Title
To proclaim Saturday, August 2, 2003 as Esther Chapter Number 3 Day.
Body
WHEREAS, Esther Chapter Number 3 is an Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliate located in Columbus, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, In March 1775, Prince Hall, a free Black man, and 13 others like him were initiated into the lodge in Boston, Massachusetts by the British Governor after being refused admittance to the Masonic order by the colonist. In 1787, this group formed its own lodge and received a charter from the Grand Lodge of England under the name Africa No. 429; and
WHEREAS, The Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliate is the body that was formed for women to enter into masonry under the adoption of the lodges for men. Any woman who is the wife, mother, sister, widow or daughter of a man belonging to a legally constituted lodge is eligible for membership. These chapters were formed to provide much needed benevolent services and opportunities for leadership development among members; and
WHEREAS, Eastern Chapter No. 3 was organized February 8, 1882 as third subordinate chapter in the state. At that time, Eliza J. Taylor served as Worthy Matron, J.J. Sparrow was Worthy Patron and Frances Lucas was Associate Matron; and
WHEREAS, The membership of Esther Chapter has grown from its beginnings over 100 years ago. Today, the chapter counts 92 members, among them 37 Past Matrons, 13 Past Patrons, one Past Grand Worthy Matron, Alice V. Kelley and one Past Grand Worthy Patron, Wilse Simpson. Esther Chapter No. 3 has continued its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders by sponsoring Esther Assembly No. 28, a Girls' Assembly group; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby proclaim Saturday, August 2, 2003 as Esther Chapter Number 3 Day in Columbus, Ohio.