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HISTORY OF THE 17th ANNUAL SESSION
By Jeanette M. Walkes, FPC (KS)
Tuesday, 7 March 2000
The members of the Executive Staff began amvmg at what would be an historical 17th Annual Session of the Phyllis Chapter. The site was Kansas City, historic for its bar-b-que, steaks and jazz, a metropolitan city composed of two Kansas Cities, one in Missouri and one in Kansas, an area in the heart of America, often called the heartland, because it is in the middle of the country. Our host being the Barbara Roberts Auxiliary, under the leadership of Sister Maltie T. Gilliam who noted that Missouri was the "show-me state" and the auxiliary had much to show the members of the Phyllis Chapter. For the first time ever, a new innovation was to take place, as a special reception was to be held for those who possess the Jno. G. Lewis, Jr. Medal of Excellence with their special guests, those of the Phyllis Chapter who have the Brice E. Simmons Medal of Excellence, and arrived on time. Each group was authorized to wear their medals, and food was served from the famous landmark Gates Restaurant, which was, as always, delicious.
Wednesday, 8 March 2000
The Phyllis Chapter Sisters continued to arrive, many we had not seen since our last session in Tuskegee, Alabama. To our joy as well were many new faces arriving for their first session. President Artemisia 1. Junier FPC (AL) held a number of meetings with the leadership of the Phyllis Chapter. The Executive Staff of the Phylaxis Society came over to meet with the Executive Board and discussed a number of important issues that impacted both organizations. Phylaxis President, Bro. Walkes noted the uniqueness of the Phyllis Chapter in the fact that the parent organization, the Phylaxis Society, does not interfere in the workings of the Chapter and does not allow any men into it. Indeed making it a most unique organization.
Thursday, 9 March 2000
The official opening of our session with the members dressed in black was opened at 9:00 AM. by President Junier. Sis. Alfreda Brunfield FPC (LA) led us in the memorial service. Greetings were brought by Sis. Evelyn B. Topps, Grand Worthy Matron of Harmony Grand Chapter O.E.S. of Missouri. Greetings were also brought by the following Grand Masters, William O. Jones, Alabama; John Mowen, AF. & AM. of Kansas; Harold Waller, Arizona; Benjamin Barksdale, Georgia; Roy H. Althouse, Kansas; Andrew F. Cornelius, Colorado; Michael Segall, representing the Grand Master ofthe Grand Lodge of France, who flew in from Paris, France; Nelson King, President of the Phylaxis Society counterpart, the Philalethes Society who flew in from Toronto, Canada; and our host William H. Graham, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri.
We boarded three buses for the annual historical tour. The first stop was the U.S. Army's Fort Leavenworth, where we visited the famous Buffalo Soldier Monument dedicated to the 9th and 10th Cavalry. The 10th Cav was actually organized at Fort Leavenworth in 1866, and where the monument stood, was actually on the ground where the men of the organization were billeted. They fought in the Indian Wars where Native Americans gave them the name "Buffalo Soldiers," in the war with Spain where they saved Teddy Roosevelt and his so called "Rough Riders" in their charge up San Juan Hill, when they were pinned down, and the NCO's from the 9th and 10th Cav had to get them out. They also served in the Philippine Insurrection, the Mexican Expedition and in World War II. The brass monument looked real, its engraving so detailed, that it was amazing. In the summer of 1992, the sculpture appropriately was dedicated by General Colin Powell, America's first black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had pushed for such a monument since his days a decade earlier as the post deputy commanding general. Oddly, however this monument to America's black soldiers owes its greatest debt to a black officer of the U.S. Navy, Commander Carlton Philpot, whom General Powell called in his dedication speech "our champion." Commander Philpot was made a Prince Hall Mason on site by the Grand Master of Missouri at the annual Phylaxis Session.
We traveled to Leavenworth where we had lunch, and from there we traveled further south in Kansas to the stunning statue of the Jay Hawker who in 1859 with a 22 man army attacked the federal arsenal at Harper's Ferry, Virginia in an effort to gather arms to free the slaves. Brown has been dead for 140 years, and remains a controversial figure. Some would have you believe that he was insane and a cold blooded murderer, but Black folks know him as a man who wanted to free the slaves. A Freemason, he met in Canada with many Prince Hall Masonic leaders to plan attacks against the institution of slavery. To us he was a hero, which is clearly shown on the marker, "from a grateful people," and his statue, which once stood in front of an AME Church, showed respect and love we had for him.
