COMBINED INDEX FOR CONSTITUTION BYLAWS GOVERNING …

COMBINED INDEX FOR

CONSTITUTION

BYLAWS GOVERNING THE

GRAND CHAPTER AND BYLAWS

GOVERNING SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS

OF THE

GRAND CHAPTER OF NEBRASKA

ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

Revised 2014

2014

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

- A - Page Administration: Addenda 49 Bylaws 43 Children 48 Circularizing or Soliciting 48 Fifty-Year Members 47 Highway Signs 47 Insurance 46 Life Membership 47 Lights 49 Paraphernalia and Equipment 46 Pictures and Recordings 48 Ritual 48 Seals 45 Submission of Bylaws 45 Subordinate Chapter Insurance 46 Suggested Order of Business 44 Supplies 46

Amendments 83 Annual Session of Grand Chapter: Methods of Submitting a Motion 9 Opening 7 Order of Business 7 Reports of Officers and Committees 9 Representation 7 Required Vote 9 Resolutions 8 Time of Opening and Registration 8 Time Resolutions and Bylaws Take Effect 9

Awards Imhoff Award 32

ii 2014

- B -

Balloting Admission or Exit while Balloting 72 Ballot Privilege 72

Ballot Required on Every Petition 71 Ballot Requirements 71 Collective Ballot 72

Dispensation to Ballot without Regard to Time 72

Method of Ballot in Nebraska 71

Separate Ballot 72

Board of Grand Supervisors

Districts 28

Duties 27

Examination 28

Membership 27

- C -

Chapter Consolidation

Chapter Receiving a Consolidation Request 82

Chapter Seeking Consolidation 81

Consolidation Completion 82

Consolidation of Chapters 80

Consolidation Procedure 81

Chapters Under Dispensations

Applications for Charter 40

Candidates Elected but Not Initiated 39

Disciplinary Jurisdiction 40 Meetings 40

Members 39 Powers 38 iii 2014

Constitution

Amendment to Constitution 6

Annual Session 2

Authority of Grand Chapter 5

Election of Grand Officers 5

Emergency Sessions 3

General Powers 5

Jurisdiction of Grand Chapter 5

Membership of Grand Chapter 1

Name of Organization 1

Officers of Grand Chapter 3

Powers Not Delegated 6

Qualification for Office 4

Quorum 3

Representatives of Grand Chapter 1

Right to Vote at Grand Chapter Sessions 2

Seal 1

Special Session 2

- D -

Demission: See Membership Termination

Dispensations For a New Chapter/Charter 38

To Ballot without Regard to Time 78

To Change Meeting Date 78

To Change Meeting Place 77

To Elect Officers without Regard to Time 78 To Install Officers without Regard to Time 78

District Grand Supervisors Duties and Term of Office 28 Expenses of Schools of Instruction 30

Instruction Book 31

Instruction to Chapters 30

School of Instruction and Attendance 29

Secret Work 39

iv 2014

Duties of Grand Officers: see Grand Officers

Duties of Session Committees: See Session Committees

Duties of Special Committees: See Special Committees

Duties of Standing Committees: See Standing Committees

Duties of Subordinate Officers: See Subordinate Officers

- E - Eligibility for Degrees Eligibility Requirements for Membership 59 Evidence of Eligibility 59 Religious Creeds and Denominations 60

- F -

Finance – Subordinate Chapter Annual Report 56 Dues of Chartered Chapters 57 Dues of Suspended or Demitted Members 58 Dues of U.D. Chapters 57

Fees Masonic Certificate 58 Membership Dues 57 Raising Funds 55 Receipt for Dues 58 Remission of Chapter Dues 57 Remission of Dues 58

v 2014

Return of Dues 58

Use of Funds 56

Formation of Chapters Expenses 38 Fees 38 Number of Petitioners 37 Qualifications of Petitioners 37 Requisites of a Chapter 37 Supplies 38 When Dispensation or Charter can be Issued 38

- G -

Grand Chapter Revenue 19

Grand Officers, Powers and Duties of Associate Grand Conductress 15 Associate Grand Matron 12 Associate Grand Patron 12 Grand Conductress 15 Grand Secretary 12 Grand Treasurer 14 Grand Trustees 15 Honorary Titles 17 Other Grand Officers 15 Worthy Grand Matron 10 Worthy Grand Patron 11

Grand Representatives 24

- I - Initiation: See Ritualistic Work in Nebraska

vi 2014

- J -

Jurisdiction over Petitions for Degrees

Applicants Living in Another Grand Jurisdiction 61

Applicants Living in Chapter’s Jurisdiction 60

- M -

Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children

Attendance 32

Report 32

Membership Termination

Demission Visitation Privileges 76

Granting a Demit 75

Loss of a Demit 76

Notice of Delinquency 76

Request for a Demit 75

Return of Demitted Member 75

Suspension for Non-Payment of Dues 76

Suspension, Expulsion, or Demission 77

- O -

Objections to Membership

Objections to Affiliation or Plural Membership 70

Objections to an Elected Candidate 70

Objection to Reinstatement 70

- P -

Parliamentary Authority 32

Petitions for Membership

Action Time Limit on Petitions 65

Investigation of a Petitioner 64 vii 2014

Presentation of Petitions 63

Proper Form – All Petitions 62

Reception of Petitions – Unanimous Consent 63

Rejection of Petition for Affiliation 66

Rejection of Petition for Degrees 68

Rejection of Petition for Plural Membership 68

Requirements of Petition for Affiliation 65

Requirements of Petition for Degrees 68

Requirements of Petition - Plural Membership 66

Time Limit – Elected Petitioner 69

Proceedings – Nebraska Grand Chapter

Approval of Junior Past Grand Matron 13

Approval of Jurisprudence Committee 13

Inspection of Worthy Grand Matron 11

Publishing of – Grand Secretary 13

- R -

Reinstatement

Rejection of Petitioner for Reinstatement 70

Removal of Suspension within One Year 69

Requirements 69

Resolutions Concerning Finance 84

Revenue, Grand Chapter 19

Ritualistic Work in Nebraska

Courtesy Initiation in Other Grand Jurisdictions 74

Courtesy Initiation in this Grand Jurisdiction 74

Number to be Initiated 74

Ritualistic Work in Nebraska 73

Time Limit for Initiation 74

Who May Assist 74 viii 2014

- S -

Session Committees

Credential 26

Dispensations and Charters 26

Registration 27

Session Committees 25

Tellers 27

Special Committees

Advisory Committee 24

Other Committees 24

Special Committees 24

Standing Committees

Benevolence Committee 20

Educational Loan Committee 20

ESTARL Harold T.Landeryou Memorial Fund 21

Jurisprudence Committee 21

Membership Committee 22

Publicity Committee 22

Scholarship Committee 23 Service and Therapy Dogs 23 Standing Committees 19

Youth Committee 24

Subordinate Chapter Meetings

Authority to Hold Meetings 41

Funerals 43

Meeting Place 40

Quorum 41

Services with Other Organizations 43

Special Meetings 42

Stated Meetings 41

Transaction of Business 41

ix Rev. 2018

Subordinate Chapter Officers Duties

Conflict of Opinion of Presiding Officers 54

Custody of Secret Work 54

Other Officers 55

Secretary 55

Standing Committees 55

Worthy Matron 53

Worthy Patron 54

Subordinate Chapter Officers Election and Installation

Appointed Officers 50

Elect and Install Officers Out of Time 50

Elected Officers 49

Failure to Elect or Install 50

Failure to Install Worthy Matron 51 Installation 50 Joint Installations 51

Qualifications of Installing Officer 51

Qualifications of Office 50

Trustees 49

Vacancies in Appointed Offices 52

Vacancies in Elected Offices 51

Vacancies in Office 51

Suspension of Charter 83

Suspension of Membership – see Membership Termination

x 2014

- V -

Vacancies in Office – Grand Chapter

Appointed Grand Officers 18

Associate Grand Conductress 17

Associate Grand Matron 17

Associate Grand Patron 17

Grand Chapter Installation Out of Time 18

Grand Conductress 17

Grand Secretary 17

Grand Treasurer 17

Grand Trustees 18

Resignation of a Grand Officer 18 Visitation

Avouchment 79

Documentary Evidence 79

Objection to Visitors 80

Official Visitors 80

Right of Visitation 79

- W -

Waivers of Jurisdiction with Other Grand

Jurisdictions

Granting a Waiver of Jurisdiction 62

Requesting a Waiver of Jurisdiction 61

Waiver Arrangements 61

xi 2014

CONSTITUTION

OF THE GRAND CHAPTER

OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA

REVISION AS ADOPTED AT THE

2004, 2005, 2006 ANNUAL SESSIONS REVISED 2014

Mission Statement

The Order of the Eastern Star is a Fraternal Order composed of Affiliated Master Masons in good standing, their female relatives, and the Order of the Eastern Star sponsored youth organizations, the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and Jobs Daughters International, where the members join in a search for TRUTH, CHARITY, and LOVING KINDNESS. The General Grand Chapter, the Grand Chapters, and the Subordinate Chapters shall endeavor to educate and support the members of the Order of the Eastern Star to this end.

GOVERNING STRUCTURE

The Government of the Order of the Eastern Star is vested in three bodies, named respectively in the order of their rank: General Grand Chapter, Grand Chapter, and Subordinate Chapter. The Subordinate Chapter in this and other documents may be referred to as “Chapter”.

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE

GRAND CHAPTER OF NEBRASKA ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

ARTICLE 1

Section 1. NAME. The name of this Grand Chapter is THE GRAND CHAPTER OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA (hereinafter referred to as “Grand Chapter”). Section 2. SEAL. The official seal shall bear a star within a pentagon and the words, “THE GRAND CHAPTER OF NEBRASKA, O.E.S., ORGANIZED JUNE 22, A.D. 1875.” All instruments issued by or under the authority of the Grand Chapter shall bear this seal.

ARTICLE 2

Section 1. MEMBERSHIP. The membership of the Grand Chapter shall consist of the Grand Officers, the Past Grand Matrons, the Past Grand Patrons, the representatives of Subordinate Chartered Chapters, (hereinafter referred to as “Chapter(s)”), all members in good standing in Subordinate Chartered Chapters in this jurisdiction and all members in this jurisdiction where Charters have been surrendered, and who have affiliated with a Chapter in this jurisdiction. Section 2. REPRESENTATIVES.The representatives of a Chapter shall consist of the duly elected and in-stalled Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron and Associate Patron, or her or his proxy 1 Rev. Article 2, Section 1 2019

appointed by such officer from the membership of the Chapter to be represented. Any Chapter in arrears for dues shall not be entitled to representation. Section 3. RIGHT TO VOTE. Only members, properly registered with the Credential Committee, shall be entitled to vote. They shall have but one vote each on any question, except as otherwise provided. Any representative of a Chapter who is also a Past Grand Matron or Past Grand Patron may cast one additional vote. A member who is not holding office as Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron or Associate Patron, can vote in both capacities. At no time will any member have more than five (5) votes.

ARTICLE 3

Section 1. ANNUAL SESSION. The Grand Chapter shall meet annually on the second Tuesday in May, the place of meeting to be decided by the Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, Grand Secretary and the Grand Trustees. Selection of the place of meeting and notice to the Chapters of such selection shall be made at least ninety (90) days before the Session is to be held. If an emergency situation should occur or in the event the second Tuesday is not available at the selected place of meeting necessitating a change of date, the Grand Trustees and Jurisprudence Committee shall have the authority to change the date of the Grand Chapter Session. Section 2. SPECIAL SESSIONS. Special Sessions may be ordered by the Worthy Grand Matron with the concurrence of the Worthy Grand Patron; or in her absence or inability to act, by the Worthy Grand Patron, with the concurrence of the Associate 2 Rev. Article 2, Section 3 2019

Grand Matron and Associate Grand Patron, at such time and place as in their opinion the interest of the Order requires; provided, that every Chapter in the Jurisdiction shall be notified at least twenty (20) days previous to such Session; and no business shall be transacted at such special Session except that specified in the notice. Section 3. EMERGENCY SESSIONS. In case of a national emergency, a committee consisting of the Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, Grand Secretary, and Grand Trustees shall determine whether the holding of the annual Grand Chapter Session is impossible or inadvisable; in which event all Grand Officers shall remain in their present offices until the next annual Grand Chapter Session.

ARTICLE 4

Section 1. QUORUM. Properly registered representatives, or their proxies, of twenty-five percent (25%) of all Chartered Chapters shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE 5

Section 1. OFFICERS. The officers of this Grand Chapter shall be Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, Associate Grand Matron, Associate Grand Patron, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Conductress, Associate Grand Conductress, Grand Chaplain, Grand Marshal, Grand Organist, Grand Adah, Grand Ruth, Grand Esther, Grand Martha, Grand Electa, Grand Warder and Grand Sentinel. 3 Article 4 (1) revised 2015

ARTICLE 6

Section 1. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. Only members qualified as follows shall be eligible for office: (1) Past Matrons and Past Patrons of Chapters in Nebraska, who live within the jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter, and those who live in other jurisdictions, and who are active and in good standing in one of the Nebraska Chapters. (2) Past Matrons and Past Patrons of Chapters in Nebraska where Charters have been surrendered, provided they are in good standing in one of the Chapters of this Grand Chapter and who live within the jurisdiction of this Grand Chapter. (3) In no case shall more than two officers of the Grand Chapter, elected or appointed, be chosen from the same Chapter. In no case shall a Worthy Grand Matron or Worthy Grand Patron, upon completion of her or his term of office, be eligible for an elected office for a period of one (1) year. (4) Electioneering or solicitation shall disqualify an eligible member except as follows: When a vacancy occurs or will occur in the office of a salaried Grand Officer, it shall not be considered electioneering or solicitation if an eligible Past Matron or Past Patron of this jurisdiction requests information from the Grand Trustees regarding salary and financial benefits of the office. An interested Past Matron or Past Patron may request her/his name and a brief resume of education, business experience and qualifications be furnished to the voting members prior to the election of Grand Officers. 4 Art. 6 (3) Rev. 2017

These interested members shall not be considered the only ones eligible for election. Any Past Matron or Past Patron in this Grand Jurisdiction is eligible for election.

ARTICLE 7

Section 1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The first eight officers shall be elected annually by a majority ballot; however, nominations shall be made for all elective officers and if there is not more than one such nomination, election may be had by acclamation. The other officers shall be appointed by the Worthy Grand Matron. All officers should be installed in person before the close of the Session.

ARTICLE 8 Section 1. AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION OF GRAND CHAPTER. This Grand Chapter shall have authority in all matters pertaining to its internal affairs, and has the sole right to superintend and govern all Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star within the State of Nebraska. Section 2. GENERAL POWERS. The Grand Chapter has power to grant Dispensations and Charters for forming and holding Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star and to extend or revoke the same; to enact rules and regulations; to issue edicts and to amend and repeal the same; to censure, suspend or dissolve Chapters; to try and to discipline for violation of its Constitution, Laws, regulations and edicts; to finally decide all appeals from its Chapters or their members and to exercise all rights of sovereignty within the limits of its jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of its own Constitution. 5 2014

Section 3. POWERS NOT DELEGATED, RESERVED. All powers not especially delegated to the Subordinate Chartered Chapters are reserved to the Grand Chapter.

ARTICLE 9

Section 1. AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION. All amendments, revisions or additions must be submitted in writing at an annual Session, lay over until the next annual Session and, if adopted by a two-thirds vote, shall become a part of the Constitution.

6 2014

BYLAWS GOVERNING

THE GRAND CHAPTER

OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA

REVISION OF THE BYLAWS AS ADOPTED AT THE

2004, 2005, & 2006 ANNUAL SESSIONS REVISED 2014

BYLAWS GOVERNING THE GRAND CHAPTER OF NEBRASKA

ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

ANNUAL SESSION

Section 1. OPENING. At the annual Session of the Grand Chapter, the Worthy Grand Matron shall ascertain if there is a quorum present, and if so, shall see that the officers are in their respective stations, fill vacancies pro tem, and open the Grand Chapter in proper form. Section 2. REPRESENTATION. If any Chapter is not represented at the annual Grand Chapter Session for two consecutive years, the Grand Secretary shall forthwith notify the Worthy Grand Matron. The Worthy Grand Matron shall notify the Chapter to appear before the Committee on Dispensations and Charters at the next annual Session of the Grand Chapter and show cause, if any, why the Charter of that Chapter should not be suspended. Section 3. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The suggested order of business of the Grand Chapter is: Report of Credential Committee Approval of minutes of previous meeting Worthy Grand Matron's annual report Worthy Grand Patron's annual report Reports of other Grand Officers Memorial Service Reports of Committees Election of officers Unfinished business New Business 7 Rev. Sec. 3 2018

Any change may be made in the order of business found necessary by the Worthy Grand Matron. Section 4. TIME OF OPENING AND REGISTRATION. Grand Chapter shall convene informally on Tuesday evening at seven o'clock. The annual Session will formally open at eight-thirty o'clock on Wednesday morning. Registration will open at nine o'clock Tuesday morning, and close at twelve o'clock noon on Wednesday. The election of officers will be held at one-thirty o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. Section 5. RESOLUTIONS. All resolutions to amend the Constitution and Bylaws of this Grand Jurisdiction shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary who shall forward them to the Jurisprudence Committee according to Article 9, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Nebraska; Section 26 (4) of the Bylaws of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Nebraska; and Sections 174 and 175 of the Bylaws Governing Subordinate Chapters under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Nebraska. If a resolution is not found in proper form, according to Robert's Rules, newly revised, when received by the Jurisprudence Committee, it will be returned to the proponent with suggestions for proper form. If the proponent has not resubmitted the corrected resolution prior to the annual Session, it shall be deemed submitted as originally proposed, and could be declared out of order at the Session. 8 2014

Section 6. TIME AT WHICH RESOLUTIONS

AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS TAKE EFFECT. An amendment to the Constitution or Bylaws of this Jurisdiction goes into effect immediately upon its adoption unless the motion to adopt specifies another time for its becoming effective. All amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws adopted into law shall be published and provided to appropriate subordinate Chapter officers and members who possess law books within sixty (60) days following their adoption. Section 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES. (1) Reports of the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron, as required by law, shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary for printing six (6) weeks prior to the annual Session. Decisions of the Worthy Grand Matron and any recommendations contained in the reports shall be forwarded by the Grand Secretary to the Jurisprudence Committee. (2) All reports presented at the Grand Chapter Session must be in writing, signed by a majority of the committee and a copy given to the Grand Secretary prior to or immediately after presentation. Section 8. METHOD OF SUBMITTING A MOTION. Each person shall give her or his name and Chapter number before making a motion or speaking on a question. Section 9. REQUIRED VOTE. A majority of those present and voting shall determine all questions, except as otherwise specifically provided. A majority vote is necessary for the election of any officer. 9 2014

POWERS AND DUTIES OF GRAND OFFICERS

Section 10. WORTHY GRAND MATRON. (1) She shall preside at all Sessions of the Grand Chapter. She may ask the Worthy Grand Patron to preside at any time. (2) She shall have the authority at all times to appoint committees not otherwise provided for in the Bylaws. (3) She shall see that the Constitution and Bylaws of the Order are enforced and that the officers and committees faithfully perform their respective duties. (4) She shall have the authority to convene any Chapter within this Grand Jurisdiction, to preside therein, to inspect its proceedings and require conformity to the laws of the Order. (5) She may request information from any Grand Officer respecting her/his office and require her/his attendance at special and annual Sessions. (6) She shall grant Dispensations in conformity to the law. (7) She shall answer all questions of Eastern Star law submitted to her by a Chapter, provided they have been authorized by the Chapter and submitted under seal. (8) Upon receiving an appeal submitted under seal from a Chapter, she will make a decision, subject to an appeal to the Grand Chapter and report her actions to the Jurisprudence Committee and Grand Chapter. (9) She shall appoint, when necessary and advisable, committees to conduct Eastern Star trials. (10) She may, with the concurrence of the Worthy Grand Patron, call special Sessions of Grand Chapter as provided in Article 3, Section 2 of the Constitution. She may also call special Sessions for 10 2014

installation of elected or appointed Grand Officers as provided in Section 24 of the Bylaws. (11) She shall exercise the Grand Chapter's executive powers, when Grand Chapter is not in session, except as otherwise provided. (12) She shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Grand Supervisors and may appoint an Advisory Committee as provided in Section 27. (13) She shall report at the annual Session of Grand Chapter all of her official acts. (14) She shall deliver to her successor a list of Chapters requiring attention and all information available as to the condition of these Chapters. This information is not to be made public. (15) She shall approve the Proceedings of the Sessions over which she has presided and confer with the Grand Secretary concerning the printing thereof. Section 11. WORTHY GRAND PATRON. (1) He shall have authority to grant Dispensations for new Chapters, approve the officers, and institute the Chapter when Grand Chapter is not in session. (2) He can suspend a Charter for good cause, for a limited period or until the annual Session of Grand Chapter. (3) He may request information from any Grand Officer respecting her/his office. (4) He shall preside at the Grand Chapter Session when requested to do so by the Worthy Grand Matron. (5) He shall, in the absence of both the Worthy Grand Matron and Associate Grand Matron, call the Grand Chapter to order and appoint a Past Grand Matron present to act as Worthy Grand Matron pro tem. (6) He shall report at the annual Session of Grand Chapter all of his official acts. 11 2014

Section 12. ASSOCIATE GRAND MATRON AND ASSOCIATE GRAND PATRON. In the absence of the Worthy Grand Matron or Worthy Grand Patron, the Associate Grand Matron or Associate Grand Patron shall act as Worthy Grand Matron or Worthy Grand Patron. At all other times they shall perform such duties as may be assigned them by the Worthy Grand Matron or Grand Chapter. Section 13. GRAND SECRETARY. (1) She/he shall keep an accurate record of the transactions of the Grand Chapter. (2) She/he shall examine the Proceedings of the previous annual Session and report to the Grand Chapter all matters pending and undetermined. (3) She/he shall collect all funds due the Grand Chapter and deposit the same promptly in a bank or banks designated by the Grand Trustees and notify the Grand Treasurer of such deposits. (4) She/he shall keep for sale supplies for the use of Chapters. (5) She/he shall provide each Chapter with forms for annual reports and such other blanks as may be necessary to make proper reports to Grand Chapter. (6) She/he shall mail receipt forms for the Secret Work, Proficiency Test and the Constitution, Bylaws and Book of Instruction, same to be signed for by officer or officers having custody thereof. All receipts must be returned to the office of the Grand Secretary within three (3) days after installation. (7) She/he shall attest all Charters and Dispensations for new Chapters. (8) She/he shall issue special Dispensations to elect and install Chapter officers out of time. (9) She/he shall attend the School of Instruction. 12 2014

(10) She/he shall execute such orders as may from time to time be issued her by the Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron or Grand Chapter. (11) She/he shall qualify for a surety bond in an amount to be determined and approved by the Grand Trustees. Such bond shall be in their custody and the cost shall be paid by the Grand Chapter. (12) She/he shall issue cards of invitation to the officers of General Grand Chapter, first two officers and the Grand Secretary of all other Grand Jurisdictions and all Grand Representatives of Nebraska in other Grand Jurisdictions to attend the Session of the Grand Chapter. (13) She/he shall, prior to the annual Session of Grand Chapter, submit to the Grand Trustees an itemized estimate of expenses for the coming year. (14) She/he shall make an annual report to the Grand Chapter Session. (15) She/he shall have Proceedings of the Grand Chapter published as soon as possible after the close of the Grand Chapter Session. Before publication, the Proceedings shall be approved by the Junior Past Grand Matron and the Jurisprudence Committee. In the Proceedings shall appear an honor roll for those members who have registered and attended twenty-one (21) or more Sessions of the Grand Chapter, either consecutively or not, and the total number of years shall be placed with each name; provided a formal request in writing is made to the Grand Secretary by such member. (16) She/he shall forward free of cost, copies of the Grand Chapter Proceedings as follows: (a) One copy to: Each Chapter in Nebraska Each Grand Officer Each retiring Grand Officer 13 2014

