nucleus of North Royalton
Chapter No. 578 was formed by ladies who had organized a group known as the Friendship
Club. Many of these ladies were wives of the Members of Edwin S. Griffiths Lodge No.
749. The members worked diligently for eight years toward the goal of having an
Eastern Star Chapter in North Royalton. Their dreams came true on a very warm
afternoon, July 28, 1962, at the Southwest Masonic Temple as guests of Ellbrook Chapter
No. 408. The institution ceremony was performed by Thomas W. Drake, Worthy Grand
Patron, assisted by Grace W. Grether, Worthy Grand Matron. Lois M. Lykins and R.
Wayne Lykins were installed as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. This group of 45
dedicated men and women has grown to a present membership of 135. Our first
Inspection was October 20, 1962, at Berea Masonic Temple with Worthy Grand Patron Thomas
W. Drake as the Inspecting Officer. We received our Charter at the Grand Chapter
Session in Cleveland, Ohio on October 31, 1962.On June 29, 1987, a special meeting was held to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the institution and chartering of North Royalton Chapter No. 578. A delicious catered meal was enjoyed with 74 members, 12 of which were Original Charter Members and 47 visitors present. We were honored by the presence of three Past Grand Matrons; Sisters Joyce Black, Elizabeth Whitehouse and Corrine Witham. There were 13 Past Matrons and 10 Past Patrons present. Sister Maggie Wells, P.M. read a history of our Chapter compiled by Brother William Bruggemeier, P.P. depicting the growth and accomplishments of our Chapter. The Chapter had grown from 45 Charter members to 199 by the end of our 25th year. Sister Joyce Black P.G.M. presided while Sister Lois Lykins P.M., who was our first Worthy Matron, presented twenty-three 25 year, five 40 year and two 50 year pins to our Charter members and members by Affiliation. After the close of the meeting we were entertained with a program of barbershop quartet music by the Sweet Adelines. Following the entertainment refreshments were served. There were many letters sent by Charter Members who could not attend and they too, became a part of this special night.
Our first Grand Appointment came at the Grand Chapter Session in 1965 when Sister Lois Lykins was installed as Grand Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Ohio. A reception was held for Sister Lois Lykins on September 24th, at the E.E. Root High School. Many dignitaries of the Grand Chapter gathered to honor Sister Lois. The program consisted of a "This is your Life" portrayal and entertainment was furnished by the Bell Ringers of the North Royalton Methodist Church. In 1970 the Right Worthy Grand Conductress, Sister Marguerite L. Kennerdell appointed Sister Lois Lykins, Past Matron, to serve as Assistant to the Right Worthy Grand Conductress of the General Grand Chapter at the next Triennial. In 1975 the Chapter was honored twice with Grand Appointments, Sister Gertrude Smith P.M. was appointed Grand Page to the W.G.M. Sister Elizabeth Whitehouse and in September Sister Charlotte Pohle P.M. received her Grand Appointment as Grand Representative of Virginia in Ohio. Our Sister Adella Davies who affiliated with our Chapter was a Grand Representative of Wyoming in 1978. In 1998 Sister Arlene Kava received her Grand Appointment as Grand Representative of Texas in Ohio. Over the years we have had three members, Ruby Schmidt, Mae Oldfield and Arlene Pelich granted the distinguished honor of receiving Lifetime Memberships. These ladies were never Past Matrons of our chapter but devoted so much of their time and efforts in our kitchen and different stations in our chapter. Sister Ruby remained very active in our chapter and was always known throughout the District for her "Ruby's Rolls" which she made from scratch. If you never had a chance to have one of her rolls you sure missed out. The chapter celebrated Sister Ruby's 100th Birthday which was covered by the local television station. Sister Ruby was still active until she was about 102 years young and lived to be a young age of 104. She is remembered and missed to this day.
This year the Chapter will be celebrating Our 40th Anniversary and plans are in the works for a celebration dinner to be sometime in June 2002, to honor the Charter Members. We will keep you posted with details as to when this will be.
Our Chapter has made donations to several different charities such as; the Heart, Cancer, Estarl and Diabetes funds. We have made donations to local Orphanages, Charities and Food Banks. We support the local Masonic Youth organizations as well as making a Scholarship Donation to the local High School. We believe in helping and supporting our community any way we can. Our Chapter continues its service to the community and humanity and looks forward to many years of dedication and social enjoyment, and to a commitment of love of Sisters and Brothers all over the world.
When done close the window to return to Our History page.