ponder, Eula A. Ellis and Doretha Lightner. In April 1976, Sister Ophelia L. Lee became a part of the sisterhood. The year, 1977 saw Edna Cook at the helm as the Chapter’s Worthy Matron. September 1977, Sister Beverly D. Bell.
Sister Ruth Kemp served as Worthy Matron for one year in 1978
In 1979, Sister Mary Redding was installed as the Worthy Matron. Sister Redding served in this capacity for three (3) years, until 1981. December 1979, Sisters: Deborah B. Reeves, Lelia Fanning, and two fellowship members, Brothers: A. B. Westmoreland and Ernest Harris. April 1980, saw an extension of members when Sisters Beulah L. Thomas, Ella Williams, and Almetia W. Graham joined the chapter. Brother Roger Turner served as Worthy Patron. September 1980, welcomed Sister Henretta Turner.
In 1981 Brother A. B. Westmoreland was installed as Worthy Patron; Sister Mary Redding continued as Worthy Matron.
The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron in 1982 were Sister Beulah Thomas and Brother A. B. Westmoreland. April 1982, Sister Jeanette Kite, Sister Sirlina Richardson and Sister Mary Walker lengthened the chain.
The following year, Sister Almetis W. Graham was elected as Worthy Matron and Brother A. B. Westmoreland continued to advise and supervise the affairs of the chapter as the Worthy Patron. January 1983, Sisters: Laura Ann Gamble, Anise Johnson, Linda Gaines, Ardes Lawrence and Brother Donald Wheat, a member of the brother lodge Star of Georgia No. 492 joined the chapter. April 1983, Sisters: Jacqueline Williams, Donna Talley, Doris Hudson, Brenda Miller, Betty Thompson, Shala Boston, Ruby Woodward and Elizabeth Jackson. A Youth chapter was also organized during that time.
Regrettably, the Chapter again disband after 1985.
September 2006 , the Star of Georgia charter was again re-issued under the leadership of Grand Chapter Officers: Sister Vashti G. Pullen, Grand Worthy Matron, Brother Aaron Kent, Grand Worthy Patron, and Brother Charles Truitt, Sr., Atlanta Masonic District Deputy Grand Master. The charter was issued at 330 Auburn Avenue, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia Line officers were appointed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Past Worthy Matron Shirley Worthy” tab_id=”1531947362393-00db760e-40e1″][vc_column_text]
Roster of 2006 re-chartered members: Sister Shirley Worthy, Worthy Matron; Brother Antonio White, Worthy Patron; Sister Chasity Daniels, Associate Matron; Brother Donald Wheat, Associate Patron (PP of Star of Georgia), Sister Pamela Lee, Conductress; Sister Nicola Williams, Associate Conductress; Sister Marisa McDaniels, Secretary; Sister Karen Coleman, Treasurer, Sister Mary O Williams, Chair of Trustees; Sister Phyllycia Wilson, Trustee in the North, Sister Jamila Nevels, Trustee in the South, Sister Latonia Jones Arnold, Chaplain; Sister Lauren Gay – US Flag Bearer, Sister Cornika Justice-Marshall, Sister Tawana Arnold–Adah, Sister Aseelah House–Ruth, Sister Bridgette Grant–Esther, Sister Derricka Cooley–Martha, Sister Taryn Wheeler–Electa, Sister Keri S. Williams, Brother Roderick Jones, Brother Larry Perrino, Brother Anson (A. J.) Jackson, and Brother Colbert.