Each Past Grand Matron and Past Grand Patron of Nebraska Each duly accredited Grand Representative of Nebraska Each District Grand Supervisor (b) One copy to Grand Chapters of other Grand Jurisdictions. (c) Three Copies to General Grand Chapter (d) Upon request, one copy to: The Grand Secretary of all Grand Lodges of Masons Any Eastern Star or Masonic Library Any Eastern Star or Masonic Journal Standing Committees Members of the Board of Directors of the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children Members of the Order shall be entitled to Proceedings and/or copies of the Constitution, Bylaws and Book of Instruction at cost. (17) The Grand Secretary shall be eligible for re- election to that office until qualified for full Social Security benefits. The Grand Secretary shall notify the Worthy Grand Matron of intent to resign from that office, before the year tenure of office expires. (18) She/he shall deliver to her/his successor in office all books and property belonging to the Grand Chapter. Section 14. GRAND TREASURER (1) She/he shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements. (2) She/he shall file all vouchers. (3) She/he shall countersign all orders for the payment of money which have been regularly issued and signed by the Worthy Grand Patron and Grand Secretary. 14 2014

(4) She/he shall qualify for a surety bond in an amount to be determined and approved by the Grand Trustees. Such bond shall be in their custody and the cost shall be paid by the Grand Chapter. (5) She/he shall submit all books and vouchers for examination by the Grand Trustees or a certified auditor. The Worthy Grand Matron or Grand Trustees may require a detailed report at any time they may find it necessary. (6) She/he shall make an annual report at the Grand Chapter Session. (7) She/he shall deliver to her/his successor in office all books, papers, vouchers and other property of the Grand Chapter which are in her/his custody. Section 15. GRAND CONDUCTRESS AND ASSOCIATE GRAND CONDUCTRESS. They shall perform all the duties as prescribed in the Ritual, Constitution and Bylaws of this Grand Chapter. Section 16. OTHER GRAND OFFICERS. They shall perform such duties as are appropriate to their several stations, or may be assigned to them by the Worthy Grand Matron or Grand Chapter. Section 17. GRAND TRUSTEES. (1) The Grand Trustees shall consist of five (5) members of whom at least two (2) shall be Sisters. The Grand Trustees must be Past Matrons or Past Patrons of a Subordinate Chapter. Each year one (1) member shall be elected, by majority ballot, for a term of five (5) years. If there is not more than one nomination for Trustee, the election may be made by acclamation. If there is more than one nomination for Trustee, then election will be made by written ballot. The service of each member shall be limited to one (1) five-year term. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. The Worthy Grand Matron

15 2014

and Worthy Grand Patron shall serve as ex-officio members with all privileges of other members except voting. (2) Anyone serving as a Grand Trustee may not be appointed to the Jurisprudence Committee until their term as a Grand Trustee has expired. (3) They shall approve all expenditures of a Grand Chapter Session and exercise a general supervision over the financial affairs of the Grand Chapter. (4) They shall have the power to act on all financial matters when the Grand Chapter is not in session. (5) They shall approve and designate the depository or depositories of Grand Chapter funds and shall have power to make changes in the same as their judgment may warrant. (6) They shall approve as to insurance amount for misappropriation of funds by Subordinate Chapters' Secretaries and Treasurers and shall have the power to increase, decrease, cancel, or require new insurance coverage as their judgment may warrant. (7) They shall provide annually in their budget an amount sufficient to cover the cost of the School of Instruction, the District Grand Supervisors' mileage for Chapter supervision and the mileage of the Board of Grand Supervisors and Advisory Committee (if appointed) in checking the work of the District Grand Supervisors. This amount is to be taken from the General Fund. (8) They shall determine the amount of mileage to be paid to all Standing Committee members of the Grand Chapter for all meetings held between the annual Grand Chapter Sessions. (9) They shall have custody and control of all paraphernalia used at Grand Chapter Sessions. 16 2014

(10) They shall, each year, provide a fund for office equipment for the office of the Grand Secretary. (11) They shall prepare and submit to the Grand Chapter for action an itemized budget, together with the comparative budget for the preceding year. They shall also submit such other recommendations or resolutions on finance received by them or in their opinion found necessary. (12) They shall have authority to secure, at the expense of Grand Chapter, a certified public accountant to audit the books of the Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer.

Section 18. HONORARY TITLES. Upon motion and approval by the members, a corresponding honorary title may be conferred, for meritorious service, upon a Grand Chapter officer who is retiring. Rights carried with the honorary title include recognition and appropriate honors, but the title entails no duties of the office.

VACANCIES IN GRAND CHAPTER OFFICES

Section 19. GRAND SECRETARY AND GRAND TREASURER. In case of death, permanent removal from this Grand Jurisdiction or failure to provide bond by the Grand Secretary or Grand Treasurer, the Worthy Grand Matron, with the approval of the Worthy Grand Patron and Grand Trustees, shall appoint a Past Matron or Past Patron to fill the vacancy until the next annual Session of Grand Chapter. Section 20. ASSOCIATE GRAND MATRON, ASSOCIATE GRAND PATRON, GRAND CONDUCTRESS AND ASSOCIATE GRAND CONDUCTRESS. In case of death or permanent removal from the Grand Jurisdiction of the Associate Grand Matron, Associate Grand Patron, Grand 17 Sec. 18 Rev 2017

Conductress or Associate Grand Conductress, the Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint a Past Grand Matron or Past Grand Patron to fill the office until the conclusion of the Grand Chapter Session. Section 21. GRAND TRUSTEE. In case of death or permanent removal from the Grand Jurisdiction of a Grand Trustee, the Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint a Grand Trustee to serve until the next annual Session of Grand Chapter, at which time the unexpired term shall be filled by election. Section 22. APPOINTED GRAND OFFICER. In case of death, permanent removal from the Grand Jurisdiction, inability or failure to fill her/his office at the Grand Chapter Session, the Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint a Past Matron or Past Patron to fill the office. Section 23. RESIGNATION OF GRAND OFFICER. In case a Grand Officer wishes to resign, a resignation must be submitted in writing to the Worthy Grand Matron. If the Worthy Grand Matron finds it advisable she may accept the resignation and fill the vacancy as provided in Sections 19, 20, 21,and 22. Section 24. INSTALLATION OUT OF TIME OF ELECTED OR APPOINTED GRAND OFFICERS. A special Session to install elected or appointed Grand Officers may be called by the Worthy Grand Matron, provided every Chapter in the Grand Jurisdiction has been notified at least twenty (20) days previous to such installation. The name or names of the officer or officers to be installed, the place, date and time of installation shall be included in the notice (See Constitution, Article 3, Section 2.) 18 2014

REVENUE

Section 25. REVENUE. There shall be collected for the use of this Grand Chapter: For Dispensation for a new Chapter......$35.00 For Charter..............................................15.00 For each initiation......................................4.00 Dispensation to change halls.................No fee Loss of Secret Work..................................5.00 Loss of Constitution, Bylaws, and Book of Instruction...............Cost of Replacement Grand Chapter Registration.....................to be determined annually by the Worthy Grand Matron and Board of Grand Trustees Annual per capita dues.............................2.00 (of which $.25 shall be for ESTARL) Annual returns from Chapters and per capita dues are due in the Grand Secretary's office no later than January 15th of each year.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 26. STANDING COMMITTEES. At the time of her installation, the Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint the necessary members on the following Committees: BENEVOLENCE EDUCATION LOAN ESTARL(HAROLD T. LANDERYOU MEMORIAL FUND)

JURISPRUDENCE MEMBERSHIP PUBLICITY SCHOLARSHIP SERVICE AND THERAPY DOGS YOUTH 19 Rev. Sec. 26 2018

The membership and duties of such Standing Committees shall be as follows: (1) BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE. The Be- nevolence Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one (1) member for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. They shall investigate and approve all applications for relief of members of the Order of the Eastern Star and/or their families referred to them, and forward their recommendations to the Board of Grand Trustees for approval. (2) EDUCATIONAL LOAN COMMITTEE. The Educational Loan Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one (1) member for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. They shall investigate and approve all qualified loan applications of the members of the Order of the Eastern Star in Nebraska and their relatives or legal wards and make appropriate decisions regarding their disposition. A loan must be approved by three (3) members of the committee for it to be granted. All applicants for loans must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or a graduate of high school. The maximum amount loaned to any one (1) applicant for undergraduate or college work shall not be more than the amount suggested by the Educational Loan Committee, approved by the Board of Grand Trustees and recorded by the Grand Secretary. Interest rates shall be determined and recorded in a like manner. Applicants will be required to sign notes for the loans and they will be asked to obtain a co-signer, preferably a parent or guardian. 20 2014

All loan notes shall be for a period not to exceed four (4) years and may be renewed when due, if necessary, or repaid by installment payments. Application blanks, before and after completion, shall be filed in the office of the Grand Secretary. The Educational Loan Committee, the Grand Secretary and the Grand Trustees shall make all reasonable efforts to collect the loans when due. If, and when notes are determined to be not collectible, the Grand Trustees may charge them off, as they deem necessary. The assets of the Educational Loan Fund are to be segregated for investment and accounting purposes.

(3) ESTARL COMMITTEE (HAROLD T. LANDERYOU MEMORIAL FUND). The ESTARL Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one (1) member for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. The Committee shall establish that all applicants meet the eligibility requirements according to the Bylaws of the Grand Chapter and the Committee Guidelines, the latter of which are subject to the Worthy Grand Matron's approval. Once the Board of Grand Trustees has determined the amount of funds available, the Committee shall decide who will receive grants and the amount to be awarded to each eligible recipient. ESTARL funds are to be used to assist persons preparing for a religious vocation. (4) JURISPRUDENCE COMMITTEE. The Ju- risprudence Committee shall consist of five (5) members who shall be Past Grand Matrons or Past Grand Patrons, and of whom at least three (3) shall be Sisters. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one (1) member for a term of five (5) years, but no one can be appointed to the Jurisprudence 21 2014

Committee after being elected a Grand Trustee until after the term of Grand Trustee is expired. No one may be elected as a Grand Trustee while serving on the Jurisprudence Committee. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson and no member shall succeed her or himself. All questions, documents, papers, and decisions of law and its usage shall be referred to the Jurisprudence Committee. They shall examine all Bylaws and Amendments submitted by Chapters and approve or disapprove the same. They shall digest the various approved decisions of the Worthy Grand Matron and reconcile the same in the form of additional laws. They shall consider all resolutions affecting legislation, including the revision or amending of the Constitution and Bylaws and report thereon in writing. They shall reconcile the Resolutions approved by the membership and submit them in the form of enacted laws, renumbering the Law Book or any section of it, as necessary from time to time. They shall have control over the form of the Grand Chapter Proceedings and all matters contained therein. (5) MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. The Membership Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one (1) member for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. They shall work with the Worthy Grand Matron in promoting membership in this Grand Jurisdiction. (6) PUBLICITY COMMITTEE. The Publicity Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one (1) member 22 2014

for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. They shall work with the Worthy Grand Matron on matters concerning public relations and publicity in this Grand Jurisdiction. (7) SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE. The Scholarship Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one member for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. They shall work with the Worthy Grand Matron and the Board of Grand Trustees in establishing and maintaining guidelines for the Grand Chapter High School Scholarship Program, the Masonic Youth Scholarships, and such other scholarship programs as may be implemented by the Grand Chapter. They shall work with the Grand Secretary in the promotion and administration of these scholarships. They shall receive applications for the Masonic Youth Scholarships and other scholarship programs that may be implemented which would require an application process, determine the recipients of such scholarships and see that proper presentations are made to the recipients. (8) SERVICE AND THERAPY DOG COMMITTEE: The Service and Therapy Dog Committee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one member for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as the Chairperson. They shall work with the Worthy Grand Matron and the General Grand Chapter Service Dog Committee member assigned to the Nebraska Grand

23 Rev. Sec. 26 (8) 2018

Jurisdiction in advocating for the Service and Therapy Dog philanthropy of the Order, utilizing the guidelines established by the General Grand Chapter. (9) YOUTH COMMITTEE. The Youth Com- mittee shall consist of five (5) members. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint one (1) member for a term of five (5) years. The senior member shall serve as Chairperson. They shall work with the Worthy Grand Matron on matters concerning the youth in the state of Nebraska. Where Masonic Youth Groups exist, the Committee shall work with their Leaders; in areas where Masonic Youth Groups do not exist but Eastern Star Chapters do, the Committee shall work with the Chapter(s) to establish and sponsor Masonic Youth Groups; and finally, where neither an Eastern Star Chapter nor a Masonic Youth Group exists, the Committee shall assist in programs that provide services to the community at large such as Scholarships, Band Camp, Leadership Conferences, Chip Events, etc.

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

24 Rev. Sec. 26 (9) 2018

SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Section 27. SPECIAL COMMITTEES.

(1) ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The Worthy Grand Matron may appoint an Advisory Committee consisting of three (3) members, who shall be Past Grand Matrons, to advise her on any matters she deems necessary. If requested, they may assist the Board of Grand Supervisors at the School of Instruction or perform any duties assigned to them, and they may assist the Worthy Grand Matron in making preparation for and conducting the Grand Chapter Session. (See Section 10 (12)). (2) OTHER COMMITTEES. The Worthy Grand Matron may appoint such other special committees as may seem advisable or necessary. (See Section 10 (2)).

GRAND REPRESENTATIVES

Section 28. GRAND REPRESENTATIVES. The Worthy Grand Matron shall commission Grand Representatives of this Grand Jurisdiction in other Grand Jurisdictions when recommended by the Worthy Grand Matron of other Grand Jurisdictions, and they shall be issued an appropriate pin. All commissions shall expire two (2) years from date of issue. The Worthy Grand Matron shall also, upon request of the Worthy Grand Matron of other Grand Jurisdictions, recommend for appointment Grand Representatives in this Grand Jurisdiction. The appointment shall be for the regular term of the issuing jurisdiction. The Grand Representative recommended shall be a member of a Chapter in this

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Grand Jurisdiction. The appointment will terminate upon demission from the Chapter, installation as a Grand Officer or permanent removal from the Grand Jurisdiction.

SESSION COMMITTEES

Section 29. SESSION COMMITTEES. The Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint the following committees for the Grand Chapter Session: CREDENTIAL DISPENSATIONS AND CHARTERS REGISTRATION TELLERS The Worthy Grand Matron may appoint such other Session committees as may seem advisable or necessary. The membership, time of meeting and duties of such Session committees shall be as follows: All committees shall consist of as many members as the Worthy Grand Matron deems necessary to take care of the business of Grand Chapter. The first named member of each committee shall be Chairperson. All committees shall convene at such time and place as may be designated by the Worthy Grand Matron or the Chairperson of the committee. (1) CREDENTIAL COMMITTEE. The Credential Committee shall register and report the names of all Grand Officers, other members of Grand Chapter and the name of each representative or proxy, with name and number of the Chapter represented.

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It shall determine and report to the Grand Chapter the members entitled to mileage to and from the Grand Chapter. The amount shall be calculated by the most direct route, shall be figured at a rate per mile to be determined by the Grand Trustees and shall be paid out of the funds of the Grand Chapter. The retiring Grand Officers, Past Grand Matrons, Past Grand Patrons, District Grand Supervisors, members of Standing Committees, Chairpersons of all Session Committees, and one representative from each Chapter shall be entitled to mileage. The highest-ranking officer of the Chapter (the Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron or Associate Patron), if present, will receive the mileage. In case the Chapter is not represented by any one of the first four officers, the member present holding the proxy of the highest-ranking officer shall be entitled to the mileage. Those delegates entitled to mileage who leave before the closing of Grand Chapter will have checks written and distributed to them within (60) days of the end of Grand Chapter. If a delegate's address is unknown to the Grand Secretary, the check shall be mailed to the Chapter Secretary for distribution. (2) DISPENSATIONS AND CHARTERS COMMITTEE. The Dispensations and Charters Committee shall examine the work, records and Bylaws of all Chapters under Dispensation and the proceedings of the Grand Officer granting the same. They shall note all matters that are improper or unconstitutional and report to the Grand Chapter with recommendations.

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They shall meet with representatives of any Chapter who has been notified by the Worthy Grand Matron to appear before said committee, as provided in Section 2 of the Grand Chapter Bylaws. They shall include in their report a list of all Chapters who have consolidated during the year. (3) REGISTRATION. The Registration Com- mittee will collect the fees for registration and social activities of Grand Chapter and report to the Grand Chapter the total number registered. (4) TELLERS. The Tellers shall collect and count all ballots and report the results of all elections to the Grand Chapter.

SUPERVISION

BOARD OF GRAND SUPERVISORS

Section 30. MEMBERSHIP. There shall be a Board of Grand Supervisors consisting of the Worthy Grand Matron, Associate Grand Matron and Grand Conductress. The Worthy Grand Matron shall serve as Chairperson. They shall commence their duties as members of this Board immediately upon their installation. In case a vacancy occurs on the Board, the Worthy Grand Matron may appoint a Past Grand Matron for the unexpired term. Section 31. DUTIES. The Board of Grand Supervisors shall have supervision over instruction of all Chapter work as prescribed by the Ritual, Law and Instruction Book. It shall be their duty to secure uniformity of the ritualistic ceremonies in this Grand Jurisdiction and to report immediately any violation of this requirement to the Worthy Grand Matron. 28 2014

During the interim between Schools of Instruction all questions pertaining to this work shall be referred to the Worthy Grand Matron. All official rulings and interpretations of the Worthy Grand Matron must be reported to the Grand Chapter for acceptance or rejection and the decision of the Grand Chapter shall be final. Section 32. DISTRICTS. The Board of Grand Supervisors shall divide the state into districts for the purpose of instruction, taking into consideration efficiency and economy. Section 33. EXAMINATIONS. The Board of Grand Supervisors shall arrange for and hold examinations, consisting of a thorough knowledge of the Ritual, Constitution, Bylaws and Book of Instruction. Any Past Matron or Past Patron of a Chapter in Nebraska may take the examination when satisfactory arrangements have been made with a member of the Board of Grand Supervisors. The Worthy Grand Matron shall file in the office of the Grand Secretary, as additions to the eligibility list, the names of those passing a satisfactory examination. The Associate Grand Conductress and the Grand Warder must take the Supervisor's examination if they have not taken it previously and both the Associate Grand Conductress and the Grand Warder must serve as District Grand Supervisors.

29 Rev. Sec 33 2019

DISTRICT GRAND SUPERVISORS

Section 34. DUTIES AND TERM OF OFFICE. From a list of eligible applicants on file in the office of the Grand Secretary, the Worthy Grand Matron shall appoint and assign to the several districts a sufficient number of District Grand Supervisors to visit and instruct the Chapters in the state. The term of a District Grand Supervisor shall be for one year commencing on January first. A certificate shall be issued by the Worthy Grand Matron to each retiring Supervisor stating the number of years she has served the Grand Chapter of Nebraska in this capacity. Section 35. SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION AND ATTENDANCE. A School of Instruction for the District Grand Supervisors shall be held in January of each year at some convenient place approved by the Worthy Grand Matron. All District Grand Supervisors shall be notified to attend this School of Instruction and absence there from may be sufficient reason for the withdrawal of the appointment. The School of Instruction shall be held under the direction of the Worthy Grand Matron, assisted by the Associate Grand Matron, Grand Conductress and Advisory Committee (if appointed). They shall be responsible for the instruction of the District Grand Supervisors in the work as prescribed by the Ritual, Law and Instruction Book. All decisions on questions of the Ritual, Law, and Instruction Book shall be made by the Worthy Grand Matron. The Grand Secretary must attend the School of Instruction and shall give the instruction for the proper method of keeping the books of the Secretary and Treasurer. 30 2014

Only the following may be permitted to visit a School of Instruction:

• Grand Officers who are not District Grand Supervisors

• Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons

• Grand Trustees

• Any Grand Officer who has been awarded an Honorary Title under Section 18 of the Grand Chapter Bylaws

• Any other member who possesses specific knowledge or skills desired by the Worthy Grand Matron to benefit the School of Instruction.

Section 36. INSTRUCTION TO CHAPTERS. (1) The District Grand Supervisors shall instruct those Chapters assigned to them by the Worthy Grand Matron in the work as presented at the School of Instruction. The object of such instruction is to secure uniformity of ritualistic work and to give such other instruction as is prescribed in the Law and in the Book of Instruction. The District Grand Supervisor shall be the guest of the Chapter for the day of the Chapter instruction. (2) SECRET WORK. The Board of Grand supervisors and District Grand Supervisors shall have a copy of the Secret Work to aid in instruction of ritualistic work. Each of the District Grand Supervisors shall sign a receipt for the Secret Work, which will be retained in the office of the Grand Secretary. At the completion of her service, each District Grand Supervisor shall return the Secret Work to the Grand Secretary. In addition, the members of the Advisory Board shall each receive a copy of the Secret Work at the beginning of the School of Instruction and return such copies to the Grand Secretary at the end of the School of Instruction. 31 Sec. 35 Rev. 2016

Section 37. EXPENSES OF SCHOOLS OF INSTRUCTION. The car mileage in an amount per mile to be determined by the Grand Trustees, hotel bills and meals for the Board of Grand Supervisors, Advisory Committee (if appointed), District Grand Supervisors and Grand Secretary shall be paid from a fund provided by the Grand Trustees in the annual budget. The District Grand Supervisors' mileage for Chapter instruction and the mileage of the Board of Grand Supervisors and the Advisory Committee (if appointed) in checking the work of the District Grand Supervisors shall be paid in an amount per mile to be determined by the Grand Trustees. Schedules and number of trips into each district shall be approved by the Worthy Grand Matron.

Section 38. INSTRUCTION BOOK. The Grand Jurisdiction of Nebraska shall conform to the Ritual and to the ritualistic work in the General Grand Chapter Book of Instruction. When changes are made in the ritualistic work or decisions and resolutions pertaining to the ritualistic work are adopted in General Grand Chapter, they shall immediately be in force in this Grand Jurisdiction. The Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Conductress, Associate Conductress, and Secretary shall each have a copy of the book containing the Constitution, Bylaws and Book of Instruction. Any member of the Order in good standing may access and print the book (in whole or in part), as it is stored on the website of the Nebraska Order of the Eastern Star (neoes.org) in a password-protected, read-only format.

The Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Conductress, Associate

Conductress and Secretary shall sign a receipt for the book given to them, and at the expiration of their term of office, 32 Sec. 38 Rev. 2019

return said book(s) to the Secretary of the Chapter, or on demand from the Grand Chapter, return it to the office of the Grand Secretary. A fine equal to the cost of replacement shall be imposed on any officer who loses a book while it is in their possession according to the records of the Secretary. MASONIC-EASTERN STAR HOME OF CHILDREN

Section 39. ATTENDANCE. The Worthy Grand Matron, and in her absence from the meetings, the Worthy Grand Patron, and in his absence, the Associate Grand Matron, shall represent the Grand Chapter at all meetings of the Board of Directors of the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children. Section 40. REPORT. The Worthy Grand Matron shall request the Board of Directors of the Masonic-Eastern Star Home to make a full and detailed report of the Home to the Grand Chapter.

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 41. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY. The rules contained in the current edition of "Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised" shall govern Nebraska Grand Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution, these Bylaws, and any special rules of order which Nebraska Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star may adopt.