Our final stop was at the Mutual Musicians Foundation where some of the greatest names in jazz came to play. The big bands of Jay McShann and Count Basie, Lester Young and Charlie Parker were all from Kansas City. This once headquarters ofthe black musicians and an after hour gathering place, it is now a National historic Landmark and a private club.
After our return to the hotel we dressed in our O.E.S. Regalia for our O.E.S.Chapter visitation which was held in the hotel and put on by a number ofO.E.S. Chapters from the Kansas City area.
Friday, 10 March 2000
Sis. Marjorie H. Holley FPC (V A), Vice President for Directors, was the moderator for our workshops. The 9:00 A.M. workshop being "The Blood Line: What Is It?" by Sister Marie Thomas FPC (IN). The discussion focused on a look at the blood line of Masonry, an important factor today as there is so much debate over the wavering of the blood lines in an attempt to increase membership in several houses. The wavers taking on many different aspects, as different jurisdictions have issued different guidelines. The issue remains a hot topic within the fraternity, at this time, and has impacted many jurisdictions. The 10:00 A.M. workshop "AREME" was presented by Sister Vivian Sowell MPC (AR), with a talk on the foundation of the Eastern Star. This was followed at 11 :00 A.M. by Sis Jeanette White's MPC "Table Talk," a complete demonstration of table etiquette.
At noon, we broke for the Phyllis Chapter Luncheon. The guest speaker was Kansas Grand Worthy Matron, Dorothy Alexander, who brought an inspiring message to the hundreds in attendance. This was followed by a Plenary Session for both the Phylaxis Society and Phyllis Chapter, "Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad" by Ms. Jacqueline L. Tobin, coauthor of the above named book, who discussed the codes in the quilts and the role of Prince Hall Freemasonry who provided cover and secrecy to help enslaved brethren escape to freedom. Ms. Tobin's book was on sale, and she autographed what seemed to be hundreds of copies that were purchased by those in attendance. This workshop was well received.
This was followed by "O.E.S. History" by Sister Alice Ruth FPC (AR) who described the collars of the O.E.S., the history of the Eastern Star Collars, and O.E.S. Quiz from Ruth and Esther.
At 4:00 P.M. the last item on the agenda was Auxiliary Presidents Sharing Hour, with Sis. H. Marie Thomas FPC (IN).
Saturday, 11 March 2000
Sis Winnie R. Johnson MPC (AR) presented a workshop followed by Sis. Della Horace FPS (AR) Name that tune? A workshop based on learning the opening ode, closing song, and the five points songs in the ritual. This was followed by Sis. Rena Bendaw FPC (NM) workshop on "Protocol," a subject often overlooked, but nevertheless, very important.
The Phylaxis Society luncheon was held with Edward Beasley, a well known historian as guest speaker.
Returning to our workshops, Sis. Rubye B. Meeks FPC (TN) presented the second part of her workshop, "Why the Order of the Eastern Star: Part II," in which she explained the continued existence of our age old organization.
The highly proclaimed Awards Banquet was held, with the Phylaxis Society making its 4B's award to Ms. Lucile Blueford, editor of the Kansas City Call newspaper, in the Books category; Edward Beasley, noted historian, under Ballots; Alvin Brooks, founder of the ad hoc committee against crime, under the Business category; Navy Commander Carlton Philpot; and under Business, Eugene R. Morris, funeral director.
Sis. Flora Simmons FPC (AR) and Sis. Eleanor Kavanaugh FPC (KY) received the Brice E. Simmons Medal of Excellence Award from the Phyllis Chapter. A special plaque was also awarded to Sis. Kavanaugh from the Phylaxis Society for her many years of service to the Phyllis Chapter.
We are saddened to report a number of deaths. The sudden and unexpected passing of Sis. Layola Brown FPC (OR), who served as second President of the Phyllis Chapter and who had worked so hard to insure its continued growth and progress. She served that office with dignity and respect. She continued to attend all of the Phyllis Chapter annual session, and was present at our 17th annual session in Kansas City, where she complained that she was not doing too well, and would have to visit her doctor when she returned back home. Sis. Brown, a Past Grand Worthy Matron from Oregon, a pioneer with the Phyllis Chapter will be greatly missed.
We are also saddened to report the passing of our President's husband, Bro. Allen Junier. Bro. Junier had the distinction of being the first appointed Editor of the Phylaxis Magazine, and his design, the PHA Masonic Structure was carried on the back cover of the magazine for many, many years.
We are also saddened to report the passing of S is. Charlene Briscoe's FPC (MN) mother, Sis. Ruth Roberts of Leavenworth, Kansas. Sis. Roberts was 98 years old when she passed and had served with distinction in quite a number of the auxiliaries of the Prince Hall Masonic family.