With the start of the new year 2007, with the help of the brother lodge 492, the chapter purchased a Bible and regalia so that they may be proficient in their work. In the first year of re-chartering, the Chapter hosted a Prayer Breakfast, Five Point Tea, volunteered regularly at the Atlanta Food Bank and participated in the Citywide Hunger walk, as well as various other community service activities. The Chapter donated Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets (2006 and 2007), and held well-planned and intense study sessions encouraging one another in good work. The Chapter By-laws were submitted to the Grand Chapter for review and the chain was lengthened twice during that year. Sister Kiyanna Scott represented the Star of Georgia Chapter as its Chapter Queen. They were advised for a good portion of that first year by Sister Cynthia Lee (PM of Peace Chapter No. 146). Sister Lee was serving as the District Worthy Matron of the Atlanta Masonic District No. 3. The first Anniversary was held on August 4, 2007 at East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church and was appropriately titled “Stars Rekindling the Flame.”
In 2008, Sister Shirley Worthy and Brother Antonio White continued in service as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron respectively. Chapter members became immediately active as they participated in the Martin Luther King Memorial Parade in January. The Chapter hosted a Joint Prayer Breakfast, and later a Joint Five Point Tea with Capital Star No.148 and Vashti G. Pullen Chapter No.586. The Chapter partnered with the Lakewood Rehabilitation and Senior Center, with an agreement to engage in monthly visits, singing for the residents, performing minor grooming and assisting in other areas in an effort to bring a sense of comfort, relief and joy. They hosted a neighborhood carnival and launched what they hoped would be a signature activity: “Get on the Bus”– a tour of historically black colleges and universities, in an effort to encourage high school students to attend institutions of higher learning. The first tour was to Tuskegee University, which included the Carver Center and the airfield of the Tuskegee Airmen, in Tuskegee, Alabama. We were named honorary members of the city by the Mayor. There were various fundraisers throughout the year including a yard sale as the Chapter continued to lengthen its chain.
Sister Tversa Ricks was the Chapter’s Queen for the year and the By-Laws were approved during Grand Session in Athens, Georgia. The Chapter’s Anniversary was held at Allgood Road United Methodist Church and Sister Shirley Worthy was presented with a Past Matron’s sash.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Past Worthy Matron Mary Williams” tab_id=”1531947731761-47a842c8-a066″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1532036162233{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}”]
As a new era began in Washington, the Chapter’s leadership also changed. Sister Mary O. Williams became the Chapter’s Worthy Matron. Brother Andrew Williams became the Worthy Patron. The 2009 year began with revising the Scholarship criteria, drafting applications and the chapter presented a scholarship to their first recipient later that year. One of the major fundraisers, the Chapter’s Five Point Tea was held at East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church. Sisters of Star of Georgia Chapter No. 378 worked with and supported their brothers, the men of Star of Georgia lodge No. 492, by working beside them at Georgia Public television’s membership drive (which the chapter has been doing since 2006). They have participated in the Hosea Feed the Homeless (Easter and July campaigns), continued their commitment with the Lakewood Rehab and Senior Center and completed several successful fundraisers. Members of Star of Georgia were not only active in their community but also on a global scale, serving this country in active duty. Sister Yvette Nelson left to serve in Iraq. During Grand Session in Savannah, Georgia the Chapter was recognized with the Membership Award, acknowledging the Chapter’s growth as they again lengthened their chain with 11 new members. The 2009 Queen was Sister LaShawn Carter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Past Worthy Matron Tversa Ricks” tab_id=”1531947785940-a594151c-283d”][vc_column_text]
Sister Tversa Ricks was elected to serve as Worthy Matron. 2014 is the third year the chapter did not take in any new members. Only Bloodline women were allowed to apply so it has affected the chapters membership numbers. However, SOG #378 was still able to perform a full calendar of community service events. In 2014 the chapter established a few new partnerships: the West End Community Garden, the Partnership for Domestic Violence, Books for Africa Warehouse and Project Open Hand. SOG #378 also maintained their seven-year partnerships with the Reliable Health & Rehabilitation Center Lakewood, where the chapter members facilitate B-I-N-G-O and provide prizes for the elderly.