33 Sec. 38 Rev. 2019

AWARDS

Section 42. IMHOFF AWARD (1) The Grand Chapter of Nebraska has instituted an award named the Imhoff Medal (named for the first Worthy Grand Matron of Nebraska). This medal will be presented by the primary Chapter to that member of said Chapter who possesses the longest period of membership in good standing. In the case of a member holding plural membership, no Eastern Star member shall be entitled to hold more than one Imhoff Medal. (2) Physical possession of an original Award Certificate shall remain in the Chapter to display the same in a conspicuous and secure location indicating the date of issuance and to whom presented and any other information the Chapter may deem appropriate. The Eastern Star member to whom the Imhoff Medal has been presented shall receive the Imhoff Medal and an Award Certificate and be designated as the holder of the Imhoff Medal. (3) If two or more Eastern Star members shall have identical periods of membership and each shall also be otherwise qualified, each such Eastern Star member shall be entitled to be designated as the holder of the Imhoff Medal. (4) If a Chapter consolidates with another Chapter resulting in two members in that Chapter holding the Imhoff, both will remain Imhoff Medal holders until their deaths. 34 Rev. Sec 42 (2,3,4) 2019

(5) The Imhoff Medal shall remain the property of the recipient’s family upon the death of an Imhoff Medal holder. 35 Rev. Sec 42 (5) 2019


36

BYLAWS GOVERNING SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS

UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF

THE GRAND CHAPTER OF THE

ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA

REVISION OF THE BYLAWS AS ADOPTED AT THE

2004, 2005, 2006 ANNUAL SESSIONS REVISED 2014

BYLAWS GOVERNING SUBORDINATE

CHAPTERS IN NEBRASKA

FORMATION OF CHAPTERS

Section 43. REQUISITES OF A CHAPTER. A Subordinate Chapter must have a Charter from this Grand Chapter, or a Dispensation from the Worthy Grand Patron, attested by the Grand Secretary and the seal of the Grand Chapter attached. Section 44. NUMBER OF PETITIONERS. A petition for a Dispensation to form a new Chapter must be signed by not less than twenty (20) affiliated members in good standing; it may also be signed by other members of this Grand Jurisdiction or a jurisdiction recognized by it. New names cannot be added to the petition after it has been submitted to the Worthy Grand Patron for recommendations. The Worthy Grand Patron shall issue the Dispensation only when a thorough investigation shall disclose it will be for the best interest of the Order. The dispensation must be attested by the Grand Secretary and the seal of the Grand Chapter attached. No Dispensation shall be granted within sixty (60) days before the annual Grand Chapter Session. Section 45. QUALIFICATIONS OF PETITIONERS. Members of the Order, except officers of a Chapter, may be petitioners for a Dispensation to form a new Chapter, and need not withdraw from the Chapter of which they are members, but must furnish certificates of their good standing in the Order. They must pay dues to the Chapter of which they are members. 37 2014

Section 46. WHEN A DISPENSATION OR CHARTER CAN BE ISSUED. A Dispensation for the establishment of a new Chapter shall only be issued when the Worthy Grand Patron or Grand Chapter is satisfied that the proposed officers are thoroughly qualified for the proper performance of their duties and, after a thorough investigation, find it is for the best interest of the Order. Section 47. FEES. Each petitioner shall pay into the treasury of such new Chapter an amount deemed sufficient so that the funds may be at hand for the necessary work and expenses of said Chapter. Section 48. EXPENSES. All necessary expenses of the instituting or constituting officers must be paid by the Chapter instituted or constituted. The instituting or constituting officers are not entitled to fees from either the Grand Chapter or the Subordinate Chapter. Section 49. SUPPLIES. With every Dispensation for a new Chapter, the Grand Chapter shall furnish one Signet, seven Rituals, one hundred blank Petitions for Degrees, two receipt books, one warrant book, two copies of the Constitution, Bylaws and Book of Instruction, one ledger, one record book, one Secretary's cash book, one Treasurer's cash book and one membership roll book.

CHAPTERS UNDER DISPENSATION

Section 50. POWERS. A Chapter under Dispensation cannot meet without its Dispensation. It cannot elect officers, admit members by affiliation, or grant Demits to members.

38 Sec. 49 Rev. 2016

It cannot discipline members or collect dues unless chargeable with Grand Chapter dues. (See Section 105)

It cannot be numbered until chartered and its officers cannot be installed. It has no right to representation or a vote in the Grand Chapter. It may petition the Grand Chapter for a Charter on a blank form furnished by the Grand Secretary. It may initiate members duly elected to membership. The Secretary of a Chapter under Dispensation may issue to the members of the Chapter a Certificate of Good Standing only for the purpose of visitation. Any officer named in the Dispensation may resign from office with the consent of the Worthy Grand Patron. In case of resignation or vacancy in office, the Worthy Grand Patron will consult with the Chapter and appoint a member to fill the office. Section 51. MEMBERS. Only those named in the Dispensation creating a new Chapter, together with those initiated therein, are members thereof and entitled to vote. Other members of the Order may join in the petition for a Charter, provided they have been found by secret ball-ballot to be unobjectionable to all the members. All who were not initiated in such Chapter must present their Demits with the petition for the Charter. Section 52. CANDIDATES ELECTED BUT NOT INITIATED. A candidate who has been elected by a Chapter under Dispensation but not initiated before the expiration of its Dispensation must petition anew to the Chapter when chartered. 39 2014

Section 53. MEETINGS. Every meeting of a Chapter while under Dispensation is a stated meeting, if properly convened.

Section 54. APPLICATION FOR CHARTER. On or before April 20, following the issuance of a Dispensation, such Chapter shall forward to the Grand Secretary its Dispensation, books and records, together with a petition for a Charter, accompanied by a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00). No business shall be transacted thereafter. The Grand Chapter may return the Dispensation to the Chapter and it shall continue to be a Chapter under Dispensation until the next annual Grand Chapter Session. The Grand Chapter may order the issuance of a Charter in which event the Worthy Grand Matron shall constitute the Chapter within ninety (90) days thereafter. Section 55. DISCIPLINARY JURISDICTION. Offenses charged against members of Chapters under Dispensation must be referred to the Chapter in which their membership remains or to the Worthy Grand Patron. The Grand Chapter has power over members of Chapters under Dispensation.

SUBORDINATE CHAPTER MEETINGS

Section 56. MEETING PLACE. A chapter may meet in any room which is regularly used as a meeting place for a Masonic Lodge or in a hall approved by the Worthy Grand Matron, after she has personally inspected same or caused it to be inspected by a committee of one or more members of the Order appointed by her for that purpose. A Chapter meeting cannot be held in a private home. 40 2014

Section 57. QUORUM. Seven (7) members, including one of the first four (4) officers, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Section 58. AUTHORITY TO HOLD MEETINGS. A Charter or Dispensation must be in the Chapter room and upon the Altar shall be an open Bible. Section 59. TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS. Any business except conferring of Degrees, balloting on Petitions for the Degrees, Affiliation or Reinstatement may be transacted without the presence of the Worthy Patron or other Brother. A Chapter cannot undo the action of its previous meeting by altering or erasing the record. If the matter be a proper subject for reconsideration, it may be brought up in that form at the next stated meeting and so recorded, but not afterward. Section 60. STATED MEETINGS. A stated meeting is one specified by the Bylaws of the Chapter, except a stated meeting cannot be held on a Sunday. The Bylaws must provide for at least one stated meeting each month. The time of the month, day of the week, and hour of convening shall be stated in the Bylaws. If a stated meeting should fall on the dates of General Grand Chapter, Grand Chapter, District Group Meetings, Maundy Thursday, General Election, December 24 or any legal holiday, the Chapter, at a previous stated meeting, by majority vote, may change the same to another date not more than seven (7) days before or after such stated meeting date. No Dispensation is necessary. If a stated meeting should fall on the date of a community event which would adversely affect attendance or produce a lack of a quorum, the 41 2014

Chapter, at a previous stated meeting, by a majority vote, may change the same to another date not more than seven (7) days before or after such stated meeting date. A Dispensation must be obtained from the Worthy Grand Matron to change the stated meeting date, and all resident members must be notified.

In case of a lack of a quorum due to an unexpected event or in the case of severe weather, the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron may change the date of the stated meeting to be held within the next seven (7) days. The Chapter must obtain a Dispensation from the Worthy Grand Matron and all resident members must be notified. Any stated meeting which has been changed due to any reason permitted in Section 60 must be held at the same hour fixed for a Chapter's stated meeting in its Bylaws. Section 61. SPECIAL MEETINGS. A special meeting may be called for trials, funeral services, Schools of Instruction, Worthy Grand Matron's visit, Installation of Officers, Conferring of Degrees (providing the candidates were duly elected at a stated meeting), or for social events such as friendship visitations, Chapter anniversary, etc. No Chapter business may be transacted at a special meeting. The Worthy Matron shall have the power to call special meetings for the good of the Chapter; however, a special meeting must not be called on Sunday except for a funeral service, social events or Installation of Officers. A special meeting must be called for the same hour as that fixed for a stated meeting, unless otherwise provided for in the Chapter's Bylaws.

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The call shall be made by announcement at a stated meeting or by notifying all resident members. The time and purpose of meeting must be included in the announcement. If no ritualistic ceremony work is to be performed, a special meeting may be an open meeting where the general public and children may attend. Open meetings will follow the guidelines established in the Book of Instruction. Pictures or recordings, either stills or movies are permitted at open meetings. Section 62. FUNERALS. When requested by the immediate family, an Eastern Star funeral may be held, using the Ritual Funeral Ceremony in its entirety or the optional graveside funeral service. In the case of former members whose family requests an Eastern Star service, the Alternative Funeral Service for Former Members may be used, using that ceremony as printed in the Ritual. Section 63. SERVICES WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. A Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star cannot unite in funeral or memorial services with other than Masonic bodies, unless it takes charge of the services. A Chapter may attend such services in a body when the services are conducted by other Orders. A Chapter of the Eastern Star may unite in memorial services with any Masonic organization.

ADMINISTRATION

Section 64. BYLAWS. Each Chapter shall adopt Bylaws for its own government. These Bylaws shall include: Date and time of stated meeting, order of business, amount of initiation fee, annual dues for members, manner of suspension for non-payment of 43 2014

dues and such other rules and regulations as the Chapter may desire; provided, such Bylaws must not conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Grand Chapter. Bylaws or Amendments thereto must be approved by the Jurisprudence Committee before they shall become valid. A Chapter cannot suspend its Bylaws. If the Chapter desires to change its Bylaws, it must do so in accordance with Section 65.

Suggested Order of Business

1. Opening Ceremonies

2. Introduction of Visitors

3. Reading of Minutes

4. Approval of Minutes

5. Communications and Bills

6. Reading and Referring of Petitions

7. Reports of Committees on Petitions

8. Balloting

9. Reports of Committees

10. Unfinished Business

11.New Business

12. Conferring of Degrees

13. Sickness and Distress

14. Good of the Order

15. Closing Ceremonies

This Order of Business may be transposed or dispensed with at the discretion of the Worthy Matron, except items No. 1, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 15.

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Section 65. SUBMISSION OF BYLAWS. Chapters, when submitting Bylaws or amendments thereto, must read them at a stated meeting, let them rest until a subsequent stated meeting, re-read them at a stated meeting, and if approved by at least a majority vote of the members present, shall submit the same in triplicate to the Grand Secretary. (Bylaws or their amendments must be submitted on forms ordered from the Grand Secretary at no charge.) They shall be certified by the Worthy Matron and Secretary, under Chapter seal, as correct copies of the Bylaws or amendments adopted, and shall show the date of presentation, and date and vote by which adopted. They shall become effective upon approval of the Jurisprudence Committee. One copy shall be returned to the Chapter, one filed in the office of the Grand Secretary and one copy retained in the files of the Jurisprudence Committee. Section 66. SEALS. Each Chartered Chapter must have a seal, with the name, number, location of the Chapter and such devices as they may deem proper to adopt, engraved thereon, capable of producing a raised impression, and the Chapter may at its discretion reproduce the official raised seal on a rubber stamp or other device, which may be used on official Chapter documents, other than those requiring the raised seal. Receipts for dues shall require the raised seal. All seals shall be subject to the approval of the Worthy Grand Patron and Grand Secretary. All documents from any Chapter shall have such seal affixed before it shall be received or deemed authentic, provided, however, all Chapters hereafter established shall be allowed sixty (60) days from the

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date of their respective Charters to produce such seal. The seal cannot be used for other than official business. Section 67. INSURANCE. Each Chapter must provide for fire and wind insurance on all its property. Section 68. SUBORDINATE CHAPTER INSURANCE. A policy will be provided by the Grand Chapter to insure Subordinate Chapters against the misappropriation of Chapter funds by their Secretary or Treasurer. The policy will have a maximum coverage amount of $10,000 (with a $500 deductible which will be the responsibility of the Chapter suffering the loss) and will be available to each Subordinate Chapter at no cost. If, because of the amount of cash and investments held by a Subordinate Chapter, they require additional coverage beyond this $10,000 limit, it will be the responsibility of the Subordinate Chapter to purchase it directly. If a loss should occur, it will be the responsibility of the Subordinate Chapter to document the facts pertaining to the loss and submit them to Grand Chapter on amounts up to $10,000 and to Grand Chapter and their own insurance carrier for any amounts in excess of $10,000. Section 69. SUPPLIES. All blank forms and records books used by a Chapter in Nebraska must be purchased from or obtained from the office of the Grand Secretary. (See Section 74, RITUAL) Section 70. PARAPHERNALIA AND EQUIPMENT. All paraphernalia and equipment used by a Chapter in Nebraska must be purchased from or approved by the Grand Secretary. 46 2014

Paraphernalia belonging to Chapters must not be used or loaned, except for Eastern Star purposes. However, in the case of consolidation of a Chapter, if the gaining Chapter of Nebraska Grand Chapter does not need or wish to use the paraphernalia of the consolidating Chapter, this paraphernalia may be loaned for display purposes only to a museum in the town or locality of the Chapter closing by consolidation.

Section 71. HIGHWAY SIGNS. Chapters in Nebraska may be permitted to erect signs along the highways to the entrance of a city, which display the Eastern Star emblem. Such signs MUST be approved through the office of the Grand Secretary and the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Section 72. FIFTY-YEAR MEMBERS. An Eastern Star member who has been in good standing for a period of fifty (50) years in any Chapter and who now holds membership in a Chapter in this Grand Jurisdiction is entitled, upon proper application, to receive from the Grand Chapter of Nebraska a fifty-(50) year pin. In computing time, a Demit to transfer membership, if consummated within six (6) months, shall not be considered a break of membership. Each year, the Chapter Secretary shall furnish the Grand Secretary with a list of those members who are eligible, by the Chapter records, to receive a 50-year pin. The Grand Secretary will verify the record of those eligible members and issue the pin and certificate, such items to be paid for out of the Grand Chapter funds.

Section 73. LIFE MEMBERSHIP. No chapter in this Grand Jurisdiction shall issue "Life Memberships."

47 Rev. Sec 71 2019

Life Memberships issued previous to the 1948 Grand Chapter Session may be continued or may be recalled by a vote of the Chapter. Official receipts for dues must be issued each year to members holding "Life Memberships." Section 74. RITUAL. The latest revised edition of the Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star published by the authority of the General Grand Chapter, including the fine print, shall be the authorized Ritual of this Grand Jurisdiction. The Grand Secretary is authorized to sell copies of the Ritual only to those members she can confirm by Grand Chapter records to be members of the Order and she shall distribute such Rituals in person or shall mail them directly to the Chapter Secretary. Chapters shall not deliver Rituals to any person who is not a member of the Order in good standing. Every Chapter must purchase and have at least one copy of the latest edition of the Ritual in the Chapter room. There should be only one Ritual open in the Chapter room for use by the prompter.

Section 75. CIRCULARIZING OR SOLICITING. A list of Chapter officers or list of membership of a Chapter shall not be furnished to any person for the purpose of circularizing or soliciting. Section 76. CHILDREN. No child shall be permitted in the Chapter room while the Chapter is in session. Section 77. PICTURES OR RECORDINGS. Pictures or recordings, either stills or videos, must not be taken during any ritualistic ceremony except during Open Installation. 48 Rev. Sec 74 2017

Section 78. LIGHTS. Pedestal, spot, and Altar lights may be used in this Grand Jurisdiction. Section 79. ADDENDA. Eastern Star addenda containing secret work cannot be given in public. OFFICERS, ELECTION AND INSTALLATION

Section 80. ELECTED OFFICERS. The elected officers of a Chapter shall consist of Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress and Associate Conductress. If there is not more than one such nomination from the floor for an office, the election may be made by acclamation. If there is more than one nomination for an office, then election must be made by written ballot. The annual election of officers must be made at a stated meeting in November; however, if a stated meeting falls on the date of a General Election, the Chapter, at a previous stated meeting, may by a majority vote, change the date of elections to another date not more than seven (7) days before or after the November stated meeting date. A member may be elected to an office though absent from the meeting when the election is held. Section 81. TRUSTEES. A Chapter may provide for a Board of three (3) Trustees to be elected by a majority ballot at a stated meeting provided for by the Chapter's Bylaws. At the first election, one shall be elected for one year, one for two years and one for three years, and each year thereafter, one shall be elected for a term of three years. A member cannot hold the office of Secretary and serve as a Trustee at the same time. 49 2014

Section 82. APPOINTED OFFICERS. The appointed officers of a Chapter shall consist of Chaplain, Marshal, Organist, Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa, Warder and Sentinel, who shall be appointed by the Worthy Matron. Section 83. QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE. Any member in good standing is eligible to hold an office in the Chapter to which she or he belongs. A Sister may be elected to an office, including Worthy Matron, or a Brother may be elected to an office, including Worthy Patron, even though she or he has not held a previous office. Electioneering or solicitation for office shall disqualify a member. Section 84. FAILURE TO ELECT OR INSTALL. Elected officers must be elected and installed each year. If a Chapter fails to elect, or having elected, fails to install its officers, those in office shall be retained until their successors have been duly elected and installed. Section 85. ELECT AND INSTALL OFFICERS OUT OF TIME. A dispensation is necessary to elect or to install the elected officers of a Chapter out of time. (See Section 164) Section 86. INSTALLATION. All officers shall be installed each year during the month of January at either a stated or special meeting. Installation at other times, except as provided in Sec. 89, 91, and 92, or by dispensation, is irregular and any Worthy Matron permitting it is subject to discipline. Officers cannot be installed by proxy.

50 Rev Sec. 85 2016

Section 87. JOINT INSTALLATIONS. A Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star may join with a Masonic Lodge for the purpose of installation of officers. Such installation shall be conducted according to the Ritual for an open installation. Section 88. QUALIFICATION OF INSTALLING OFFICER. A Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Past Matron or Past Patron of a chartered Chapter of this Grand Jurisdiction, or of a Grand Jurisdiction recognized by it, may act as installing officer. Section 89. FAILURE TO INSTALL WORTHY MATRON. Where the Worthy Matron elect is not installed, the officers appointed by her need not be retained, unless they have already been installed. Section 90. VACANCIES IN OFFICE. An office becomes vacant upon the death of the officer, and by final judgment of suspension or expulsion from the Order. Vacancies in office shall also occur by permanent removal from the jurisdiction but the Chapter may by a majority vote retain such officers until the end of the official year.

Section 91. VACANCIES IN ELECTED OFFICES. Vacancies in any elected office may be filled by an election and installation at any stated meeting, provided a Dispensation has been procured from the Grand Secretary. All resident members must be notified of the time and purpose of said election by an announcement at a previous stated meeting or by mail. In case of a vacancy in the office of Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Conductress or Associate Conductress, 51 2014

any member or officer may be elected to a higher office, even though previously installed in another office. The Grand Secretary shall be notified immediately of the results of such election. Should an elected officer refuse to fill her or his office or neglect her or his duties, the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron shall contact the officer and report their findings to the Chapter. If the Chapter finds that the officer does not intend to fill her or his office, it shall, by vote of the Chapter, be declared vacant. The Worthy Matron shall immediately announce a date for an election to fill said office. Any elected officer, except Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron, may resign if approved by a majority vote of the Chapter. A Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron may resign with the consent of the Worthy Grand Matron. If a Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron of a Chapter resigns from office and another is installed to take her or his place until the end of the year, both the original officer and the successor may be considered eligible to receive the Past Matron and Past Patron jewel. Section 92. VACANCIES IN APPOINTED OFFICES. Should an officer of a Chapter refuse to fill her or his office or neglect her or his duties, the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron shall contact the officer and report their findings to the Chapter. If the Chapter finds that the officer does not intend to fill her or his office, it shall, by vote of the Chapter, be declared vacant, and the Worthy Matron shall appoint and install a member to fill the vacancy. 52 2014

Dispensations are not necessary to install an appointed officer. An appointed officer may resign from office with the consent of the Worthy Matron.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 93. WORTHY MATRON.

(1) She shall preside at the meeting of the Chapter, except when the Degrees are being conferred, or at other times when she invites the Worthy Patron to preside. (2) She shall appoint an Auditing Committee (if not provided for in the Chapter's Bylaws), an Examining Committee, and all other committees she deems necessary for the good of the Chapter. (3) She shall see that the officers faithfully perform their duties and that the Constitution and Bylaws of the Order are strictly obeyed. (4) She shall see that the Landmarks of the Order are read to her Chapter at least once each year. (5) She shall see that the officers exemplify the ritualistic work, whether they have candidates or not, at least once during the year in addition to the time they give it for the District Grand Supervisor.

(6) She shall immediately notify the Worthy Grand Matron and Grand Secretary, of the death of a Past Grand Matron, Past Grand Patron, Grand Chapter Officer, Grand Representative or District Grand Supervisor who was a member of her Chapter.

(7) She shall, in the absence of the Worthy Patron and Associate Patron when there is initiation or balloting, request a Brother who is in good standing in the Order to act as Worthy Patron pro tem. The Worthy Patron pro tem cannot be excused from performing that part of the ceremony which the Ritual allots to him.

53 Rev. 39(5) Rev. 2016

Section 94. WORTHY PATRON. (1) He shall have a general supervision over the affairs of the Chapter.

(2) He shall advise with and assist the officers. (3) He shall preside during the conferring of Degrees and at other times when requested to do so by the Worthy Matron. (4) He shall require initiates, within 90 days after initiation, to take the Proficiency Test as prescribed by this Grand Chapter, report the results of the test at a stated meeting and the Secretary shall make a record of his report in the minutes. The Worthy Patron shall have a copy of the Proficiency Test. (5) He shall, in the absence of the Worthy Matron and Associate Matron, request a Sister to act as Worthy Matron pro tem.

Section 95. CONFLICT OF OPINION BETWEEN PRESIDING OFFICERS. In case of conflict of opinion between the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of a Chapter regarding Masonic law and usage, the Worthy Patron's opinion shall take precedence. If the conflict of opinion is as to Eastern Star law and usage, the Worthy Matron's opinion shall prevail. Section 96. CUSTODY OF SECRET WORK. Only the Worthy Patron, Associate Patron, Conductress and Associate Conductress of a Chapter shall have a copy of the Secret Work. The officers having custody of the Secret Work shall each year sign a receipt for it, which shall be returned to the office of the Grand Secretary immediately after installation. A fine of $5.00 is imposed upon a Chapter for the loss of the Secret Work. Old or worn copies may be exchanged for new ones free of charge. 54 2014

Section 97. SECRETARY. (1) She/he shall perform all the duties pertaining to the office. (2) She/he shall report to the Grand Secretary the names of the elected officers within three (3) business days after their election and the names of the installed officers within three (3) business days after their installation. (3) She/he shall make the annual report to the Grand Chapter and file it not later than January 15 of each year. (4) She/he shall notify (in writing) petitioners of their election or rejection. (5) She/he shall keep on file indefinitely all Petitions for Degrees, Affiliation, Reinstatement, requests for Demits and Waivers of Jurisdiction. Section 98. OTHER OFFICERS. The other officers shall perform the duties indicated by the Installation Ceremony and such other duties as may be assigned by the Worthy Matron. Section 99. STANDING COMMITTEES. All Standing Committees appointed by the Worthy Matron shall serve until the installation of new officers, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws of the Chapter.

FINANCE

Section 100. RAISING FUNDS. It shall be unlawful for any group whose membership is based on membership in the Order of the Eastern Star, to raise funds by any method contrary to Grand Chapter law.

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The method of raising funds is subject to the jurisdiction and discipline of the Chapter of which this group is a part. Section 101. USE OF FUNDS. A Chapter or any group within a Chapter may appropriate funds to assist in obtaining, maintaining and furnishing a Masonic Hall in which meetings are held and funds may be used for charitable purposes and to support DeMolay International, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Job's Daughters International and other community programs. No Chapter funds shall be paid out without approval of the members of the Chapter at any stated meeting of the Chapter, except those amounts specified in the Bylaws of the Grand Chapter or the Bylaws of the Chapter. Section 102. FEES. Any fees due the Chapter must accompany the Petition for Initiation, Affiliation, or Reinstatement. If there is an unfavorable ballot on the petitioner, their fees will be refunded to them. Section 103. ANNUAL REPORT. Each Chapter shall forward to the Grand Secretary between January 1 and January 15 of each year an abstract of its proceedings for the previous year ending the last day of December, or forfeit representation at Grand Chapter. This report shall include the names of its officers, a list of members initiated, reinstated, affiliated, demitted, suspended, expelled or died and a list of members in good standing and the amount of money due the Grand Chapter as follows: (1) $2.00 (per capita) for each member on the roll on January 1 of the year being reported. (2) $4.00 for each member initiated during the year reported. 56 2014

Section 104. DUES OF CHARTERED CHAPTERS. Chapters are not required to pay Grand Chapter dues for members initiated, affiliated or reinstated during the calendar year covered by the Annual Report, but must pay dues on all members whose names appear on the rolls on January 1, the beginning of such year. (This does not relieve Chapters from paying to the Grand Chapter the fee of $4.00 for each person initiated during the year.) Section 105. DUES OF U.D. CHAPTERS. Chapters continued under a Dispensation by a vote of the Grand Chapter shall pay Grand Chapter dues and fees the same as Chartered Chapters. All other Chapters under Dispensation pay no dues. Section 106. REMISSION OF CHAPTER DUES. The Grand Chapter alone has power to release a delinquent Chapter from the payment of annual Grand Chapter dues.

