Alliance, Palmy OES chapters merge

DEERFIELD

Worthy Matron Beth Cooper and Worthy Patron Bill Stratton presided at the Deerfield Masonic Hall recently when Alliance Chapter 296 merged with Palmy Chapter 114, Order of the Eastern Star.

When the meeting opened, Worthy Matron Heather Norris and Worthy Patron Erik Norris placed Alliance and Sebring Chapters’ Bibles and Charters in places of honor. Sebring chapter had previously merged with Alliance.

After the opening ceremony, guests were introduced, including Bruce Hansford, past grand patron and member of the Grand Chapter Mergers and Consolidations Committee; Robert Palmer, past grand patron, grand trustee and worthy patron of Ravenna chapter; Susan Simpson, associate grand conductress, Grand Chapter of Ohio; Susan Schenck and Nancy Jugenheimer, deputy grand matrons of District 2 and 13 respectively; worthy matrons and worthy patrons of other chapters; and the past matrons and past patrons of Palmy Chapter. Also recognized were the members of Alliance Chapter, Honored Masons, 50-year members, officers of District Associations and Past Grand Appointments.

Hansford presided over the merger ceremony under the theme “friendship.”

Cooper and Stratton presented honorary memberships to Susan Simpson and James Simpson, her husband. The Traveling Jewels of Alliance Chapter were mounted in a display case and presented to Palmy Chapter.

Mary Boston, grand representative of North Dakota and former member of Alliance chapter, delivered the closing remarks.

Palmy’s next stated meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Members are reminded to take donations for the Back Door Pantry at Palmyra United Methodist Church.

The December Soup ’n’ Salad will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Deerfield Masonic Hall, 2380 State Route 225. It includes salad, choice of soup and/or chili, crackers, bread, dessert and a beverage. The donation is $5. The public is invited and takeouts are available.

For more information visit www.freemason.com or www.ohoes.org.