To celebrate Mothers Day the Chapter also took gift bags to Lakewood for the elderly women. The chapter also volunteered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank in the Distribution Center as well as manned the gift table during the Hunger Walk. Additionally, the chapter volunteered with Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry and Homeless during their Annual Back to School Jamboree and the chapter gave out two Thanksgiving Day Baskets to needy families.
The chapter hosted their 4th Annual Joint Scholarship Banquet along with their brother lodge, Star of Georgia #492 on December 20, 2014 at the Grand East. Star of Georgia #492 & #378 gave out three $1000 scholarships to deserving students. Our direct Past Worthy Matron Sister Doreatha Dukes earned Star of the Year for 2014 and our Queen was Sister Faith Gould.
In 2015, Sister Tversa Ricks also had a full calendar of service events. We established two new partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (the chapter volunteered for their Run/Walk) and the Susan G. Komen Day Breast Cancer Walk.
The chapter reestablished our relationship with the Senior Connection in Decatur Georgia to celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday by cleaning the yards of the elderly. The chapter volunteered for the eighth year with the Reliable Health & Rehabilitation Center-Lakewood facility and they also distribute t-shirts and gifts for the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Hunger Walk.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Past Worthy Matron Doreatha Dukes” tab_id=”1531947909046-bc08f9bf-c354″][vc_column_text]
Past Matron Doreatha Dukes has been a member of Star of Georgia Chapter #378 since September 2007 and served as Worthy Matron during the years of 2011, 2012 and 2013. During her tenure the 1st Joint Scholarship Banquet, with the brothers of Star of Georgia Lodge #492, was established. She also initiated the Star of Georgia O.E.S. of the Year Award, which recognizes a sister for her hard work, dedication and commitment to the Chapter during the year.
Past Matron Dukes have served in many positions within her Chapter and currently serves as Secretary. In addition, she was elected and currently serves as District Secretary for Atlanta Masonic District #3~East. Sister Dukes’ commitment and dedication to service is a direct reflection of the love and inspiration of her husband, parents and her grandparents who were members of the Prince Hall Masonic Family.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”New Members” tab_id=”1531948047152-f2b0e1f0-40d5″][vc_column_text]The Chapter joined SOG Lodge #492 on a church visit to Bethel Baptist Church in Forrest Park, Georgia. During the reclamation period Sisters Jordan and Roberson rejoined the chapter. The chapter experienced their first member, Sister Yvette Davis, to transition on August 8, 2015 the first member to do so since the chapters 2006 re-chartering. Sister Davis’ funeral was in St. Louis Missouri on August 15, 2015.
On September 9, 2015 the chapter gained three new members, Sister’s Alissia Evans, Kimberly Walker and Euriel Yates. The Chapter and Lodge hosted their 5th Joint Scholarship Banquet on November 14, 2015 at the Grand East. Star of Georgia #492 & #378 gave out seven $1000 scholarships to deserving students. Our Treasurer Sister Phinda Hillmon earned the title of Star of the Year for 2015.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”How we strive” tab_id=”1531948125911-83e47ca9-488d”][vc_column_text]We strive to uphold and continue the legacy of our past by aiding the less fortunate, providing service to our community, giving out thousands of dollars to aspiring scholars and remaining actively engaging in Community and Civic Movements. We do this all while standing on the shoulders of those Sisters and Brothers who came before us and paved the way for Star of Georgia Chapter No. #378. Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall to still be in existence letting our Every Shining light shine so bright.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_message]We strive to uphold and continue the legacy of our past by aiding the less fortunate, providing service to our community, giving out thousands of dollars to aspiring scholars and remaining actively engaging in Community and Civic Movements. We do this all while standing on the shoulders of those Sisters and Brothers who came before us and paved the way for Star of Georgia Chapter No. #378. Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall to still be in existence letting our Every Shining light shine so bright.[/vc_message][vc_column_text]Produced By: Past Matron Doreatha Dukes for the years 2011- 2013 and Worthy Matron Tversa Ricks for the years 2014-2016[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]