Section 107. MEMBERSHIP DUES. The dues assessed by all Chapters shall be due and payable on January 1 of the year for which assessed and shall become delinquent October 1 of the same year. Failure to pay dues as required by the Bylaws of the Chapter shall be cause for suspension. Before such action can be taken, the member shall be notified in writing by the Secretary. (See Section 159.)

Dues shall be prorated at the rate charged per year from the date a petitioner is initiated, affiliated or reinstated after first deducting the per capita Grand Chapter dues. 57 2014

Section 108. REMISSION OF DUES. A Chapter may, by a majority vote of the members present, remit the whole or any portion of the dues of any member on satisfactory reason being shown.

Section 109. RETURN OF DUES. If a member demits or is suspended or expelled from a Chapter before the end of the period for which dues have been paid, the member is entitled to a pro-rata refund of unearned dues and must surrender the receipt for dues. In computing the refund, the Grand Chapter per capita dues are first deducted; the remainder is prorated and one twelfth (1/12) of this amount remitted for each whole month of the unexpired time for which dues have been paid.

Section 110. DUES OF SUSPENDED OR DEMITTED MEMBERS. Suspended members during the time of their suspension and demitted members during the time they hold Demits are not chargeable with dues.

Section 111. RECEIPT FOR DUES. The official receipt for dues shall be a combined receipt for dues and certificate of membership. Blank receipts must be procured through the office of the Grand Secretary. In case of loss of a receipt for dues, a duplicate may be issued, marked “Duplicate”.

Section 112. MASONIC CERTIFICATE. Before a receipt for dues is issued by a Chapter to a Brother, he must certify in writing or present a receipt for dues showing that he is a Master Mason in good standing, giving the name, number, and location of his Masonic Lodge.

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MEMBERSHIP

ELIGIBILITY FOR DEGREES

Section 113. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP. Affiliated Master Masons in good standing and any female relative who is related by birth, marriage, or adoption to Affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased, were in good standing at the time of their death, each of whom shall have attained at least the age of eighteen (18) years are eligible for membership in the Order of the Eastern Star. Members of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls or Job’s Daughters International who have attained to at least the age of eighteen (18) years and who present proof of membership for three (3) years or a certificate of majority membership and who have been recommended by two members of the Chapter they are petitioning are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.

Section 114. EVIDENCE OF ELIGIBILITY.

(1) The eligibility of the female relative of a Master Mason is to be determined as of the date her petition is received by the Chapter.

(2) A Masonic Lodge certificate, properly attested from a legally constituted Masonic Lodge recognized by the Nebraska Grand Lodge, shall constitute lawful evidence of eligibility of a Master Mason or his female relatives, within the proper degrees of relationship, to become members of the Order. Such evidence must accompany each Petition for Degrees

59 Section 114 (2) revised 2015

Section 113 GGC rev. 2018

before it can be received by a Chapter. The above certification must be retained with the petition for a permanent record.

Section 115. RELIGIOUS CREEDS AND DENOMINATIONS. The Order of the Eastern Star requires a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being, but it does not require any particular sect, denomination, or religious creed as a prerequisite to membership.

JURISDICTION OVER PETITIONS FOR DEGREES

Section 116. TERRITORIAL AND CONCURRENT JURISDICTION. All Chapters of this Grand Jurisdiction shall have concurrent jurisdiction and territorial jurisdiction, which extends to the established boundaries of the State of Nebraska.

RESIDENCE OR JURISDICTION REQUIREMENTS

FOR PETITIONS FOR DEGREES

Section. 117. APPLICANTS LIVING WITHIN THE CHAPTER’S JURISDICTION. (1) A Chapter shall not receive a Petition for Degrees of an applicant who has not resided in the State of Nebraska for six (6) months preceding the presentation of the petition, except as provided in (2) below. Temporary absence from the State of Nebraska with intent to return does not interrupt the period of the petitioner’s residence.

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(2) Residence requirements as stated herein shall not apply to seafaring Masons whose home is on board ship and without a definite place of family residence; nor to persons who are and for six months next preceding the date of petition have been in the United States Armed Services nor to the female relatives of their household.

Section 118. APPLICANTS LIVING IN ANOTHER GRAND JURISDICTION. A Chapter shall not receive a Petition for Degrees of an applicant living within the Grand Jurisdiction of another state, unless it secures a Waiver of Jurisdiction from the appropriate Chapter of that state as provided in Section 119 through the respective Worthy Grand Matrons.

WAIVERS OF JURISDICTION

WITH OTHER GRAND JURISDICTIONS.

Section 119. WAIVER ARRANGEMENTS. All arrangements for Waivers of Jurisdiction to and from other Grand Jurisdictions shall be made through the respective Worthy Grand Matrons.

Section 120. REQUESTING A WAIVER OF JURISDICTION. A Chapter must secure a Waiver of Jurisdiction on a Petition for Degrees if the applicant does not reside within the State of Nebraska.

The Chapter secures the waiver by requesting under Chapter seal, that the Worthy Grand Matron arrange for a waiver through the Worthy Grand Matron of the other Grand Jurisdiction.

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Section 121. GRANTING A WAIVER OF JURISDICTION. A request for a Waiver of Jurisdiction for an applicant petitioning a Chapter in another Grand Jurisdiction shall be read at a stated meeting, and, if there is no objection, it shall be granted. If there is an objection, the request shall be referred to an investigating committee, and following the report of the committee, be balloted upon at the next stated meeting.

PETITIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

Section 122. PROPER FORM – ALL PETITIONS. All petitions for membership (AFFILIATION, PLURAL MEMBERSHIP, DEGREES, OR REINSTATEMENT) shall comply with the following general procedure:

(1) The petition shall be signed by the petitioner, using her or his full name.

(2) All questions must be answered truthfully and in full by the petitioner.

(3) The petitioner must be recommended by two members of the Chapter who thereby vouch for the petitioner’s character.

(4) Before a petition is presented to a Chapter, it is the duty of the Secretary to:

a. See that the petition has been signed by

the applicant, and that all questions are fully answered.

b. See that any applicable fee, proper

eligibility certification, Demit, Waiver of

Jurisdiction, Certificate of Good Stand-

ing, or amount of money due, if under suspension, accompanies the petition.

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c. In case of a female petitioner for the

Degrees, verify that the petitioner has

attained at least the age of eighteen (18)

years at the time the petition will be read at a stated meeting of the Chapter.

Any petition not fully complying with the above cannot be received by the Chapter.

Section 123. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS. Any petition must be presented at a stated meeting. The Secretary must read to the Chapter all questions and answers on the petition, and if all questions are not fully answered, the petition cannot be received.

The Secretary should state to the Chapter whether the petition is accompanied by the necessary fee, proper eligibility certification, Demit, Waiver of Jurisdiction, Certificate of Good Standing, or amount of money due, if under suspension, as is applicable to the petition. If a Waiver of Jurisdiction accompanies the petition, the Secretary shall read it to the Chapter at this time.

Section 124. RECEPTION OF PETITIONS – UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Unanimous consent of the members present at a stated meeting is necessary for the reception of Petitions for Affiliation, Plural Membership or Degrees.

Reception of a Petition for Reinstatement is mandatory because an objection cannot be filed. If more than one petition is read at the same time, and an objection is heard, then each petition must be read separately.

An objection to receiving a petition does not bar the petitioner from re-petitioning the same Chapter or another Chapter provided the petitioner lives within the Grand Jurisdiction of Nebraska and truthfully answers the question: “Have you ever petitioned a Chapter for the Degrees/Affiliation?”

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Section 125. INVESTIGATION OF A PETITIONER. Petitions for Affiliation, Plural Membership, Degrees and Reinstatement must be referred to a committee consisting of three (3) members of the Chapter being petitioned, one of whom must be a Brother. The committee shall be appointed by the Worthy Matron in open chapter, immediately after the petition is read. A number of petitions may be referred to the same committee at one time.

When a petition has been received by a Chapter and referred to the Investigating Committee, it is the property of the Chapter and cannot be withdrawn. It shall be the duty of each member of the Investigating Committee to investigate the character of the petitioner, but only the Brother shall investigate the Masonic standing of the applicant or the relative through whom eligibility is claimed. The names of the Investigating Committee are the confidential business of the Chapter and must not be divulged to the petitioner. Therefore, if a member of the Investigating Committee does not know the petitioner personally and desires to make personal contact, extreme tact must be used to not divulge the name of the committee. Violation of this law may result in the suspension or expulsion of the member found guilty of breaking it.

The committee shall make the report of their investigation, in writing, and no action shall be taken on any petition until such report is made. The Brother and at least one other member of the Investigating Committee must sign the report.

If an Investigating Committee fails to report on a petition within a reasonable length of time, the Worthy Matron may, at a stated meeting, grant the committee more time or dismiss it in whole or in part and appoint a new committee which shall make due investigation and report thereon. 64 2014

Places of absent members of the committee cannot be filled, or a new committee appointed so as to permit a report at the same meeting.

Any change of a member of the Investigating Committee shall be recorded by the Secretary in the minutes. The minutes must not show whether the Investigating Committee’s report was favorable or unfavorable.

Section 126. ACTION TIME LIMIT ON PETITIONS. All Petitions for Affiliation, Plural Membership, Degrees and Reinstatement shall not be acted upon by the Chapter until a subsequent stated meeting after being received, except by special Dispensation from the Worthy Grand Matron (see Section 165), or until satisfactory evidence is obtained of the petitioner’s worthiness or unworthiness by the Investigating Committee.

AFFILIATION

Section 127. REQUIREMENTS. A Petition for Affiliation must be in proper form and comply with Sections 122 through 126.

There is no fee required to petition for affiliation and no residence requirements are necessary. If the petitioner is elected to membership, the elected member, the Subordinate Chapter or the Grand Chapter must pay a five dollar ($5.00) fee, which will be remitted to the Grand Chapter for the International Eastern Star Headquarters Fund.

A Petition for Affiliation must be accompanied by a signed Demit from a Chapter of this Grand Jurisdiction, or a Grand Jurisdiction recognized by it which has the same eligibility requirements as the Ritual of the General Grand Chapter. 65 2014

It is the duty of the Investigating Committee to investigate the character and eligibility of the petitioner, to ascertain that the petitioner is the identical person named in the Demit, and to verify the regularity of the Chapter granting the Demit.

A Petition for Affiliation cannot be balloted upon by the Chapter until a subsequent stated meeting after being received, except by special dispensation (See Section 165).

Section 128. REJECTION OF PETITION FOR AFFILIATION. In case of the rejection of a Petition for Affiliation, the Demit must be returned to the petitioner. No writing or notation shall be made on the Demit.

A rejected petitioner for affiliation may repetition the same or any other Chapter at any time.

PLURAL MEMBERSHIP

Section 129. REQUIREMENTS. A petition for Plural Membership must be in proper form and comply with Sections 122 through 126.

(1) A member in good standing in a Chapter of this Grand Jurisdiction may also be a member of another Chapter of this Grand Jurisdiction.

(2) A member of a Chapter of this Grand Jurisdiction may also be a member of a Chapter in another Grand Jurisdiction, providing it is recognized by the Grand Chapter of Nebraska.

(3) The procedure in receiving and acting upon a Petition for Plural Membership shall be the same as that on a Petition for Affiliation, but in lieu of a Demit, a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of each Chapter to which the petitioner belongs must accompany the Petition for Plural Membership. If the

Petitioner is elected to membership, the elected

66 Section 129(3) Rev. 2016

member, the Subordinate Chapter or the Grand Chapter must pay a five dollar ($5.00) fee, which will be remitted to the Grand Chapter for the International Eastern Star Headquarters Fund.

(4) Plural members shall pay dues in all Chapters of which they are members, and shall be entitled to the rights and privileges of membership in these Chapters, except that plural members shall not hold any one of the four principal officer (Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Associate Patron) in more than one Chapter at a time.

(5) A Past Matron or Past Patron holding plural membership in Nebraska shall be entitled to only one vote in Grand Chapter. Said vote shall be identified with the Chapter first served as Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron.

(6) Loss of membership by suspension for nonpayment of dues in the primary Chapter, or expulsion from any Chapter, carries with it the loss of membership in the other Chapter(s).

A member allowing herself/himself to be suspended from a secondary Chapter will be denied petitioning another Chapter for plural membership until she/he has been reinstated in the proper manner in the secondary Chapter, and a Demit is issued.

(7) When a plural member demits from the primary Chapter, the Demit shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the secondary Chapter(s) and filed with the Petition for Plural Membership.

A plural member wishing to terminate membership in a secondary Chapter and desiring to retain membership in the primary (original) Chapter must request a Demit from the secondary Chapter. The Demit will then be filed with the petition and the Certificate of Good Standing, which is on file in the secondary Chapter.

67 Sec. 129(4) Rev. 2016

(8) Any change in plural membership in either the primary or secondary Chapter(s) must be reported to the other Chapter(s), and to the office of the Grand Secretary.

Section 130. REJECTION OF PETITION FOR PLURAL MEMBERSHIP. A rejected petitioner for plural membership may repetition the same or any other Chapter at any time.

PETITIONS FOR DEGREES

Section 131. REQUIREMENTS. A Petition for Degrees must comply with Sections 122 through 126.

A Petition for Degrees must be presented at a stated meeting, and be accompanied by the necessary fee as set in the Chapter’s Bylaws (see Section 102), proper eligibility certification as required by Section 113, and, if necessary, a Waiver of Jurisdiction (necessary only for petitioners living outside the State of Nebraska). If the petitioner is elected to membership, the elected member, the Subordinate Chapter or the Grand Chapter must pay a five dollar ($5.00) fee which will be remitted to General Grand Chapter for the International Eastern Star Headquarters Fund.

Section 132. REJECTION OF PETITION FOR DEGREES. A petitioner for degrees who is rejected in a Chapter can petition the same or any other Chapter two months after the date of the rejection, and at two-month intervals following each subsequent rejection.

A rejected petitioner must present a new Petition for Degrees each time she or he applies for membership following a rejection, stating the date and place of previous rejections.

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Perpetual jurisdiction over rejected petitioners by the Chapter in which such rejection occurred is not recognized.

Section 133. TIME LIMITATION – ELECTED PETITIONER. The petition of an elected candidate holds good for one year. A candidate who does not appear for initiation within one year after election to receive the Degrees must petition again before the Degrees can be conferred. The initiation fee is paid but once to the same Chapter, except when the fee has been raised, the additional amount must be paid. (See Section 151.)

REINSTATEMENT

Section 134. REMOVAL OF SUSPENSION WITHIN ONE YEAR. A member who has been suspended for non-payment of dues may automatically return to the Chapter within one year from date of suspension, provided all dues are paid in full. The date of suspension must be verified from the records by the Worthy Matron and Secretary. Announcement of reinstatement must be made by the Worthy Matron at the first stated meeting of the Chapter following payment of dues, and be recorded in the minutes.

Section 135. REQUIREMENTS. A member who has been suspended for non-payment of dues for more than one year may present a Petition for Reinstatement to the Chapter. The petition must comply with Sections 122 through 126. It must be accompanied by the amount of money due the Chapter when suspension was made.

Any member suspended for non-payment of dues cannot become a member of another Chapter until after reinstatement and the issuance of a Demit.

An objection cannot be filed to a Petition for Reinstatement (See Sections 124 and 139). 69 2014

Section 136. REJECTION OF PETITION FOR

REINSTATEMENT. If a Petition for Reinstatement is rejected, the Secretary will return all money received with the petition. A new petition may be presented at any stated meeting after two months have elapsed from the time of such rejection.

OBJECTIONS TO MEMBERSHIP

Section 137. OBJECTION TO AFFILIATION OR TO PLURAL MEMBERSHIP. Any member in good standing in her or his Chapter has the right, either verbally or in writing, to object to a Petition for Affiliation or Plural Membership at any time after the petition has been read to the Chapter and before a ballot is taken. One objection has the same effect as one black cube. A minimum of three objections shall have the same effect as a rejection by ballot.

Section 138. OBJECTION TO AN ELECTED CANDIDATE.

(1) Any member of a Chapter who was not present at the meeting when a candidate was elected has the right to object to the conferring of the degrees.

(2) One objection to initiation has the same effect as one black cube, and three objections are the same as a rejection by ballot.

(3) An objection to an elected candidate shall be made to the Worthy Matron, who shall withhold the name of the objectors and the reasons, if known.

(4) The Worthy Matron shall not consider or announce to the Chapter an objection unless the grounds for the objection can be proven to be of a very serious moral nature, or are of a dishonest or criminal act.

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(5) At the end of two months a candidate for whom a minimum of three objections were made may submit a new petition and may follow the same course if objected to again.

(6) An objection may be withdrawn by the objector or shall be considered withdrawn by the death, suspension or demission of the objector. The progress of the initiation of an elected candidate shall proceed as soon as an objection is removed.

Section 139. OBJECTION TO REINSTATEMENT PROHIBITED. An objection cannot be filed to a Petition for Reinstatement.

BALLOTING

Section 140. BALLOT REQUIRED ON EVERY PETITION. A ballot must be taken on every Petition for Affiliation, Plural Membership, Degrees, or Reinstatement whether the report of the committee on investigation is favorable or unfavorable.

Section 141. BALLOT REQUIREMENTS. A petition must be received at a stated meeting of the Chapter and cannot be balloted upon until a subsequent stated meeting. Members of the Investigating Committee must have reported their recommendations before the ballot can be taken.

Section 142. METHOD OF BALLOT IN NEBRASKA. The ballot must be taken according to the manner prescribed by the Ritual and the Nebraska Book of Instruction.

The ballot box must be an approved box, and a vote by any other than the prescribed box, with white balls and black cubes, furnished by the Chapter, is illegal. 71 2014

Section 143. COLLECTIVE BALLOT. Petitions for Affiliation, Plural Membership, Degrees, or Reinstatement may be balloted upon collectively at the same meeting, but a Petition for Affiliation cannot be combined with a Petition for Degrees in the same ballot. Should one or two black cubes appear in a collective ballot, the ballot is considered clear. Should three (3) or more black cubes appear in a collective ballot, the Worthy Matron shall proceed immediately to ballot upon each Petition separately, according to Section 144.

Section 144. SEPARATE BALLOT. In balloting upon a Petition for Affiliation, Plural Membership, Degrees, or Reinstatement, if three (3) or more black cubes appear, the Worthy Matron shall immediately order a second ballot. If three or more black cubes appear in the second ballot, it is final and cannot be reconsidered and the petition is rejected. The Worthy Matron destroys all ballots.

Section 145. ADMISSION OR EXIT WHILE BALLOTING. A member may be admitted to the Chapter room while a ballot is being taken but a member cannot leave the Chapter room until all balloting is completed.

Section 146. BALLOT PRIVILEGE. All members of the Chapter present at a meeting where a ballot is being taken should exercise their privilege to vote.

Section 147. DISPENSATION TO BALLOT WITHOUT REGARD TO TIME. To ballot on a petition without regard to time, a Dispensation must be secured from the Worthy Grand Matron and comply with Section 165.

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RITUALISTIC WORK IN NEBRASKA

Section 148. RITUALISTIC WORK IN NEBRASKA.

(1) Each Chapter must use the long-form ritualistic opening ceremony at a minimum of eight (8) stated meetings each year. Short-form ritualistic opening may be used at any additional meeting of the Chapter during the same year.

(2) An initiation must be held at a stated meeting of the Chapter or at a special meeting called by the Worthy Matron for that purpose. (The Ceremony of Initiation cannot be held on Sunday.) A candidate may not be initiated on the same day as she/he is elected.

(3) The officers must perform the complete ritualistic initiation ceremony (with candidates or Chapter members) at least once during the year in addition to the time it is given for the District Grand Supervisor.

(4) The Worthy Patron presides during the conferring of Degrees, and only the Worthy Patron or Worthy Patron pro tem shall give the lectures of the Worthy Patron during the initiation ceremony.

(5) Any Brother, including the Worthy Patron or Associate Patron, may recite the Scripture from memory during the initiation ceremony.

(6) If it is impossible for a candidate to walk through the initiatory ceremony, she or he may be obligated at the Altar and then seated in the Chapter room for the remainder of the ritualistic work. A candidate who cannot kneel may be seated or may stand at the Altar, hold the Bible in the regular manner and take the Obligation.

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Section 149. WHO MAY ASSIST. A Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron may invite a qualified Past Matron, Past Patron or visiting Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron to assist in the East during the initiation.

Section 150. NUMBER TO BE INITIATED. No Chapter can initiate more than sixteen (16) candidates at one time.

Section 151. TIME LIMIT FOR INITIATION. A candidate must present herself/himself for initiation within one year after election to receive the Degrees of the Order. (See Section 133.)

COURTESY INITIATION

Section 152. COURTESY INITIATION IN THIS GRAND JURISDICTION. A Chapter may officially request any other Chapter within this Grand Jurisdiction, or the Grand Officers, to initiate an elected candidate. Such candidate(s), when initiated, immediately become(s) a member of the electing Chapter with all its rights and privileges.

Section 153. COURTESY INITIATION IN OTHER GRAND JURISDICTIONS. All requests for courtesy initiations in Chapters, between this Grand Jurisdiction and other Grand Jurisdictions, shall be arranged through the respective Worthy Grand Matrons.

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MEMBERSHIP TERMINATION

DEMISSION

Section 154. REQUEST FOR A DEMIT. A request for a Demit must be made in writing, signed by the applicant, and accompanied by the current dues receipt. It must be presented at a stated meeting and read in open Chapter.

Section 155. GRANTING A DEMIT. If the applicant’s dues and all other indebtedness to the Chapter are paid to date and if there are no charges pending against the applicant, a Demit must be granted and unearned dues refunded. (See Section 109.)

A member whose dues are paid to December 31 and whose request for a Demit is received between the last stated meeting of the year and December 31, and whose request is read at the first stated meeting in January, shall

be deemed clear on the books and entitled to a Demit.

Membership terminates immediately following announcement by the Worthy Matron that the Demit is granted. If a Grand Officer or Grand Representative demits from her or his Chapter(s), the Secretary shall immediately notify the Worthy Grand Matron, who shall declare the Grand Chapter office or commission vacant.

Section 156. RETURN OF DEMITTED MEMBER. A demitted member may automatically return to the Chapter issuing the Demit within a period of one year. The Demit must be presented to the Chapter at a stated meeting before twelve (12) months have elapsed and be accompanied by the unearned dues remitted by the Chapter when the Demit was granted. 75 2014

The Worthy Matron must verify with the Secretary that the date on the Demit corresponds with the date it was granted by the Chapter. If the date is correct and unearned dues have been received, she shall announce that the demitted member is re-affiliated. The Secretary shall place the name on the membership roll.

If, when the Demit is received, a year has elapsed or there is not another stated meeting before it expires, the demitted member must petition for affiliation in the manner prescribed in Section 127.

Section 157. LOSS OF DEMIT. If a Demit is lost, a duplicate may be issued by the demitting Chapter. This Demit must be marked “Duplicate” and its date must correspond with the date of the original Demit.

Section 158. DEMISSION VISITATION PRIVILEGES. A member may visit on a Demit for a period of one year from the date it is issued.

After one year, the member forfeits all rights except the right to petition for affiliation.

SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES

Section 159. NOTICE OF DELINQUENCY. Before any member who is in arrears for dues to a Chapter according to the provisions of its Bylaws may be suspended, she/he shall be notified by the Secretary in writing that she/he is in arrears for dues.

If the whereabouts of the member is unknown, a written notice addressed to the last known place of residence shall be deemed due notification.

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Section 160. SUSPENSION PROCEDURE. At a stated meeting of the Chapter, the Secretary shall report and record the names of any members who have been notified in writing and who have failed to make payment of delinquent dues. By a majority vote of the Chapter, such members may be suspended for non-payment of dues.

FORFEITURE OF GOOD STANDING

Section 161. SUSPENSION, EXPULSION, OR DEMISSION. The good standing or membership of a Sister or Brother is forfeited by suspension, expulsion or demission from the Chapter.

A Brother who ceases to be a member in good standing in his Masonic Lodge is automatically suspended from the Chapter. Announcement must be made by the Worthy Matron and notification sent by the Secretary. When reinstated in his Masonic Lodge he is automatically reinstated in the Chapter, after satisfactory evidence of his reinstatement by said Lodge has been presented to the Chapter and noted in the minutes.

The good standing of a Sister is not affected by the suspension or expulsion by a Masonic Lodge of the Mason upon whose Masonic standing her petition for initiation was based.

DISPENSATIONS

Section 162. DISPENSATIONS TO CHANGE MEETING PLACE. To change the regular meeting place of a Chapter, a special Dispensation must be secured from the Worthy Grand Matron. There is no fee for the Dispensation.

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Section 163. DISPENSATION TO CHANGE MEETING DATE.

(1) It is necessary to obtain a Dispensation from the Worthy Grand Matron to change the date of a stated meeting for any reason except that no dispensation is necessary if the stated meeting date falls on the dates of General Grand Chapter, Grand Chapter, District Group Meetings, Maundy Thursday, General Election, December 24 or any legal holiday (See Section 60). There is no fee for the dispensation.

(2) No dispensation can be issued to change a stated meeting to a Sunday.

(3) Any change in the date of a stated meeting must be within seven (7) days before or seven (7) days after the date specified in the Chapter’s Bylaws and all resident members must be notified.

Section 164. DISPENSATION TO ELECT AND/OR INSTALL OFFICERS OUT OF TIME. A Dispensation is necessary to elect or install the elected officers of a Chapter out of time, and it must be requested from the Grand Secretary. There is no fee for the dispensation.

Section 165. DISPENSATION TO BALLOT WITHOUT REGARD TO TIME. A request for a Dispensation to ballot on a petition without regard to time shall be granted by the Worthy Grand Matron only on the application of a Chapter, under seal, ordered by a majority vote, and accompanied by a five dollar ($5.00) fee for each petition to be balloted upon. (Note: The fee to the Grand Chapter is to be paid by the Chapter, but the Chapter may collect the same from the petitioner.) The application should give the full name of the petitioner, and clearly set forth the emergency reason why the Dispensation should be granted. When such a Dispensation is

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granted, the Secretary shall notify all resident members, in writing, at least five (5) days before the stated meeting of the action to be taken under the Dispensation.

VISITATION

Section 166. RIGHT OF VISITATION. Members of the Order in good standing in this or any other jurisdiction under the General Grand Chapter shall be permitted to visit any Chapter upon proper avouchment or examination and exhibiting documentary evidence of good standing.

Visitors from jurisdictions which do not have the same requirements of eligibility for membership as the General Grand Chapter must verify that their eligibility for membership, at the time of their initiation, conformed to the requirements of the Ritual of the General Grand Chapter.

No exception shall be made for Grand Officers or official visitors.

Section 167. DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE. Documentary evidence of good standing shall consist of a Receipt for Dues or Certificate of Good Standing for the current or preceding year or a Demit issued within the last twelve (12) months.

Section 168. AVOUCHMENT. Only members of the Order who have sat in Chapter opened in ritualistic form with the visitor, or who have examined the visitor, and have seen documentary evidence of good standing can vouch for the visitor.

It is not proper for a member to instruct or post a visitor for whom she or he cannot vouch before the visitor is examined.

Regular visitors to a Chapter must present documentary evidence of good standing once each year. 79 2014

Section 169. OBJECTION TO VISITORS. An objection by a member of the Chapter to the admission of a visitor is sufficient to prohibit the visit; such objection shall be made to the presiding officer. Objection cannot be made to an official visitor or one invited by the Chapter, the Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron.

Section 170. OFFICIAL VISITORS. A Chapter, or any officer thereof, cannot refuse admission of an officer of the Grand Chapter, a representative of the Worthy Grand Matron, a member of the Board of Grand Supervisors or a District Grand Supervisor, when visiting on official business.

CHAPTER CONSOLIDATION

Section 171. CONSOLIDATION OF CHAPTERS. Two or more Chapters of this Grand Jurisdiction have the right to consolidate and unite as one Chapter.

A Chapter considering consolidation shall notify the Worthy Grand Matron. The Worthy Grand Matron (or a personal representative appointed by her) and the Grand Secretary shall meet with the Chapter members at a stated or a special meeting to explain the procedures of consolidation so that the members may proceed with the best interests of the Chapter in mind.

Any expenses of the Worthy Grand Matron, or her appointed representative, and the Grand Secretary incurred in the consolidation of Chapters shall be paid by the Grand Chapter and shall include mileage, accommodations and meals.

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Section 172. CONSOLIDATION PROCEDURE. The Chapter must comply with the following procedure for consolidation:

CHAPTER SEEKING CONSOLIDATION--

(1) The Chapter shall notify the Worthy Grand Matron so that she or her personal representative and the Grand Secretary may meet with the Chapter members at a stated or special meeting to explain the procedures.

(2) Following that visit, there must be a majority vote of the members present at a stated meeting to seek consolidation, and the motion to consolidate must designate the Chapter with which it seeks consolidation. The motion, if passed, must lay over until a subsequent stated meeting before final consideration.

(3) The Chapter Secretary must:

a. Notify all members of the Chapter, in writing and under seal, that consolidation is proposed, and with which Chap-

ter and state the date of the stated meeting at which it is to be determined. If two-thirds (2/3) of the members Present at such meeting favor the con-

solidation, the decision shall be certified under Chapter seal by the Secretary and notice sent to the Worthy Grand Matron and Grand Secretary.

b. Write a letter of request for consolidation, under Chapter seal, to the Chapter with which the Chapter has voted to seek consolidation. (4) The Chapter may not disburse its funds for any purpose except that of paying its regular recurring bills. It is unlawful for a Chapter to deplete its treasury before consolidation. 81 2014

CHAPTERS RECEIVING A CONSOLIDATION REQUEST-- (1) The Chapter receiving a request for consolidation shall read said request at a stated meeting, and let the proposition rest until a subsequent stated meeting before the final vote.

(2) The Chapter Secretary must: a. Notify all of the Chapter members

verbally or in writing of the proposed

consolidation request, and state the

date of the meeting at which the request will be voted upon.

b. If two thirds (2/3) of the members

present at such stated meeting favor the

consolidation, the decision shall be certified under Chapter seal by the

Secretary and notice sent to the

Worthy Grand Matron, Grand Secretary,

and to the Chapter seeking the

consolidation.

CONSOLIDATION COMPLETION

(1) After notification has been received from both Chapters that they desire consolidation, the Worthy Grand Matron and Grand Secretary shall meet with them as soon as possible at either a stated meeting of a special meeting called for the purpose of completing the consolidation. (2) The Worthy Grand Matron must certify that the Chapters shall become one Chapter, taking the name and number of the Chapter in the continuing location and proceeding under its Charter. The relinquished Charter shall be received by the Grand Secretary for cancellation.

(3) The Chapter relinquishing its Charter shall pay all of its indebtedness before the consolidation. All of its monies, assets, and property shall become the property of the consolidated Chapter at the time of the consolidation completion. 82 2014

(4) At the meeting completing consolidation, the Grand Secretary shall provide a certified list of the current membership of the Chapter relinquishing its Charter to the consolidated Chapter. It shall include:

a. Membership roll as of the day of consolidation.

b. A list of changes in membership since the last annual report. c. Demitted members d. Suspended members e. Expelled members

This list shall be made a part of the records of the Chapter holding the continuing Charter.

SUSPENSION OF CHARTER

Section 173. The Charter of a Chapter may be suspended by the Grand Chapter or Worthy Grand Patron at any time, upon proper cause shown. When made by the Worthy Grand Patron, the suspension shall not extend beyond the next annual Session of Grand Chapter.

AMENDMENTS

Section 174. These Bylaws may be amended at any annual Session of the Grand Chapter by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the members voting.

All proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Grand Secretary at least ninety (90) days before the opening of the annual Session of Grand Chapter. The Jurisprudence Committee shall review all proposed amendments and the Grand Secretary shall then furnish copies of such proposed amendments to each Chapter for their consideration during the month previous to the month in which the annual Session is held. Copies of such proposed amendments shall also be made available to all voting members at the time of their registration. 83 2014

RESOLUTIONS ON FINANCE

Section 175. RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING FINANCE.

(1) If an amendment pertains to annual dues for members of Chapters, as provided for in Section 25, or for any per capita assessment, it must lay over until the next annual session.

(2) Any motions affecting receipts or disbursements of Grand Chapter monies must be submitted in writing to the Grand Secretary at least ninety (90) days before the opening of the annual Session of Grand Chapter. The Jurisprudence Committee shall review the resolutions and the Grand Secretary shall then furnish copies of such resolutions to each Chapter for their consideration during the month previous to the month in which the annual Session is held. Copies of such proposed resolutions shall also be furnished to all voting members at the time of their registration.

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BOOK OF INSTRUCTION

OF THE

GRAND CHAPTER OF THE

ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR OF THE

STATE OF NEBRASKA

Adopted by The Grand Chapter of Nebraska

May 2, 1979 Revised 2002 Revised 2014

This Page Left Intentionally Blank

PREFACE

All References to the Ritual assume the latest

update of the General Grand Chapter Copyrighted

Ritual.

All Grand Chapters and Subordinate Chapters under the jurisdiction of General Grand Chapter are obligated to obey the Ritual as promulgated by General Grand Chapter. No innovations are permitted and no Ritual ceremonies may be changed by additions and/or omissions. There is a penalty for copying any portion of the Ritual, which is copyrighted by the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. The instructions contained in this book are given as a guide to the Chapters in Nebraska to perform uniform work and to clarify any points of interpretation, which may be confusing. The instructions set forth herein are intended to be a complement to our Law Book and Ritual and will aid our officers in exemplifying the ceremonies of our Order in an impressive manner. The fine print of the Ritual is to be followed as carefully as the large print for this is a specific instruction for carrying out the ceremonies in a uniform manner. Matters of the Ritual affect all Chapters in Nebraska since our Grand Chapter is under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter. When changes are made in ritualistic work or decisions and resolutions pertaining to ritualistic work are adopted in General Grand Chapter, they shall immediately be in force in this Grand Jurisdiction. To conclude the preface in this Book of Instruction: If all officers have the desire and enthusiasm to study the pages of instruction and to execute our ceremonies well, then Nebraska Eastern Star Chapters will have uniform work throughout this Grand Jurisdiction. 1 2014

BOOK OF INSTRUCTION CONTENTS

Preface 1 General Instructions 4 Preparation of Chapter Room 5 Instructions for Organist 8 Instructions for Warder & Sentinel 9 Examination of a Visitor 11 Opening of Chapter 13 Entrance of Officers 13 Proving of Chapter 15 Avouchment 16 Opening Ceremony 18 Altar Service 18 Opening Prayer 20 Flag Salute 21 Introductions 21 General Instructions 21 Assembling Guests 23 Instructions for Conductresses 24 Instructions for Assoc. Cond. 24 Group I 25 General Instructions 25 Order of Presentation 27 Procedure for Presentation 27 Instructions for GGCCM 30 Group II 34 General Instructions 34 Order of Presentation 35 Procedure for Presentation 35 Group III 41 General Instructions 41 Order of Introduction 42 Procedure for Introduction 42 Honoring 50-Year Members 47(a) Order of Business 48 General Instructions 48 Reading of Minutes 48 Unfinished Business 49 Communications and Bills 49 Petitions 49 Ballot 50 2 2018

Initiation 56 General Instructions 56 Procedure 58 Obligation 59 Star Point Lectures 62

Prayer Circle 62 Signing Bylaws 65 Closing Ceremony 67 General Instructions 67 Procedure 67 Pronunciation 70 Election of Officers 72 General Instructions 72 Procedure 72 Installation 74 General Instructions 74 Closed Installation 75 Open Installation 76 Installation Ceremony 78 Closing for Open Installation 81 Installation Out of Time 82

Open Meetings in the Chapter Room 83

Graveside Funeral Service 86

Ceremony for Draping the Charter 88

Diagrams 90

Fast Chapter Room Alignment 90

Introductions – Group 1 (single) 91

Introductions – Group 1 (multiple) 92

Conductress Assembling 93

Assoc. Conductress Assembling 94

Returning Guests from West 95

Balloting Diagram 96

Prayer Circle 97

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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. Seven (7) members constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The stations which must be filled are: Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Secretary, Conductress, Chaplain, Warder and Sentinel. 2. The Officers shall memorize their work and speak in a voice loud enough to be heard by all. 3. There shall be only one open Ritual in the Chapter room, that of the official prompter. 4. The signs are held until passes have been given both in the Opening Ceremony and Initiation. The Star Points do not give the pass in response to their own sign. The Worthy Matron does not give the pass to any of the signs. 5. The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron do not exchange places when the Worthy Patron presides. He remains standing to the left of the podium. 6. All addenda, coin marches, and gift presentations must be done after the Chapter is closed. These may be done before or after a retiring march. 7. Response to prayer, “So may it ever be,” is given following all prayers. Since this response is not a part of the Secret Work, it should be given following all prayers at Eastern Star functions. 8. The members and officers do not turn their backs on the open Bible in the Labyrinth or pass between the Altar and the East when the Bible is open, except 4 2014

as prescribed in the Ritual and the Diagram of the Labyrinth. 9. When the members or visitors enter or retire from a Chapter while it is in session, they are to stand behind Esther’s station, in front of the Associate Matron and Associate Patron, and face the East to give the Salutation Sign. 10. The Salutation Sign is given to the Presiding Officer in the East and never given to the West (Secret Work #18). 11. All officers and members should rise, face the East and nod when addressed by or when addressing the Presiding Officer. They should wait for recognition before speaking. 12. Hats and gloves are only allowed to be worn in the Chapter Room for medical or religious reasons.

CHAPTER ROOM

1. The Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Associate Conductress and Marshal have charge of the paraphernalia. The Chapter room is prepared and dismantled under the direction of the Worthy Matron (Ritual, pp. 168-169; Diagram, Book of Instruction, p. 90). 2. All preparation should be completed before the opening hour so that the Opening Ceremony of the Chapter is not delayed. 3. A Closed Bible is centered on the Altar from north to south, allowing enough space from east to west to comfortably place hands to assist in kneeling. 5 GGC #12 2018

• Nothing should be on the Altar except the Bible.

• Nothing is placed on the Bible.

• When initiating, small Bibles shall be placed on the Altar with the binding(s) of the Bible(s) on the northeast corner facing east and the binding(s) of the Bible(s) on the southeast corner facing west. (The Bibles are placed so that they can be read by the Conductresses.)

4. The Charter must be present at all meetings. 5. The American Flag is placed in the East at the right of the Presiding Officer. 6. An emblematic floor cloth cannot be used. 7. The chairs are placed in the Chapter room according to the diagrams on p. 169 of the Ritual and p. 90 of the Book of Instruction.

• Ruth’s chair is in line with the Marshal’s chair.

• Esther’s chair is in line with the East and the West.

• Martha’s chair is in line with the Chaplain’s chair.

• The outer edges of Adah’s and Electa’s chairs are in line with the inner edges of Ruth’s and Martha’s chairs.

• The Warder’s chair is at the entrance to the Chapter Room.

8. The Star Point pedestals are placed at the side of the chairs with the back edges even with the front legs of the chair.

• The pedestals for Adah, Ruth, and Esther are placed at the left of the chairs.

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• The pedestals for Martha and Electa are at the right of the chairs.

9. The emblems must be placed upon the pedestals.

• No other items are placed on the pedestals. (Ode cards may be placed on the chairs)

10. The flower baskets must be placed in front of the pedestals.

11. A pedestal and a gavel must be in the East.

12. A pedestal with nothing on it must be in the West.

13. If balloting, the ballot box is placed on the floor at the north side of the pedestal in the East with the drawer facing west.

• A properly prepared ballot box contains at least six black cubes and a sufficient number of white balls to supply the members voting.

14. The Signet is placed in the northeast corner of the Chapter room, but not in such a position as to obscure the flag.

• Wording on the outer edge of the Signet may be lighted for all meetings.

• When the Signet is used for initiation, it remains lighted until Chapter is closed.

15. The emblematic star in the East with the white point down is lighted when the Chapter is declared open and turned off when the Chapter is declared closed. 7 2014

16. The paraphernalia is not removed from the Chapter room until after the retiring march.

ORGANIST

1. Appropriate music should be played for all movements about the Chapter room, except during:

• Proving of Chapter

• Opening and Closing of the Bible

• Prayers

• Obligations

2. Live or taped music should start or stop with the prescribed movements of officers. The officers should begin their movements in the Chapter room even if the Organist does not begin to play.

3. The Organist stands for:

• Opening (when the officers are called up)

• The Pledge of Allegiance

• All Prayers

• All Obligations

• Balloting

• Giving Grand Honors

4. The Organist may play when the Associate Conductress is giving her lecture during initiation. 8 2014

WARDER AND SENTINEL

1. The raps are given in the manner prescribed in the Ritual, p. 16.

2. The Sentinel gives the alarm at the door when necessary.

• Alarms should not be given after a ritualistic ceremony has started nor before it is completed, except in case of an emergency.

3. The Warder must report all alarms to the Presiding Officer. The Warder shall rise; stand in front of the chair and say: “Worthy Matron, there is an alarm at the door.”

• The Sentinel and Warder shall admit no one until after the Flag Salute.

• The Warder would not report the alarm until that time.

4. The Worthy Matron responds: “Sister/Brother Warder, you will ascertain the cause of the alarm.”

5. The Warder, being in charge of the door, gives the proper raps, opens it slightly and ascertains the cause of the alarm.

6. The Warder then closes the door.

• The door should not be held open while discussion takes place.

• The Warder remains at the door to report.

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7. If the alarm was caused by a Sister/Brother properly vouched for:

• The Warder reports to the Worthy Matron: “Worthy Matron, the alarm was caused by a Sister/Brother properly vouched for, who wishes to enter.”

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister/Brother Warder, you will admit her/him/them.”

8. If someone wishes to enter who cannot be vouched for by the Sentinel or Warder:

• The Warder closes the door and reports to the Worthy Matron, giving the name, number, and location of the Chapter of the member(s) or visitor(s) wishing to be admitted.

• If the Worthy Matron can identify the member(s) she says: “Sister/Brother Warder, you will admit her/him/them.” The Warder admits them without further raps.

• If the Worthy Matron cannot identify a visitor, she says: “If there is someone present who can vouch for the visitor(s), will you please retire at this time?”

• The member retires in form.

• If able to vouch for the visitor, the member and visitor return to the Chapter in form. The member would then say: “Worthy Matron, I vouch for Sister/Brother (Name), a member of (Name of Chapter and No.), Town and State.”

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9. If no one can vouch for the person wishing to be admitted:

• The Worthy Matron instructs the Examining Committee to retire and make the proper examination.

◦ The Warder gives the raps. ◦ The Examining Committee gives the Salutation

sign and retires.

• The Examining Committee makes the examination and returns to the Chapter room door.

• The Sentinel gives the alarm.

• The Warder answers the alarm when directed to do so by the Worthy Matron and announces: “Worthy Matron, the alarm was caused by the Examining Committee wishing to return.”

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister/Brother Warder, you will admit them.”

• The Examining Committee and visitor enter in form and the Chairman reports to the Worthy Matron.

EXAMINATION OF A VISITOR

1. The Examining Committee is composed of three (3) members, composed of two Sisters and one Brother. (Ritual p. 17)

2. If it is necessary to examine a visitor prior to opening:

• The Examining Committee: ◦ Examines the visitor in a place of sufficient

secrecy, examining only one visitor at a time. 11 Examination (1) Rev. 2016

One visitor in a group may be examined and then may vouch for the rest of the group.

• Asks to see a dues receipt (current or preceding year) or a demit (not over one year old) and checks for a raised seal and a signature.

• Using a complete Bible, opened at random, the Chairman addresses the visitor and other committee members as follows: “Please place your right hand on the Bible, say I, your name, and repeat after me.”

• The Test Oath is repeated in unison (Ritual p. 17, Test Oath). The Test Oath must be memorized, as it is a part of the Ritual.

• The visitor is asked to give the signs and passes. It is not necessary to give the wording for the signs.

3. During proving of Chapter, the proper wording for reporting the examination of a visitor is: “Sister Associate Matron, the Committee has examined Sister/Brother (Name), a member of (Name of Chapter and No.), Town and State and found her/him to be a member in good standing.”

4. If examination is necessary during proving of Chapter, the Examining Committee and visitor should exit through the preparation room door. They return after the Flag Salute and the report is given to the Worthy Matron from behind Esther’s station.

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OPENING OF CHAPTER

Previous to Opening: In large Chapter rooms with multiple entrances and exits, the Warder should check all hard to reach doors (through which a person could enter or exit the Chapter room) immediately prior to the Opening Ceremony. The regular doors to the Chapter room including the anteroom door are checked during the opening and the Warder is thus able to report all doors as being secure.

Entrance of Officers: 1. Badges are pinned on the left breast before the officers enter the Chapter room. 2. The Worthy Patron, Associate Patron, Associate Conductress, and Organist enter through the Warder’s door (in this order) and assume their stations. 3. The Associate Patron, Associate Conductress, and Organist are seated together when all have reached their stations. 4. The Worthy Patron remains standing, left of the podium, gives one rap of the gavel and addresses the Chapter (Ritual p. 23). 5. The Worthy Patron directs the Associate Conductress to invite the Worthy Matron and other officers into the Chapter room and calls up the Chapter as they enter. 6. At the end of any opening march, all officers must be in a position inside the Labyrinth (Ritual, p. 24 Diagram)

• The Conductress and Associate Conductress are between Adah’s and Electa’s chairs.

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• The Warder, Worthy Matron, Associate Matron and Esther are in a straight line between Ruth’s and Martha’s chairs.

7. When the Worthy Patron instructs the Conductress to escort the Worthy Matron to the East, the Conductress steps forward far enough to clear Adah’s station and marches west. As the Conductress approaches the Worthy Matron, the Worthy Matron turns to face southwest.

8. The Conductress gives a nod to the Worthy Matron, but the Worthy Matron does not return the nod.

9. The Conductress escorts the Worthy Matron to the East by the north marching line, observing square corners.

10. Upon reaching the East, the Worthy Matron gives a nod to the Conductress, and the Conductress returns the nod.

11. The Worthy Patron assists the Worthy Matron to ascend the dais and hands her the gavel.

12. The Conductress returns directly to her place at the head of the south line using square corners, turning inward.

13. The Worthy Matron instructs the officers to take their respective stations and immediately seats the Chapter with one rap of the gavel.

14. The Associate Matron remains in position until the officers start moving, turns left, and follows in line.

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15. The Conductresses, slowing their pace, lead the officers directly to their stations without re-entering the Labyrinth. All officers stand in front of their chairs with the exception of the Star Points, Chaplain and Marshal.

16. The Conductresses meet back of Esther’s station, take a step to the East and return to their stations. 17. Officers are seated together without the use of the gavel. Proving of Chapter (Ritual, pp. 26-27; Law Book, Sections 134-135, 158)

1. The Worthy Matron directs the Associate Matron to prove Chapter. The exact wording used in proving Chapter is found in the Ritual, p. 26. 2. If the Associate Matron is able to vouch for all present by her own knowledge, she responds to the Worthy Matron at once. 3. If the Associate Matron is unable to vouch for all present, she addresses the Conductress and Associate Conductress and the Worthy Matron is seated.

• The Conductress and Associate Conductress rise when addressed and remain standing until the Associate Matron finishes speaking.

• The Associate Matron remains standing during proving of Chapter.

• The Conductresses march directly to the East, keeping opposite each other, turn toward the sidelines and face the West.

• The music ceases. 15 2014

• The Associate Matron says: “Will all visitors please rise?”

• The Conductress and Associate Conductress work independently of each other in completing proving of Chapter. (Exact wording in Ritual, p. 26)

4. Avouchment:

a) A member may vouch for a visitor if she/he has sat with the visitor in a ritualistic opening of a Chapter within one year or has examined the visitor as a member of the Examining Committee.

• When Conductresses can vouch for visitors, they nod for the visitors to be seated and continue.

• When a member can vouch for a visitor, she/he says: “Sister Associate Matron, I vouch for Sister/Brother (Name), a member of (Name of Chapter and No.), Town and State.”

• When a member stands to vouch, she/he should vouch for all in her/his group. She/he says: “Sister Associate Matron, I vouch for Sister(s)/Brother(s) (Name), (Name), (Name), members of (Name of Chapter and No.), Town and State.”

b) If no one can vouch for a visitor during proving of Chapter and it is necessary to examine a visitor:

• The Worthy Matron appoints an Examining Committee.

• The Worthy Matron instructs the Marshal to escort the visitor to the preparation room door where she/he meets the Committee.

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• The Examining Committee and the visitor retire and the Marshal returns to her/his station.

• The Examining Committee examines the visitor.

• The Examining Committee and the visitor return in form through the Warder’s door, following the Flag Salute.

• While standing back of Esther’s station, the Examining Committee Chairperson reports: “Worthy Matron, the Committee has examined Sister/Brother (Name), a member of (Name of Chapter and No.), Town and State and found her/him to be a member in good standing.”

5. To complete proving of Chapter:

• The Conductresses meet in the West in front of the Associate Matron and face each other leaving a space between them. (Exact wording found in Ritual, p. 27)

• The Associate Conductress reports to the Conductress.

• The Conductress and Associate Conductress turn toward the West.

• The Conductress reports to the Associate Matron.

• The Conductress and Associate Conductress turn inward and face the East.

• The Associate Matron reports to the Worthy Matron.

• The Conductress and Associate Conductress immediately march to their stations, keeping directly opposite each other, following the marching lines and observing square corners.

• The Associate Matron, Conductress, and Associate Conductress remain standing.

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OPENING

1. In Nebraska, each Chapter must use the long form ritualistic opening ceremony a minimum of eight (8) stated meetings each year. Short form ritualistic opening may be used at any additional meeting of the Chapter during the same year. (Ritual, p. 28, Note) (Law Section 148 (1)).

2. The Worthy Matron calls up the officers with two raps of the gavel and the opening ceremony continues.

3. The Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress, Associate Conductress, Organist and Warder stand in front of their chairs. The Star Points, Chaplain, and Marshal stand to the side of their chairs (Ritual, p. 27).

4. All officers turn to face the Worthy Matron to give their responses.

5. The officers do not touch their badges when explaining them.

6. An officer pro tem must give the duty and badge of office. A member serving as a Star Point pro tem must also give the sign.

ALTAR SERVICE (Ritual, pp. 41-42)

1. The Worthy Matron says to the Conductress: “Sister Conductress, you will attend at the Altar.” and the Chapter is called up with three raps of the gavel. 18 2014

• During open meetings only: The Worthy Matron says to the Conductress: “Sister Conductress, you will open the Bible.”

2. The Conductress leaves her station (on the east side of the pedestal, if there is one), marches to the West on the south marching line to a point two to four steps beyond Esther’s station, makes an acute angle and enters the Labyrinth between Ruth and Esther.

3. The Star Points slowly turn inward to face the Altar as the Conductress leaves her station.

4. Members assume the Reverent Attitude as the Conductress enters the Labyrinth (Ritual, p. 16).

5. The Conductress reaches the Altar, waits for the music to cease, then nods to the Worthy Matron.

6. To open the Bible, the Conductress:

• Places her right hand firmly in the center of the front edges and places her left hand firmly on the back edge, just opposite her right hand.

• Raises the front edges of the Bible with her right hand as her left hand guides the back of the Bible to the center of the Altar.

• Moves her left hand slowly up the front side of the Bible and opens it to Matthew 2:2 with both hands.

• Secures the pages with her thumbs and lowers both sides at the same time.

• Gives the Salutation sign to the open Bible and all members repeat to themselves Matthew 2:2, “We have seen His Star in the East and are come to worship Him.”

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• During open meetings, she does not give the Salutation Sign or nod.

7. The Conductress drops the Salutation Sign, steps back into the circle of officers (Ritual p. 41), midway between Ruth and Esther, and assumes the Reverent Attitude and faces the Altar. (She also may take two steps straight back, turn outward, and assume her place in the circle of officers.)

Opening Prayer (Ritual, p. 42)

1. When the Worthy Matron directs the Chaplain to lead in prayer, the Chaplain drops the Reverent Attitude and marches to the West on the north marching line to a point two to four steps beyond Esther’s station, makes an acute angle and enters the Labyrinth between Esther and Martha.

2. When the Chaplain reaches the Altar, the music ceases.

3. The Chaplain kneels, if possible, and all members assume the Attitude of Prayer (Ritual, p. 16).

• After the prayer, the Chaplain drops the Reverent Attitude, rises and steps back into the circle of officers midway, between Esther and Martha, and faces the Altar. (She/He also may take two steps straight back, turn outward, and assume her/his place in the circle of officers.)

• All members drop the Reverent Attitude and face the East.

4. The Opening Ode must be sung or recited.

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5. The Worthy Matron declares the Chapter open with a slight rap of the gavel on the word “business”.

• The emblematic star is turned on.

• The Warder is directed to inform the Sentinel of the opening of the Chapter.

6. After the report of the Warder, the Conductress and Chaplain turn outward, retracing their steps and return to their stations. Flag Salute

1. The Worthy Matron says: “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in saluting the Flag and repeating the Pledge of Allegiance.”

2. The Worthy Matron seats the Chapter with one rap of the gavel.

INTRODUCTIONS

General Instructions:

1. The Worthy Matron may introduce anyone she wishes.

• The Worthy Matron never gives names, only titles for those introduced.

• Use the exact wording found in the Book of Instruction.

2. Square corners are observed for all introductions.

3. If the first guests to be introduced are seated on the same side of the room, the Conductress (if guests are on the south) or the Associate Conductress (if guests are on the north) will wait at her station until the other nearly reaches her before she leaves her station.

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4. If only one Sister/Brother is to be presented or introduced, she/he is escorted. If there is more than one, they will be asked to follow.

5. When the Conductress and Associate Conductress meet and pass each other, the Conductress is always nearer the Altar.

6. The Conductresses center the guests at the Altar or behind Esther’s station by counting the number of guests being introduced (including the Conductresses), dividing by two and taking that many steps from the center of the Altar or Esther’s station.

7. The Conductresses stand at the ends of the line of guests when at the Altar or behind Esther’s station. They stand at the inside of the line when in the East, keeping the space open between the Altar and the East.

8. The Conductresses will not wait for the music to begin before they start moving; however, the Conductress will wait for the music to stop before she speaks.

9. After each introduction, the Conductress (and Associate Conductress) steps back and then steps forward when addressed by the Worthy Matron.

10. When several introductions are to be made:

• The Conductresses escort guests starting from the side where they receive their instruction.

• They begin with the guests seated nearest the East.

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11. Guests are introduced on the floor only once. If they are to be introduced a second time, they stand in their place to be recognized (see instruction to Conductress, p. 24, #5).

12. If either Conductress must countermarch to put her line into proper position, she countermarches in the West, centering guests back of Esther’s station.

13. In seating more than one guest, the Conductresses take one step forward before asking the guests to follow.

14. When all introductions have been completed, the Worthy Matron nods to the Conductresses and they return to their stations.

Instructions for Assembling Guests (Diagram, pp. 93-94, Book of Instruction):

1. The Conductresses assemble guests two steps inside the marching lines, facing west.

2. The Sisters are always assembled on the south side (near Ruth’s station).

3. The Brothers are always assembled on the north side (near Martha’s station).

4. Guests (Sisters) seated on the north side are at the head of the Conductress’ line.

5. Guests (Brothers) seated on the south side are at the head of the Associate Conductress’ line.

6. When all are assembled, the Conductress(es) lead(s) the Sisters and/or Brothers back of Esther’s station, centering them in a line facing east. (The Conductress is on the north end; the Associate Conductress is on the south end.) 23 2014

Instructions for Conductress:

1. The Conductress makes all introductions from the floor.

2. The Conductress escorts all Sisters.

3. If there are Brothers only, the Conductress escorts them, assembling (as needed) two steps inside the north marching line, then ending behind Esther station on the south end of the line.

4. The Conductress offers her right arm to a Sister and her left arm to a Brother.

• She goes to the left of a Sister to offer her right arm.

• She goes to the right of a Brother to offer her left arm.

5. If all guests in a particular group have already been introduced once on the floor, the Conductress goes behind Esther’s station. Guests to be introduced will stand on the sidelines. The Conductress makes the introduction and the Worthy Matron calls for a hearty welcome to be given. Instructions for Associate Conductress: 1. The Associate Conductress only escorts; she never introduces guests. 2. When Sisters and Brothers are introduced together, the Worthy Matron will instruct the Associate Conductress to assist. 24 2014

3. The Associate Conductress escorts only Brothers.

• She goes to the right of a Brother to offer her left arm.

• If the Conductress is introduced, the Worthy Matron asks another officer or member to assume the station of Conductress.

4. If the Associate Conductress is not assisting, she returns to her station after the Worthy Matron gives the next instruction.

INTRODUCTIONS – GROUP I


1. This is the only group of introductions where the gavel is used.

2. Group 1 consists of those serving in the East or who have served in the East in Grand Chapter. This group is presented at the Altar and escorted through the Labyrinth to the East where they are given Grand Honors (Ritual, p.17).

3. The wording used by the Worthy Matron and Conductress in this group is “...you will present...” and “...I have the honor of presenting...”

Hint: “Grand” is a middle name: “Jane Doe, Past Grand Matron”.

4. The guests are brought from the west marching line (the Sisters entering between Martha and Esther, the Brothers between Ruth and Esther) to a position directly west of the Altar (Diagrams pp. 91-92 in Book of Instruction.) 25 2014

5. Following the welcome, the Chapter is called up with three raps of the gavel as the Conductress(es) leave(s) the Altar with the guest(s).

6. If the Conductress (or Associate Conductress) has only one guest to present, she escorts her/him through the Labyrinth (the Sister on the north side of the Altar; the Brother on the south side of the Altar) to the East, TURNING OUTWARD, to face the West, keeping the guest moving forward (Diagram p. 91, Book of Instruction).

7. One or more guests to be seated in the East:

• The Conductress (and Associate Conductress) leads the guest(s) directly through the Labyrinth to the East.

• The Worthy Matron/Worthy Patron extends a hand to assist the guest(s) to ascend the dais.

• The Conductress(es) remain(s) in the East until after Grand Honors and waits for further instruction.

8. More than one guests not to be seated in the East (Diagram p. 92, Book of Instruction):

• The Conductress leads the Sisters through the Labyrinth on the north side of the Altar, turns north in front of Electa’s station, then east and south following the marching lines to a position north of the pedestal in the East, facing west.

• The Associate Conductress leads the Brothers through the Labyrinth on the south side of the Altar, turns south in front of Adah’s station, then east and north following the marching lines to a position south of the pedestal in the East, facing west.

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9. The Conductresses pass in front of their lines to reseat guests, taking one step forward before asking the guests to follow.

Order of Presentation:

1. Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron

2. General Grand Chapter Officers and Appointments

3. Worthy Grand Matrons and Worthy Grand Patrons of Other Grand Jurisdictions.

4. Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons (alphabetically and chronologically by Jurisdiction).

Procedure for Presentation:

1. Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron” (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says: “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting Sister (Name), Worthy Grand Matron and Brother (Name), Worthy Grand Patron.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron to the East.”

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• The Chapter is called up with three raps of the gavel as the Conductress(es) leave(s) the Altar with the guest(s).

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guests reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in saluting the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron with the Grand Honors.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after Grand Honors): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s).”

• The Chapter is seated with one rap of the gavel.

2. General Grand Chapter Officers and Appointments:

a) Most Worthy Grand Matron and Most Worthy Grand Patron

b) Past Most Worthy Grand Matron(s) and Past Most Worthy Grand Patron(s)

c) Elected General Grand Chapter Officers and Right Worthy Grand Trustees

d) Appointed General Grand Chapter Officers

e) General Grand Chapter Ambassadors and Committee Members are introduced alphabetically by the name of their Committee (Country for Ambassadors) and then by their second title.

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present (Title)” (and if both Sisters and Brothers: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

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• The Conductress says: “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting Sister/Brother (Name)...(Title) of General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron/Patron of (Jurisdiction) Order of the Eastern Star.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the ...(Title)...to the East.”


• Worthy Matron says (when the guests reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in saluting the ...(Title)...with the Grand Honors.”

• After Grand Honors, if the guest(s) are not to remain in the East, the Worthy Matron says: “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s).”

• The Chapter is immediately seated with one rap of the gavel.

29 Rev. 1st Bullet GGC 2018

Special Instructions for Introducing General Grand Chapter Committee Members and

Appointments – for the 2018-2021 Triennium.

Nebraska’s General Grand Chapter Appointees for the 2018-2021 Triennium are:

GROUP 1 INTRODUCTION:

Sister Jan Thoman, Ambassador to the Philippines, Luzon (Lou-zon’), of the General Grand Chapter, and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska.

Sister Sharlene Coulter, Member of the Appeals and Grievances Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska.

Sister Cynthia Norman, Member of the Eastern Star Journal Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska.

Sister Judy Wehrbein, Member of the Service Dogs Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska.

Sister Beverly Donham, Member of the Youth Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand

Matron of Nebraska.

GROUP II INTRODUCTION: Sister Laurie Sieg, Campfire Friend. See Pages 34-40.

GROUP I INTRODUCTIONS

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Ambassador(s) and General Grand Chapter Committee Member(s) (and if both Sisters and Brothers: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”).

30 GGC Committees Rev. 2018

• The Conductress says: “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting Sister Jan Thoman, Ambassador to the Philippines, Luzon (Lou-zon’), of the General Grand Chapter, and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska; and

• Sisters Sharlene Coulter, Member of the Appeals and Grievances Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska; Cynthia Norman, Member of the Eastern Star Journal Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska; Judy Wehrbein, Member of the Service Dogs Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska; and Beverly Donham, Member of the Youth Committee of the General Grand Chapter and Past Grand Matron of Nebraska.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Ambassador(s) and General Grand Chapter Committee Member(s) to the East.” Chapter is called up as they leave the Altar.

• The Worthy Matron says (when the guests reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in saluting the Ambassador(s) and General Grand Chapter Committee Member(s) with the Grand Honors.”

• Worthy Matron (if guests are not to remain in the East): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s). Chapter is seated with one rap of the gavel.

31 GGC Committees Updated 2018

Note: Deputies who are Past Grand Matrons or Past Grand Patrons will be introduced with the Committee Members. All other Deputies and special appointments to General Grand Chapter will be recognized when they are introduced within the proper group.

3. Worthy Grand Matrons and Worthy Grand Patrons of Other Grand Jurisdictions, alphabetically by Jurisdiction.

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Worthy Grand Matron(s) and Worthy Grand Patron(s) of other Grand Jurisdictions (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says: “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Worthy Grand Matron(s) and Worthy Grand Patron(s) of other Grand Jurisdictions: Sister(s)/Brother(s) (Name…, (Jurisdiction).”

Example: Sisters (Name), Iowa; (Name)

Kansas; (Name), Nebraska; and Brother(s) (Name)Kansas; (Name) Nebraska, (Name) Wyoming.

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Worthy Grand Matron(s) and Worthy Grand Patron(s) of other Grand Jurisdictions to the East.”

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• The Worthy Matron says (after the guests reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in saluting the Worthy Grand Matron(s) and Worthy Grand Patron(s) of other Grand Jurisdictions with the Grand Honors.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after Grand Honors): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s).


4. Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons, alphabetically and chronologically by Jurisdiction.

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Past Grand Matron(s) and Past Grand Patron(s) (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”).

• The Conductress says: “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Past Grand Matron(s) and Past Grand Patron(s) Sister(s) (Name), (Jurisdiction) and Brother(s) (Name), (Jurisdiction).

Example: Sisters (Name), Iowa; (Name) Kansas; (Name), Nebraska; and Brothers (Name), Kansas; (Name), Nebraska; (Name), Wyoming.

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Past Grand Matron(s) and Past Grand Patron(s) to the East.”

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• The Worthy Matron says (when the guests reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in saluting the Past Grand Matron(s) and Past Grand Patron(s) with the Grand Honors.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the Grand Honors): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s).”


INTRODUCTIONS GROUP II


1. The Chapter is not called up for any introductions in Group II. However, the guests are escorted to the East.

2. Group II consists of those who have “Grand” in their titles, but have not served in the East in Grand Chapter.

• This group is presented behind Esther’s station.

• This group is always escorted to the East and is given a hearty welcome.

• In this group, the title comes before the name(s).

• For the 2018-2021 Triennium only, this includes the Special Appointment(s) of the MWGM and MWGP.

34 GGC Rev. #2 2018

3. The Wording used by the Worthy Matron and Conductress for this group is: “You will present...”and “...I have the honor of presenting...”

4. If both Sisters and Brothers are introduced, the Conductresses lead their lines to the East at the same time. The Conductress leads the Sisters on the north marching line and the Associate Conductress leads the Brothers on the south marching line.

5. The Conductresses lead their lines toward each other in the East, leaving a space in the center, never crossing between the East and the open Bible.

Order of Presentation:

1. Grand Master of Masons

2. Past Grand Master(s) of Masons

3. All Elected Grand Officers

4. All Appointed Grand Officers

5. Grand Officers Emeriti 6. Special Appointments of MWGM and MWGP

7. Grand Representatives

8. District Grand Supervisors

Procedure for Presentation:

1. Grand Master of Masons:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Grand Master of Masons.”

35 GGC Rev. #6 2018

• The Conductress says (after the Conductress and Grand Master are behind Esther’s station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Grand Master of Masons, Most Worshipful Brother...(Name).

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister Conductress, you will escort the Grand Master of Masons to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guest reaches the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving him a hearty welcome.”

• The Worthy Matron says (After the hearty welcome): “Sister Conductress, you will seat our guest.”

2. Past Grand Master(s) of Masons:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Past Grand Master(s) of Masons.”

• The Conductress says (after the guests are behind Esther’s station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Past Grand Master(s) of Masons: Most Worshipful Brother(s) ...(Names).”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister Conductress, you will escort the Past Grand Master(s) of Masons to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guest(s) reach(es) the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving him/them a hearty welcome.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the hearty welcome): “Sister Conductress, you will seat our guest(s).”

36 2018

3. All Elected Grand Officers, according to rank, alphabetically by Jurisdiction:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Elected Grand Officers (and, if both Sister(s) and Brother(s): “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says (after the guest(s) is/are

behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Elected Grand Officer(s): Sister(s)/Brother(s)….(Name)....(Title)....Juris-diction.”

Example: Sisters (Name), Associate Grand Matron, Kansas; (Name), Associate Grand Matron, Minnesota; Brothers (Name) Associate Grand Patron, Wyoming; Sister (Name), Grand Conductress, Iowa.

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Elected Grand Officer(s) to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guests reach

the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the hearty

welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s).

37 2018

4. All Appointed Grand Officers, according to rank, alphabetically by Jurisdiction:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Appointed Grand Officer(s) (and if both Sisters and Brothers: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says (after the guest(s) is/are

behind Esther’s station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Appointed Grand Officers: Sister(s)/Brother(s)….(Name)….(Title)...Juris-diction.”

Example: Brothers (Name, Grand Chaplain Nebraska; (Name) Grand Marshal, Kansas; Sister(s) (Name) Grand Organist, Iowa (Name), Grand Adah, Iowa, (Name), Grand Adah, Nebraska.

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Appointed Grand Officer(s) to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guests reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the hearty welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s).”

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5. Grand Officers Emeriti, alphabetically by Jurisdiction; (Use “Emeritus”, if only one guest. Use “Emeriti” if more than one.”

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Grand Officer(s) Emeritus/Emeriti (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says (after the guest is behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Grand Officer(s) Emeritus/Emeriti: Sister/Brother….(Name)…

(Title)…..(Jurisdiction).”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Grand Officer(s) Emeritus/Emeriti to the East.”)

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guest is in the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”


6. Special Appointments of MWGM and MWGP, alphabetically by Grand Jurisdiction they represent.

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Special Appointment(s) of the Most Worthy Grand Matron and Most Worthy Grand Patron.”

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• The Conductress says (after the guest is behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Special Appointment(s) of the Most Worthy Grand Matron (and Most Worthy Grand Patron): Sister(s) (Name, Campfire Friend, Jurisdiction) LAURIE SIEG, Campfire Friend, Nebraska, (Name, Campfire Friend, Jurisdiction)…(and Sister(s)..(Name)…Tophat Pride, Texas).

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Special Appointment(s) of the Most Worthy Grand Matron and Most Worthy Grand Patron to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guest is in the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”


7. Grand Representatives, alphabetically first by Grand Jurisdiction they represent and then by their own Jurisdiction:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the Grand Representatives (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

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• The Conductress says (after the guest(s) is/are behind Esther’s station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the Grand Representative(s): Sister (Name)... (Jurisdiction she represents) in (her own Jurisdiction) and Brother (Name)... (Jurisdiction he represents) in (his own Jurisdiction).”

Example: Sister (Name), Colorado in

Nebraska; Sister (Name), Colorado in Quebec; Brother (name), Iowa in Nebraska Sister (Name), Kansas in Nebraska, and Brother (Name), Kansas in Wyoming.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Grand Representative(s) to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guests reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/her/them a hearty welcome.”


8. District Grand Supervisors, presented numerically according to their assigned district.

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will present the District Grand Supervisor(s).”

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• The Conductress says (after the guests are behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the honor of presenting the District Grand Supervisor(s)” Sister(s) (Name), District No.; (Name), District No..”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sister Conductress, you will escort the District Grand Supervisor(s) to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the guest(s) reach the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/them a hearty welcome.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the hearty welcome): “Sister Conductress, you will seat our guest(s).”

INTRODUCTIONS – GROUP III

General Instructions

1. The Chapter is not called up for any introductions in Group III.

2. This group consists of anyone the Worthy Matron wishes to honor.

3. The wording used by the Worthy Matron and Conductress for this group is: “You will introduce...” and “I have the pleasure of introducing...”

4. Guests may be:

• Introduced behind Esther’s Station, brought to the East, given a hearty welcome and then seated.

• Introduced behind Esther’s Station, given a hearty welcome, and then seated.

• Introduced on sidelines and given a hearty welcome.

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5. Seating Guests:

• If guests are escorted to the East and given a hearty welcome, the Conductresses pass in front of their lines and ask their guests to follow them to be re-seated.

• If the guests are given a hearty welcome in the West:

The Conductress seats the Sisters on the north side of the room first. She returns for the remaining Sisters, passing in front of her line, seating them in the south.

The Associate Conductress seats the Brothers on the south side of room first. She returns for the remaining Brothers passing behind the line, seating them in the north.

6. If guests are introduced from the sidelines:

• The Worthy Matron says: “I have the pleasure of introducing ...(Name), Title, (if they have one).” Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving them a hearty welcome.”

Order of introduction

1. Visiting Worthy Matron(s) and Worthy Patron(s)

2. Officers of other Masonic Bodies

3. Newly Affiliated Members

4. New Plural Members

5. Grand Companions

6. Any guest the Worthy Matron wishes to honor

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Procedure for Introduction

1. Visiting Worthy Matron(s) and Worthy Patron(s):

• If guests are introduced on the floor the Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will introduce the visiting Worthy Matron(s) and Worthy Patron(s) (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says (after the guests are in the line behind Esther’s station): “Worthy Matron, I have the pleasure of introducing Sister...(Name)...Worthy Matron of ___Chapter No. ___, (Town), (State); and Brother ...(Name)...Worthy Patron of ____ Chapter No. ___, (Town), (State).”

NOTE: If the Worthy Matron and Worthy

Patron are from the same Chapter, the Conductress would say: “Worthy Matron, I have the pleasure of introducing Sister

...(Name), Worthy Matron, and Brother … (Name), Worthy Patron, of ____ Chapter No. ____, (Town), (State).”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome, if guests are to be brought to the East): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress) you will escort the visiting Worthy Matron(s) and Worthy Patron(s) to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (if guests remain in West or are escorted to the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”

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2. Officers of other Masonic Bodies:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will introduce the Officers of Other Masonic Bodies (and if both women and men, “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says (after the guests are in line behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the pleasure of introducing (Name)...(Title); (Name)...(Title)...”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome, if the guests are to be brought to the East): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will escort the Officers of other Masonic Bodies to the East.”

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome, if the guests remain in the West or after they are brought to the East): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”


3. Newly Affiliated Members:

• The Worthy Matron says; “Sister Conductress, you wilI introduce the Newly Affiliated

Member(s) (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

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• The Conductress says (after the guests are behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the pleasure of introducing Sister/Brother (Name), formerly a member of ___Chapter No. ___, of (Town), State, who has been elected to membership in this Chapter.

• The Worthy Matron says (after the welcome): “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”


4. New Plural Members:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will introduce our New Plural Member(s) (and if both a Sister and a Brother: “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says (after the guests are behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the pleasure of introducing Sister/Brother (Name),a member of ___ Chapter No. ___ of (Town), (State), who has been elected to membership in this Chapter.”


• The Worthy Matron says (after the hearty welcome): “Sister(s) Conductress (and Associate Conductress), you will seat our guest(s).”NOTE: Affiliated and plural members should sign the Bylaws before Chapter is opened; if this is not possible, they should do so after being introduced.

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5. Grand Companions: (Introduced in order of the rank of the Grand Officer for whom they are a companion).

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will introduce the Grand Companions (and if both a Sister and a Brother): “Sister Associate Conductress, you will assist.”)

• The Conductress says (after the guests are in line behind Esther’s Station): “Worthy Matron, I have the pleasure of introducing Sister/Brother (Name), Grand Companion to (Title), and Sister/Brother (Name, Grand Companion to (Title).”



6. Any guest the Worthy Matron wishes to honor:

• Guests may be introduced from the sidelines, or the Worthy Matron may ask the Conductress to introduce them.

• If they are introduced from the sidelines by the Worthy Matron, she says: “I have the pleasure of introducing (Name)...(Title, if they have one): Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in giving her/him/them a hearty welcome.”

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HONORING 50-YEAR MEMBERS

1. Each year at the time of filing the Annual Report, the Chapter Secretary shall furnish the Grand Secretary with a list of members who are eligible to receive a pin and certificate of 50-years. The Grand Chapter provides the pin and certificate which will be mailed to the Chapter to arrive by the date the pin is due.

2. If a special presentation is planned previous to the date the pin is due, the Grand Secretary must be notified so that she may approve the mailing of the pin at an earlier date.

3. Grand Honors are given to recipients of 50-year pins, only at the time of the presentation of their pin. (Grand Honors may be given in an open meeting as they are not a secret sign.)

• The Chapter may use its customary manner of presentation of the pin and certificate.

• Recipients of 50-year pins may be presented at the Altar, and escorted through the Labyrinth at this time only. If the presentation is made at the Altar, before Chapter is opened or after it is closed, the Bible must be open.

• After proper presentation of the pin, the assembly will be called up by the Worthy Matron with three raps of the gavel.

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sisters and Brothers, you will unite with me in saluting the new 50-Year Member with the Grand Honors.”

47(a) Fifty-Yr. members (3) Rev. 2016 Renumbered 2018


47(b)

ORDER OF BUSINESS


1. Order of Business:

• Each Chapter follows the order of business as specified in its own Chapter’s Bylaws.

• Unless forbidden by the Chapter’s Bylaws, the order may be transposed or dispensed with at the discretion of the Worthy Matron except opening, reading and approval of minutes, and closing.

• A sample order of business is found on page 44 of the Law Book.

2. One rap of the gavel (Ritual, p. 16)

• Affirms a declaration of the presiding officer.

• Completes each order of business.

3. If there is no item of business, the gavel is not used.

Items of Business:

1. Reading of Minutes:

• The Worthy Matron says: “We are now ready for the regular order of business. We will listen to the reading of the minutes of our previous meeting(s).” She is seated.

• The Secretary stands and reads the minutes from the record book. (If there is a microphone, she may remain seated.)

• The Worthy Matron stands and says: “You have heard the reading of the minutes of our

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previous meeting(s). Are there corrections? (Pause) There being no corrections, the minutes stand approved as read. They are approved, Sister/Brother Secretary.” and gives one rap of the gavel.

• If the minutes are corrected, the Worthy Matron says: “The minutes stand approved as corrected.” She gives one rap of the gavel.

• Approved minutes are signed at this time or after the meeting is closed. The Worthy Matron and the Secretary filling those offices when the meeting was held, sign the minutes of that meeting.

2. Unfinished Business:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister/Brother Secretary, is there any unfinished business?”

• The Secretary states any item pending, or if there is none says, “There is none within my knowledge, Worthy Matron.”

3. Communications and Bills:

• Communications and bills addressed to the Worthy Matron or the Secretary concerning Chapter business are the property of the Chapter and must be presented and read at the first stated meeting following their receipt.

4. Petitions:

• If the Worthy Matron knows there are no petitions (or other items of business), she does not ask for them.

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• Previous to receiving petitions, it is the duty of the Secretary to see that all petitions are in proper form and are accompanied by the necessary fees and documentation (Ritual, p. 166; Law, Sections 102, 113-139)

• In receiving petitions, the Worthy Matron asks: “Sister/Brother Secretary, are there petitions?”

• The Secretary reads petitions in this order:

(1) Affiliation (2) Plural Membership (3) Degrees (4) Reinstatement

• Following reading, the Worthy Matron says: “Are there any objections to receiving this/these petition(s)?” (Pause) “Hearing none, the petition(s) is received.” Or, there being objections, “There being objections, the petition(s) is/are not received.” She gives one rap of the gavel. (No objection can be made to receiving a petition for reinstatement.)

• The Worthy Matron appoints an Investigating Committee of three members, one of whom must be a Brother (Law, Section 125).

5. Ballot: a) General Instructions:

• Balloting MUST be done at a STATED meeting.

• A Brother MUST be present.

• Balloting must conform to Law, Sections 140-147.

• All members present should exercise their voting privilege.

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• A member may enter during balloting but no one may leave (with the exception of the Substitute Sentinel) until balloting is completed (Law, Section 145).

• There are three raps of the gavel during balloting: (1) When the Worthy Matron opens the ballot.

(2) When the Worthy Matron declares the ballot closed. (3) After announcing the result and just before destroying the ballot.

b) Reports on Petitions:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister/Brother Secretary, are there reports on petitions?”

• The Secretary reads the report of the Investigating Committee in full, including the names of the committee. In her minutes, she does not record whether the report was favorable or unfavorable.

c) Following the report on petitions:

• The Secretary hands the petition(s) to the Marshal who delivers it to the Worthy Matron.

• The Worthy Matron receives the petition(s) and says: “Sister Associate Conductress, prepare the ballot box.”

d) Inspecting the ballot box:

• The Associate Conductress carries the ballot box with her RIGHT hand, supporting it on her LEFT arm, securing the drawer with her body as

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extends the box to the member balloting. The

Associate Conductress always faces forward on the marching line.

• She carries the ballot box to the northeast corner, facing west and inspects it, including the drawer.

• She proceeds to the East, places the ballot box on the pedestal with the drawer toward the Worthy Matron.

• She takes a position in front of and at the right of the Worthy Matron, facing west. (She stands on the dais or the floor, not on the steps.

• The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron examine the ballot box (Only the Worthy Matron handles the box.) The Worth Patron is then seated.

e) To open the ballot:

• The Worthy Matron says: “We are about to ballot upon the petition of (Name) to become a member of this Chapter (or to be affiliated or reinstated). Remember, white balls elect, black cubes reject. I now declare the ballot open.” She strikes first blow of the gavel. *(Rap #1)

f) Method of balloting (Diagram, p. 96, Book of Instruction):

• The Associate Conductress never leaves the marching line except when members are physically unable to come to the marching line to ballot.

• Members rise, come to the marching line, cast their ballots, return to their chairs and are seated. Members do not reach out to ballot until the ballot box is extended to them.

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• Star Points step to the side of their chairs and go to the marching line to ballot (Esther goes to the south marching line.) If the Chapter room is small, Star Points are careful to position themselves outside of the Labyrinth when balloting.

g) Order of balloting (Diagram, p. 96, Book of Instruction):

• The Associate Conductress presents the ballot box to the Worthy Matron, who ballots and is seated.

• The Associate Conductress presents the ballot box to the Worthy Patron, who ballots and is seated.

• The Associate Conductress places the ballot box on the pedestal in the East, with the drawer facing south and ballots.

• Staying on the marching line, the Associate Conductress presents the ballot box to each member beginning in the Northeast, proceeding around the Chapter room and ending in the Southeast (Chaplain, Treasurer, Organist, Electa, Martha, Associate Patron, Associate Matron, Warder, Esther, Ruth, Conductress, Adah, Secretary, Marshal).

• NOTE: Sideliners will ballot, as their location warrants, between officers.

• After the Marshal has balloted, the Worthy Matron invites the Sentinel into the Chapter room to ballot. At the same time, the Associate Conductress returns to a position on the west marching line facing north, to the right of Esther’s station.

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h) The Sentinel ballots:

• The Worthy Matron instructs the Warder: “Sister/Brother Warder, you will invite the Sentinel into the Chapter room to ballot. Sister/Brother (Name), you will retire and serve as Substitute Sentinel.”

• Both the Sentinel and Substitute Sentinel enter and retire in proper form. The Sentinel does not enter the Chapter room until the Substitute Sentinel has assumed her/his station.

• The Worthy Matron repeats the charge (wording in Ritual, p. 14).

• The Sentinel ballots west of Esther’s station, faces East, and retires in form.

• After the Sentinel ballots, the Associate Conductress faces the East.

• The Substitute Sentinel returns to the Chapter room in proper form.

i) The ballot closes (Ritual, p.15):

• After she asks: “Have all voted…?”, the Worthy Matron declares the ballot closed and strikes one blow of the gavel. (Rap #2)

• She instructs the Associate Conductress to bear the ballot to the West.

j) Examining the ballot box:

• The Associate Conductress turns left and proceeds to the West, placing the ballot box on the pedestal with the drawer facing the Associate Matron. The Associate Conductress then takes a position in front of and to the right of the Associate Matron, on the dais or on the floor. (She does not stand on the steps.)

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• The Associate Matron and Associate Patron inspect the ballot box. (Only the Associate Matron handles the box.) The Associate Patron is seated immediately following the inspection. The Associate Matron remains standing until the Associate Conductress receives her next instruction.

• When directed by the Worthy Matron, the Associate Conductress proceeds to the East and places the ballot box on the podium with the drawer facing the Worthy Matron. She takes a position in front of and to the right of the Worthy Matron facing west.

• The Worthy Patron rises and the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron inspect the ballot box. (Only the Worthy Matron handles the box.) Following his response to the Worthy Matron, the Worthy Patron is seated.)

k) The Worthy Matron announces the results of the ballot.

• She gives a final blow of the gavel. (Rap #3)

• She destroys the ballot.

• The Associate Conductress replaces the ballot box on the floor at the north side of the pedestal with the drawer facing west and returns to her station.

l) In case of a rejection:

• Upon rejection on a collective ballot, the Worthy Matron says: “The collective ballot not being clear, we will ballot on each petition separately.”

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• The collective ballot is not regarded as the first ballot. If three or more black cubes appear on a separate ballot, a second ballot is taken, and if three or more black cubes appear, the ballot is final and the petition is rejected.

• Following announcement of a rejection, the Worthy Matron reads:

◼ The 7th and 11th Landmarks (Ritual, pp. 164-165

◼ The following portion of the Trial Code: “The following is specifically declared

to be an offense for which a member of the Order of the Eastern Star may be placed on trial and if convicted, punished accordingly: (a) Voting to reject a petitioner for Membership for reasons other than the good of the Order. (b) Divulging the name of a rejected Candidate to one not a member of the Order.”

INITIATION

General Instructions: 1. A Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron may invite a qualified Past Matron, Past Patron or visiting Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron to assist in the East during initiation.

2. The names of candidates shall not be revealed prior to their initiation. 56 2014

3. All officers MUST memorize their work and not use a Ritual in the Chapter room.

4. No ribbons or floral ceremonies are used during initiation.

5. Before the meeting begins:

• The Conductress shall see that a sufficient number of small Bibles are properly placed upon the northeast and southeast corners of the Altar for use by the candidates.

• The Conductress shall see that the Signet is turned on and in working order.

• The Associate Conductress checks to be sure a light is on in the preparation room.

6. No prefix is used when reporting on and when introducing the candidates.

7. After the candidates have taken the Obligation, they are referred to as Sisters and Brothers.

8. For all initiatory lectures, the Conductress(es) will center their new member(s) on the spot where the officer will be standing when she/he is giving the lecture.

9. Officers do not use gestures when giving their lectures.

10. Optional: The new member(s) and Conductress(es) may be seated for the long lecture generally assigned to the Associate Patron. Ritual, p. 86-90, Book of Instruction, p. 65. 57 Initiation (10) added 2016

Procedure:

1. The Associate Conductress is instructed to retire:

• When exemplifying Initiation, members acting as candidates retire in proper form with the Associate Conductress through the Warder’s door.

• Hosts for the candidates enter the Chapter room in form with the Associate Conductress when she returns to report there are candidates in waiting.

2. Preparation of Candidates:

• Before entering the preparation room, the Associate Conductress tells the candidate(s):

1. This is a solemn and serious ceremony. 2. Hats and gloves are not worn in the

Chapter room. 3. They walk in couples and will be

escorted. 4. They will be asked to kneel at the Altar,

if possible, and will be assisted to rise. 5. They are not to touch the large Altar

Bible. 6. They will be asked two questions to

answer aloud.

3. Entering the preparation room:

• Following her lecture, the Associate Conductress arranges candidates in proper order to the preparation room door.

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(Numbers indicate the order in which candidates will be introduced to the Associate Matron.)

4. Entering the Chapter Room:

• Lights are dimmed before the candidate(s) enters the Chapter room (on the word “admit”)

• The Conductresses bring in the candidate(s) (Ritual, p. 53)

• The Ritual does not provide for irregularities. In the Chapter rooms where the preparation room door is irregular, the candidate(s) is/are led inside the door and caused to face the nearest wall for the Conductress lecture.

5. Introducing the Candidate(s):

• Following the Conductress’ lecture, if there is only one candidate, the Associate Conductress assumes her station in the North.

• The Conductress(es) proceed(s) to the Associate Matron to introduce the candidate(s) (Ritual, pp. 171-172, Diagram).

6. Obligation:

a) The Conductress(es) follows the Ritual (Diagram, p. 174). The Conductress(es) reach(es) the Altar, waits for the music to cease and causes the candidate(s) to kneel, if possible.

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(Preparation Room)

6 A.C.

5 4

3 2

C 1

b) Placing Bibles:

• The Conductress(es) pick(s) up a small Bible and moves to the front corner(s) of the Altar. The Conductress gives the oral instruction from the Secret Work and demonstrates the proper manner of holding the Bible. (If more than one candidate, both Conductresses demonstrate the proper manner of holding Bibles.)

• The Conductress(es) work(s) from the east side of Altar to the west in placing the Bibles in the hands of candidate(s).

• The Bible(s) is/are placed in the hands of the candidate(s) from the right side with the right hand.

• If there are an uneven number of candidates, the Conductress will present and collect the extra Bible.

• The Conductress(es) steps back to the northwest (and southwest) corner(s) of the Altar facing east and the Conductress reports to the Worthy Patron.

c) The Worthy Patron calls up the Chapter and enters the Labyrinth.

• The Star Points start turning to face the Altar as the Worthy Patron leaves his station.

• The Worthy Patron and members assume the Reverent Attitude as the Worthy Patron enters the Labyrinth.

• The Worthy Patron administers the Obligation from the Secret Work.

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d) The Conductress(es) replace(s) the Bible(s):

• The Conductress(es) work(s) from west to east in removing the Bibles from the hands of the new member(s).

• Bible(s) is/are removed from the left side with the left hand.

• The Conductress(es) replace(s) the Bible(s) on the Altar, return(s) to the northwest (southwest) corner(s) of the Altar and assume(s) the Reverent Attitude.

e) The Worthy Patron assists the new members:

• The lights are turned on full on the word “arise”.

• From this point the new member(s) is/are referred to as “Sister” or “Brother” by the Worthy Patron and all officers.

• The Worthy Patron proceeds according to the Ritual, p. 59, in assisting the new member(s) to rise.

• He returns to the east of the Altar, assumes the Reverent Attitude, and continues his lecture (Ritual, p. 59).

• Still holding the Reverent Attitude, he steps back far enough to be just inside the Labyrinth and finishes his lecture (Ritual, p. 59).

• He then steps back out of the Labyrinth. ▪ All members drop the Reverent

Attitude. ▪ The Star Points turn back to face the

East. ▪ The Worthy Patron returns to his

station and seats the Chapter. (One rap.)

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7. Star Point Lectures:

• The Conductress(es) follow(s) the diagrams in Ritual, pp. 175-180, and wording on pp. 60-75 in conducting the new member(s) to the Star Points for their lectures.

• Conductress(es) center the new member(s) on the position the Star Point will be standing in when she gives the lecture.

• When addressed by the Conductress, the Star Point will rise and step to the side of her chair before responding.

• Star Points do not nod to the Conductress. 8. Prayer Circle: a) General Instructions:

• The Worthy Patron, Organist, Warder and Sentinel do not participate in the Prayer Circle.

• If the Associate Conductress is not assisting, she enters the Prayer Circle between the Associate Patron and Martha.

b) Entering the Labyrinth:

• Following the Worthy Matron’s lecture, the Worthy Patron calls up the Chapter.

• The officers follow diagrams in the Ritual, pp. 181-182, and the Book of Instruction, p. 97, to their positions in the circle.

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• All officers participating begin moving slowly at the same time:

▪ The Conductress waits until the Worthy Matron has passed and then causes the new member(s) to face the West (Ritual, pp 78-79).

▪ All Star Points back behind their

chairs to enter the Prayer Circle. ▪ The Chaplain is the first to enter

the Labyrinth. ▪ Other officers enter the Labyrinth

at the same time.

c.) When the Chaplain reaches the Altar and all others participating are in their proper positions, the officers join hands. This signals that:

• All members assume the Reverent Attitude.

• The Conductress(es) bring(s) the new member(s) into the Prayer Circle. (The Conductress(es) join(s) hands with the officer next to her but not with the new member(s).)

• The Chaplain kneels for prayer. During the prayer, officers follow instructions from the Ritual, middle of p. 79.

d) Following the prayer:

• The Reverent Attitude is dropped by all members after the singing of “Bless Be the Tie that Binds.”

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• All officers (except the Chaplain) back to the edge of the Labyrinth at the same time and return to their stations.

• The Chaplain remains at the Altar until other officers have backed to the edge of the Labyrinth, then she/he steps back out of the Labyrinth.

• After the Worthy Matron passes her, the Conductress(es) countermarch(es) with the new member(s) and march(es) abreast to the East so that they are centered, facing the Worthy Patron. (Ritual, p. 183)

• The Worthy Patron seats the Chapter when the Chaplain has returned to her/his station.

9. Worthy Patron’s Lecture:

a) Only the Worthy Patron or Worthy Patron pro tem shall give the lecture of the Worthy Patron during initiation.

b) During his lecture, the Worthy Patron remains at his station at the left of the podium.

c) He follows the wording in the Ritual, pp. 81-85. He does not use gestures.

d) The Conductress remains on the floor facing southwest while giving the Secret Work. Her attention is focused on the Worthy Patron during the Cabalistic Word and Motto. She

turns her head when she repeats the Cabalistic

Word and Motto to the new member(s). (Secret Work (#17) pp. 3-4)

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e) In demonstrating the grip, the Conductresses remains with the first new member until the Worthy Patron completes the instruction. She Then demonstrates the grip to each of the other new member(s).

f) If there is one new member, the Conductress proceeds directly to the Signet; if there is more than one, she passes behind the line to proceed to the Signet.

g) The Worthy Patron may look at the Signet when giving his lecture. 10. If the optional lecture is given by the Associate Patron:

• The Conductress(es) follow(s) the Ritual (Diagram, p 184) to conduct the new member(s) to the Associate Patron, where they may be seated if they desire.

• Following the Associate Patron’s lecture, the Conductress(es) and new Member(s) return to the East (Ritual, p 185).

11. Signing the Bylaws: a) If one new member, the Conductress:

• Offers her right arm to the new member, turns right and escorts the member directly to the Secretary’s desk.

• Faces north and waits for the new member. 65 2014

• Offers her right arm after the new member has signed the Bylaws and they make a circuit of the room, ending in a straight line centered in the East facing west.

b) If more than one new member, the Conductress:

• Asks the new members to follow her in couples. (Ritual, p. 186)

• Turns to the left and countermarches her line about half the distance to the Secretary’s desk.

• Pauses and instructs the new members behind her to wait until she nods to each of them to proceed (beginning with the new member nearest the Altar).

• Proceeds to the Secretary’s desk with the first new member on her right arm and waits facing north.

• Offers her right arm to the new member and nods to the next member in line (the one nearest the Altar) to go to the desk unassisted. After signing, that member is escorted on the Conductress’ right arm to a position on the south marching line, facing west.

• Returns to the Secretary’s desk, waits facing north, and then escorts each new member (except the last one) on her right arm to her/his position on the marching line.

c) The Associate Conductress offers her left arm to the last new member (moving up if necessary), escorts her/him to the desk and waits facing south.

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After the signing, she offers her left arm and escorts that member into position on the marching line.

12. The Worthy Patron calls up the Chapter. 13. The members sing a welcome song as the Conductress(es) and new member(s) make a circuit of the room, ending in a straight line, centered in the East facing west. (Ritual, pp. 187-188)

14. After a hearty welcome is given, without further instruction, the Conductress(es) seat(s) the new member(s) and return(s) to her station(s).

CLOSING CEREMONY General Instructions 1. The same directions are observed by the Chaplain, Conductress and Star Points in closing as stated for opening (Ritual, pp. 45-46). 2. All business and announcements should be made before the Worthy Matron addresses the Associate Matron, as this is the point at which the ritualistic Closing Ceremony begins. Procedure 1. The Worthy Matron addresses the Associate Matron (Ritual, p. 45) 2. The Worthy Matron instructs the Warder to secure the doors.

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3. The Chapter is called up and the closing ode is sung or recited.

4. The Chaplain approaches the Altar as in the opening (arms at side), and after the closing prayer is completed, steps back into the circle of officers between Martha and Esther, faces the Altar and assumes the Reverent Attitude.

5. The Conductress attends at the Altar.

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will attend at the Altar.”

Open meetings only: The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will close the Bible.”

• The Conductress approaches the Altar as in the opening and waits for the music to cease.

• She gives the Salutation Sign to the open Bible and all members repeat to themselves: “We go forth into the world to live our Obligation.”

Open meetings only: The Conductress does not give the Salutation Sign, or nod.

• To close the Bible, the Conductress: • Places her hands on the center of the front

edges, securing the pages with her thumbs.

• Raises both sides of the Bible at the same time.

• Holds the front edges firmly with the right hand while the left hand moves slowly down the center of the front side of the Bible to the back edge.

• Guides the Bible to the center of the Altar as she lowers the front edges to the Altar.

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• She lifts both hands away at the same time and lowers her hands to her sides.

• She makes a nod to the Worthy Matron.

• She steps back into the circle of officers between Ruth and Esther, faces the Altar and remains there until Chapter is closed.

• All members drop the Reverent Attitude.

6. The Worthy Matron gives the farewell (Ritual, p. 47) and declares Chapter closed.

• She gives slight rap of the gavel on the word “Closed”.

• The emblematic star is turned off.

7. The Worthy Matron instructs the Warder.

• The Warder opens the door without raps.

• After informing the Sentinel, she/he returns to her/his station, making no report to the Worthy Matron.

8. The music begins and the Conductress and Chaplain return to their stations as in the opening ceremony.

Following Closing Ceremony:

1. The gavel is NOT used following the Closing Ceremony.

2. Gift presentations and addenda may be given either before or after the retiring march.

3. The Worthy Matron says: “The Officers will retire.” (no raps)

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PRONUNCIATION (pro-nun-see-AY-shun)

actuate……………………………..……...AK- choo-ate

address……………………………………....uh-DRESS

adverse………………………………….……ad-VERSE

aged………………………………………….……..AY-jid

Ammon……………………………………….…...AM-un

annals………………………………………...…ANN-uls

appropriate…………….……………..uh-PRO-pree-ut ascertain…………………………………...as-er-TANE

associate…………………………….…...uh-SO-she-ut bade………………………………………………….BAD

baton……………………………………...…..buh-TAHN

beneficent……………..…………...buh-NEFF-uh-sent Boaz…………………………………..…………...BO-az

cabalistic…………………………...…..cab-uh-LIS-tick

candidate…………………….…………....CAN-di-date

column………………………………..………...KOL-um

consummated………………….…….CON-soo-mated

culms……………………………..……………..KULMS

dais…………………………….………………....DAY-us

degradation……………………..….deg-ruh-DAY-shun

direct……………………………...…………...du-REKT

discipline…………….……………………..dis-uh-plun

discretion……………………………….dis-KRESH-un

edict……………………………………………....EE-dikt effulgent……………………….…………….if-FUL-gent Electa………………………………………..ee-LEK-tuh

Elimelech……………………….………..ee-LIM-uh-lek

emeritus………………………….……..uh-MER-uh-tus

emeriti……………………….…………...uh-MER-uh-tie

enrich………………………………….………..en-RICH

era……………………………………...………….AIR-uh

escort……………………….………………….es-KORT

fidelity…………………………………..fuh-DEL-uh-tee

filial…………………………………..………..FILL-ee-ul heroine………………….…………………..HAIR-oh-un

heroic..………………….…………………….huh-RO-ik

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humble………………………………………...HUM-bull illustrated…………………………….….ILL-us-trait-ud

Imhoff…………………………………...……….I’M-hoff inculcated………………………..………..in-cull-kated

inquirer……………………………………..in-CHOIR-er

inquiry……………………….……………..in-CHOIR-ee

inviolate…………………………...………….in-VIOLET

Jephthah………………………………..……...JEFF-tha

Jessamine………………………..……….JESS-uh-mun

Labyrinth……………………………...………..LAB-rinth

maintenance…………………………...MAIN-tuh-nunce

minute……………………….………………..muh-NOOT

Mizpeh…………………………………………….MIZ-puh Moabitish………………………..…….Mow-uh-BUY-tish

momentous…………………….…………...mo-MEN-tus

Naomi………………………..……………...Nay-OH-mee

often……………………………………...………..OFF-un

offense……………………………….………...uh-FENCE

oppressed…………………………..……...uh-PRESSED

Orpah……………………………………..………..OR-puh

pagan………………………..…………………….PAY-gun

poor………..….….…...….….….……..….….……..PUER

promulgating…………………...…...pro-MULL-gate-ing

saith…………………………………….…………….SETH

scepter………………………………...…………...SEP-ter

secretary……………………….……………...SEK-ri-terry

solemnity……………………………..…suh-LEM-nuh-tee

subjected………………………….………….sub-JEK-tud

supervisor……………………………...….SOUP-er-visor

sword…………………………………….…………..SORD

toward…………………………………………...…...TORD

traverse……………………………………….truh-VERSE

Vashti……………………………………………..VASH-tie

71 Moabitish added 2017

ELECTION OF OFFICERS For Subordinate Chapters

Under New Business – Election of Officers General Instructions:

• Election of officers must follow Bylaws Governing Subordinate Chapters, Sections 80-92.

• Electioneering is illegal. Neither the candidate for an office nor any member favoring a specific member for an office can campaign for that office.

• If the chapter Bylaws contain instructions for balloting, then the Chapter must continue to follow these instructions until such time as the Chapter Bylaws may be properly changed.

• Previous to the meeting paper ballots and pens or pencils should be prepared and should be on hand at the Secretary’s desk so as not to delay the election in case of the need for a written ballot.

• The Worthy Matron may appoint tellers previous to beginning the election so that they could proceed quickly in case of a written ballot.

Procedure for Election:

• The Worthy Matron says: “We are now ready for the election of officers.” She may ask the Worthy Patron to preside over the election.

• The presiding officer says: “Are there nominations for the office of Worthy Matron?”

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• A member may then rise and say: “I nominate Sister ____________ for the office of Worthy Matron.” (The nomination does not require a second.)

• The presiding officer says: “Are there any other nominations?” If none are heard, the presiding officer says: “Hearing no further nominations, I declare the nominations closed.”

• The presiding officer then says: “Sister _________, you have been elected to the office of Worthy Matron. Do you accept?” If the member accepts, the presiding officer says: “I declare Sister __________ elected to the office of Worthy Matron by acclamation.”

• If there is more than one nomination for the office, the Chapter must vote by written ballot.

▪ The presiding officer gives any necessary instruction on the ballot.

▪ The tellers and the Secretary should tally the ballots with one reading the ballot out loud. There must be a majority vote for election. If there is not a majority, the Chapter must ballot again.

• When a majority ballot has been reached, the presiding officer then says: “Sister __________, you have been elected to the office of Worthy Matron. Do you accept?” If the member accepts the presiding officer says: “I declare Sister __________ elected to the office of Worthy Matron.”

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• The Secretary shall record each such election in the minutes.

• Election proceeds in a like manner for each office, in order. The election for each office must be completed before proceeding to the next one.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

General Instructions: 1. Installations may be held on Sunday. 2. The incoming Worthy Matron is responsible for planning all items concerning installation and shall select the Installing Officers. 3. All introductions are done by the outgoing Worthy Matron with the exception of the families of the incoming officers. 4. Installing officers must not be of a lower rank than Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Past Matron or Past Patron. 5. If an Assistant Installing Officer is used, he or she only installs the Worthy Patron. 6. A soloist is not an Installing Officer. At an open installation, the soloist does not have to be a member of the Order. 7. Officers shall not be installed by proxy. 8. All officers to be installed must be members of the Chapter. 9. All courtesies are extended after the Installation Ceremony is concluded. 74 Installation (5) added 2016

10. It is the duty of the Secretary to furnish the Installing Marshal with a list of the elected and appointed officers. 11. A space between the chairs should be left for the Chaplain to approach the Altar for prayer. 12. Chairs should be left in the semi-circle in the West until after the Installation Ceremony is completed and removed following the Proclamation by the Installing Marshal. 13. Square corners are observed unless otherwise directed by the Diagram of the Labyrinth on pp. 189-194 of the Ritual. 14. The Attitude of Prayer is assumed by all members as the Chaplain kneels for prayer, and the Reverent Attitude is assumed by all members during the Obligation. 15. The Outgoing Worthy Matron signs the minutes of the Installation. Closed Installation:

1. The Chapter is opened in ritualistic form and the necessary business is conducted. The Installation Ceremony may take place under New Business or Good of the Order.

2. The Worthy Matron introduces the Installing Officer and presents the gavel to her/him, who then names her/his Installing Assistants.

• There should also be an Installing Warder and an Installing Sentinel.

3. The Installing Officer declares a recess and the officers retire through the preparation room door. 75 2014

4. After the Sentinel is installed, she/he gives the Salutation Sign, retires in form and assumes her/his station outside the Chapter room.

5. Chapter is closed in ritualistic form.

Open Installation:

1. An Open Installation may be held only by vote of the Chapter at a previous stated meeting.

2. Star Point emblems and the lighted Star may be used.

3. Flower baskets and pedestals are optional.

4. The Charter must be present in the Chapter room.

5. If there is no Stated Meeting prior to Installation, the Worthy Patron calls the meeting to order by giving one rap of the gavel and the retiring officers march in and assume their stations without invitation or escort.

6. The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will open the Bible.” She calls up the Chapter with three raps of the gavel.

7. The Star Points turn toward the Altar and all members assume the Reverent Attitude.

8. The Worthy Matron says: “You will unite with me in praying the Lord’s Prayer.”

9. The Worthy Matron gives one rap of the gavel on the word “open” as she declares Chapter open for the Ceremony of Installation of Officers.

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10. The Worthy Matron says: “You will unite with me in Saluting the Flag and repeating the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of our National Anthem.” (The Salute is held during singing.)

11. The Worthy Matron seats the Chapter, extends a welcome and makes introductions as appropriate.

12. If the Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron is the Installing Officer, she/he would remain in the East and announce her/his assistants.

13. If the Worthy Matron is not the Installing Officer, she would introduce the Installing Officer, who comes to the dais or may be escorted to the East by the Conductress. The Worthy Matron presents the gavel to the Installing Officer and she/he announces her assistants.

• Those assisting in the installation are not escorted.

14. The Installing Officer declares a recess and the officers retire with no special march.

15. During the recess:

• The Installing Marshal collects the officers’ badges and arranges them on the Altar in the following order:

▪ On the north side: Worthy Matron, Treasurer, Conductress, Associate Conductress, Chaplain, Organist (unless the instrument is in the south), Star Points, Warder and Sentinel.

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• On the south side: Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Secretary and Marshal (and Organist if the instrument is in the south.)

• The Installing Marshal is responsible for the

proper position of the officers entering the Chapter room.

• The chairs are set up according to the Ritual, p. 189, leaving a space for the Chaplain to approach the Altar for prayer.

Installation Ceremony: 1. When all is ready, the Installing Officer calls the meeting to order with one rap of the gavel and the assistants assume their stations. 2. The Installing Marshal and Installing Chaplain are seated in the outside chairs. (The Chair to the inside is for the officer to be installed.) 3. The Installing Marshal leads the officers into the semi-circle of chairs, nods to them to be seated and then returns to her/his station. (Ritual, p. 189)

4. The Installing Chaplain offers prayer:

• The Chaplain goes to the Altar in the same manner as in the Ritualistic Opening Ceremony.

• Following response to the prayer, the Chaplain steps back to the edge of the Labyrinth and leaves as she/he entered.

5. The Installing Marshal:

a) Calls the roll of officers using “Sister...or Brother” when directed to do so by the Installing Officer.

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Each officer stands as her/his name is called and remains standing.

• Example: “Worthy Matron, Sister (Name); Worthy Patron, Brother (Name), Associate Matron, Sister (Name), etc.”

b) Leads the officers to the Altar for the Obligation. When in proper position, the officers face the East in unison. (Ritual, p. 190)

c) Steps to the right, staying inside the Labyrinth, before addressing the Installing Officer.

6. The Installing Officer calls up the Chapter, administers the Obligation from the East, and then seats the Chapter. 7. Following the Obligation, the officers are returned to their chairs in the semi-circle by the Installing Marshal, who nods to them. The officers return the nod, turn and are seated in unison except the Worthy Matron, who remains standing. (Ritual, p. 191)

8. The Installing Marshal approaches the officer(s) to be installed, nods and offers her/his arm. If there is more than one, she/he asks the officers to follow. (Ritual, p. 192)

• Officers escorted on the right arm are: Worthy Matron, Treasurer, Chaplain and Organist (if the instrument is in the north.)

• All others are escorted on the left arm or asked to follow.

9. In presenting the officer(s) at the Altar, the Installing Marshal addresses the Installing Officer and steps back slightly so the officer stands alone at the Altar. 79 2014

10. The officer(s) face(s) the Installing Marshal to receive her/his badge and then faces the East for the Charge.

11. If there is a solo used during installation of the Worthy Matron and/or Worthy Patron, the Installing Marshal and the officer being installed remain at the Altar until the solo is concluded before they start toward the East. A solo may be presented after they have received Grand Honors and are seated in the East.

12. The Installing Officer assists the Worthy Matron to the dais and the Worthy Matron stands at the right of the Installing Officer to receive Grand Honors.

13. The Installing Officer assists the Worthy Patron to the dais and he stands to the left of the Installing Officer to receive Grand Honors.

14. The Chapter is called up after the Worthy Matron and/or Worthy Patron is on the dais.

15. When groups of officers are to be installed, the Installing Marshal collects their badges at one time.

16. As soon as each officer has been invested with the badge of his/her/their office, he/she/they immediately face East. This includes groups of officers who are installed together. Examples are (1) Conductress and Associate Conductress, (2) Star Points, and (3) Warder and Sentinel.

17. To seat the Conductress and Associate Conductress, the Installing Marshal leads them out of the Labyrinth, turns East and leads them across the East, leaving the Conductress at her station in the 80 Installation (16) added 2016

South, then leads the Associate Conductress across the West to her station in the North (Ritual, p. 193). Both officers are seated at the same time.

18. The same procedure is followed in seating the Star Points, who assume their stations in order (Ritual, p.194). All Star Points are seated at the same time.

19. To seat the Warder and Sentinel, the Installing Marshal leads them to their stations within and without the door, and then returns to the chair reserved for her/him beside the Marshal.

20. Upon direction from the Installing Officer, the proclamation is given by the Installing Marshal from her/his station using no gestures.

21. The Installing Officer gives the gavel to the Worthy Matron, who seats the Chapter.

Closing for Open Installation:

1, The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will close the Bible.” She calls up the Chapter with three raps of the gavel.

• The Conductress approaches the Altar in the same manner as in opening and leaves the Altar in the same way.

• The Star Points turn toward the Altar and all members assume the Reverent Attitude.

2. An ode is sung and the Mizpeh Benediction is repeated.

3. The meeting is declared closed with one rap of the gavel on the word “closed.”

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4. There may be a retiring march.

Installation Out of Time:

1. Installation shall take place at a Stated Meeting under Unfinished Business.

2. When two or more officers are to be installed, they may all be installed at the same time.

3. The Installing Marshal shall pick up the badges of the officer(s) to be installed and place it/them on the Altar.

4. The following portions of the Installation Ceremony must be given:

• Call the roll of officers to be installed.

• Obligation.

• The Charge and receiving of the badge.

• Proclamation. 82 2014

OPEN MEETINGS IN THE CHAPTER ROOM

1. Refer to Section 61 of Bylaws Governing Subordinate Chapters for law concerning special meetings.

2. Preparation of the Chapter Room

• The Charter must be present in the Chapter room.

• Pedestals, emblems and flower baskets may be used, but are optional.

• The Signet may be lighted.

• The Bible must be placed on the Altar.

• The emblematic Star in the East may be lighted.

• The officers wear their badges.

3. Entrance of officers:

• The Worthy Patron, Associate Patron and Organist enter and go directly to their stations, using square corners.

• The Worthy Patron calls the Chapter to order by giving one rap of the gavel. No wording is necessary. He does NOT call up the Chapter for the incoming march.

• The officers enter without invitation or ceremony.

• Officers may perform an incoming march, but they DO NOT stop inside the Labyrinth and all, including the Worthy Matron, assume their stations at the end of the march without invitation or escort.

• Officers may watch the Worthy Matron so that all may be seated in unison. (The gavel is NOT used to seat the officers.)

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4. Opening:

• The Worthy Matron rises and says: “Sister Conductress, you will open the Bible.” She calls up the Chapter with three raps of the gavel.

• The Conductress marches west on the south marching line to a point two to four steps beyond Esther’s station, makes an acute angle and enters the Labyrinth between Ruth and Esther.

• The Star Points start turning toward the Altar as the Conductress leaves her station.

• All members assume the Reverent Attitude as the Conductress enters the Labyrinth.

• The Conductress opens the Bible without ceremony. (She does not nod to the Worthy Matron or give the Salutation Sign.)

• The Conductress steps back to the edge of the Labyrinth, immediately turns outward and retraces her steps, returning to her station.

• When the Conductress is out of the Labyrinth, the members, including the Star Points, drop the Reverent Attitude and face the East.

• As soon as the Conductress has returned to her station, the Worthy Matron says: “You will unite with me in praying the Lord’s Prayer.”

• Following the prayer, the Worthy Matron says: “I now declare ____Chapter open for ______(she states the purpose for which the meeting has been called, such as ‘Ceremony of Installation’, ‘Visitation of Grand Officers’, ‘Presentation of 50-Year Pins’, etc.). She gives a slight rap of the gavel on the word “open.”

• The Worthy Matron says: “You will unite with me in saluting the Flag and repeating the

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Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the National Anthem.” (The salute is held during singing.)

• The Worthy Matron seats the Chapter with one rap of the gavel, extends a welcome and makes introductions as she desires. (Book of Instruction, pp 21-46)

• The Worthy Matron proceeds with the purpose for which the meeting was called.

5. Closing:

• The Worthy Matron says: “Sister Conductress, you will close the Bible.” She calls up the Chapter with three raps of the gavel.

• The Conductress proceeds to the Altar in the same manner as in the opening. Star Points turn toward the Altar and members assume the Reverent Attitude as in the opening.

• The Conductress closes the Bible without ceremony, steps back to the edge of the Labyrinth and returns to her station. When she is out of the Labyrinth, all members drop the Reverent Attitude and face the East.

• The Worthy Matron says, “You will unite with me in singing the closing ode.”

• Following the ode, the Worthy Matron says: “You will unite with me in repeating the Mizpeh Benediction. ‘May the Lord watch between me and Thee while we are absent one from the other.’ ”

• The Worthy Matron says: “I now declare _____Chapter closed.” She strikes one rap of the gavel on the word “closed.”

• If there is a retiring march, the Worthy Matron says: “The Officers will retire.”

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EASTERN STAR GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICE

Worthy Matron: “Sisters, Brothers, and Friends, we have gathered at this solemn place and time to perform the final rite which affection has prescribed for our departed Sister/Brother. She/he who was with us but yesterday, has been summoned hence by a messenger who cometh sooner or later for us all.

She/he has indeed passed beyond the reach of praise or the touch of censure. It is not, therefore, to her/him that we tender this, our heart’s saddest offering.

We are here in acknowledgment of sacred ties now severed, of memories tenderly cherished and hearts touched with sympathy for loved ones bereaved.

Our Sister/Brother has finished her/his allotted task in the conflict of life. The chapter of her/his earthly sojourn is closed, but her/his many virtues shall not go unrecorded.

For a time, we have walked with her/him in the pilgrimage of life and around the same Altar we have learned the lessons of our Order.

The brittle thread by which we are all bound to life is broken, and the uncertainty of human life as taught by the lesson of Martha has indeed come to pass. (At this point, one red rose is placed on the casket.)

This red rose is a symbol of the fraternal love we shared. It brings to us the lesson of Christ, who 86 2014

by the sacrifice of His life, taught us to love one another. Let us pray...”

Worthy Patron: “Our Father, which art in Heaven, in whom are all the issues of life and death, we come to Thee in this hour of sorrow to lift the burden of life from our departed Sister/Brother, and to ask that her/his trustful faith in Thee be not forgotten.

We pray Thee to look with tender compassion upon these Thy children, whose household has been broken by this providence.

Sanctify this bereavement to the good of us all. We now commit the soul of our departed Sister/Brother to Thy care, hopefully looking to a reunion with her/him in that house not made with hands, eternal in the heaven, where separation and death are known no more forever. Amen.”

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CEREMONY FOR DRAPING THE CHARTER

General Instructions: 1. Before Chapter begins, the Marshal places the Charter in an appropriate place near her/his station. 2. Draping of the Charter may be done under New Business or Good of the Order. 3. Appropriate music may be played or sung. Draping: 1. The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron rise and the Worthy Matron says: “We are ready for the Ceremony of Draping the Charter.”

• Worthy Matron: “It is fitting that we pause in our deliberations to pay a loving tribute to the memory of our Sister/Brother who has followed the Star over the hilltops, beyond our vision, into the valley of peace.

Silently, one by one, the links of our fraternal chain fall away in parting. Though we hear their voices no more, none can know how far reaching has been their influence for good. We extend deepest sympathy to all the bereaved ones while remembering that ‘to live in the loving hearts of those we leave behind is not to die’.”

• Worthy Patron: “There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars, for one star differeth from another star in glory. So teach us to number

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our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

2. Worthy Matron: “Sisters and Brothers, let us reverently listen while our Secretary reads the record of our departed Sister/Brother.”

3. Secretary: Reads the record of time of death, membership record in the Chapter and offices held.

4. Worthy Matron: “Sister/Brother Marshal, you will complete our tribute of remembrance.”

5. The Marshal rises, holding the drape:

• Marshal: “In loving memory of Sister/Brother ___________ who has entered the life eternal, I reverently drape our Charter (the Marshal places the drape on the Charter).

At home on the beautiful hills of God, By the valley of rest so fair

Someday, sometime, when our task is done

with joy we shall all meet there.”

The Marshal is seated.

6. Appropriate music may be played or sung to complete the ceremony.

7. The drape may be removed following closing of the chapter or may remain over the Charter until the next meeting.

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FAST CHAPTER ROOM ALIGNMENT

Treas. W.M. W.P. Sec.

Chap. Mar.

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A.P. A.M. Warder

wWarde

r

INTRODUCTIONS – GROUP I W.G.M. & W.G.P.

(OR ONLY SINGLE P.G.M. OR P.G.P.)

TREAS. W.M. W.P. SEC.

CHAP. MAR.

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A.C

.

a.c

.a.

CO

ND

.

C. X.

X.

C. X. X . AC

X. A .C.

A.P. A.M.

A.M.

WARDER

INTRODUCTIONS – GROUP I More than 1 P.G.M. and/or More than 1 P.G.P.

TREAS. W.M. W.P. SEC. CHAP. MAR.

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A.C

.

CO

ND

C. X.

C. X. X . AC.

A.C. X. X. C.

A.P. A.M. WARDER

X. A .C.

CONDUCTRESS ASSEMBLING GUESTS FOR INTRODUCTIONS

(ALL DIRECTIONAL LINES ARE ON THE MARCHING LINE.)


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A.C

.

CO

ND

.

1. Begin Picking up Sister(s).

only go as far East as necessary.

2. Step in.

3. Stop – Ask Sister(s)’

to wait.

4. Proceed to North

to pick up Sisters in the North.

5. Only go as far as necessary.

6. Turn and retrace

steps to pick up Sisters in the North.

7. Step in 2 steps.

Have Sisters follow

until they are all in line.

A.P. A.M. WARDER

8. Center behind Esther’s chair (Group II or III)

or proceed to Altar (Group I).

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTRESS ASSEMBLING GUESTS FOR INTRODUCTIONS (ALL DIRECTIONAL LINES ARE ON THE MARCHING LINE)


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A.C

.

CO

ND

.

1. Begin picking up Brothers. Only go as far as necessary.

2. Step in 2 steps.

3. Stop – Ask Brothers

to wait.

4. Proceed to South to pick up Brothers.

5. Only go as far South

as necessary.

6. Turn and retrace

steps to pick up Brothers in South.

7. Step in and

have Brothers follow

until they are all in line.

8. Center behind Esther’s chair (Group II or III)

or proceed to Altar (Group I).

WARDER A.P. A.M.

RETURNING GUESTS TO THEIR SEATS FROM THE WEST


95 2014

A.C

.

CO

ND

.

C. X. X. X. X. X. X. X. A.C.

1. Conductress seats

Sisters in the North first.

2. Retu;rns, passes in front

and asks Sisters from the South to follow.

1. A.C., seats Brothers

in the South first.

2. Returns, asks Brothers

from North to follow

and passes in back.

A.P. A.M. WARDER

BALLOTING DIAGRAM FOR ASSOCIATE CONDUCTRESS

(ALL DIRECTIONAL LINES ARE ON THE MARCHING LINE) TREAS. W.M. W.P. SEC. CHAP. MAR.

96 2014

A.C

.

CO

ND

.

Line of March for the Associate Conductress

to carry the ballot box for voting.

Line of March for the Associate Conductress

To carry the ballot box for examination.

A.P. A.M. WARDER

PRAYER CIRCLE

97 2014

CONDUCTRESS

ADAH

SECRETARY

MARSHAL

RUTH

ASSOCIATE MATRON

ESTHER

ASSOCIATE PATRON

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTRESS

(IF NOT ASSISTING)

MARTHA

TREASURER

ELECTA

WORTHY MATRON

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTRESS

COMBINED INDEX FOR CONSTITUTION BYLAWS GOVERNING …

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