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About the phyllis chapter
Founded 1983
The Phyllis Chapter is an international society of Members of the Order of the Eastern Star, with Prince Hall Affiliation, in pursuit of the study therein. The members are researchers, writers, editors, and those members interested in and supportive of the mission of the organization.
The members of the Phyllis Chapter and State Auxiliaries shall only concern themselves with the purposes as stated and shall in no manner, directly or indirectly, interfere with the legislative or ritualistic affairs of any Order of the Eastern Star Chapter, or make suggestions thereunto.
The Phyllis Chapter is an international society of Members of the Order of the Eastern Star, with Prince Hall Affiliation, in pursuit of the study therein. The members are researchers, writers, editors, and those members interested in and supportive of the mission of the organization. Females interested in membership should complete the application form and submit the $25.00 fee. They must be an active member of a Prince Hall OES Chapter.
The membership fee includes a one-year subscription to The Phyllis Magazine, and provides an opportunity for you to:
• Attend annual meetings in early March
• Meet outstanding researchers, writers, historians, and OES members
• Participate in workshops
• Increase your knowledge of the Order of the Eastern Star and other Masonic Groups.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP is available once a member has paid the initial $25.00 Joining Fee and the annual dues. Life membership fee is $150.00
Master Masons may subscribe to the Phyllis Magazine by paying an annual fee of $15.00, or may become a Life Subscriber at a fee of $150.00.
HISTORY OF THE PHYLLIS CHAPTER
By
Jeannette M. Walkes FPC (Kansas)
Executive Secretary Editor, Phyllis Magazine
The history of the Phylaxis Society is carried in the latest book by Brother Walkes, Prince Hall's Mission: The Rise of the Phylaxis Society. In order to explain the formation of the Phyllis Chapter one must therefore have a little understanding of the Phylaxis Society its formation and concept. Briefly, a group of active military and retired military Master Masons living in various areas across the United States answered the call from Brother Walkes and agreed to form an organization that would bring Masonic education to Prince Hall Freemasonry.
Each year they would come together in an annual session in what ever Masonic Jurisdiction that the Grand Master would invite them to. The Brethren, for the most part would bring their wives, most if not all, members of the Order of the Eastern Star. However, these Sisters who accompanied their husbands to the Phylaxis sessions would find themselves :stuck" in their hotel rooms with very little to do, not being allowed to attend the Phylaxis session, other than the award banquet on the last evening of the session.
This went along for quite a number of years, and finally the wives began to ask if something couldn't be done for them, after all they too were part of the Masonic family.
Brother Walkes, President of the Phylaxis Society asked the Sisters for their patience, that he would in due time do something just as soon as the Society was on its feet.
At the Tenth Annual Session, Brother Walkes decided that the time was right for an organization of members of the Order of the Eastern Star to become an auxiliary to the Society. After much thought he named it Phyllis.
The name Phyllis was derived from a female in Greek Mythology. Phyllis was the daughter of Sithom, King of Thrace. She fell in love with Demophon, son of Theseus, King of Athens, when Demophon , visited Thrace on his way from Troy to Athens. When Demophon, who had promised to marry her, failed to return on the appointed day. Phyllis hung herself and was Metamorphosed into an Almond Tree, which when embraced by the grief stricken Demophon on his delayed arrival, burst into full bloom.
March 5, 1983 at St. Paul, Minnesota the Phyllis Chapter of the Phylaxis Society was organized, with Sister Brice E. Simmons, a Past Grand Worthy Matron of New York as President. Sister Eleanor Kavanaugh, a Past Grand Worthy Matron of Kentucky became First Vice President and Sister Karyellen Dunn a Past Grand Worthy Matron of Indiana became Second Vice President. Sister Jeannette M. Jones of Brooklyn, New York, was appointed as Historian and Ambassador of Good Will; Sister Mollie M. Bradley of Midway, Kentucky appointed as Executive Secretary; Sister Charlene Brisco of Minneapolis, Minnesota appointed as Treasurer and Sister Maria Coleman of Boston, Massachusetts appointed as Editor and printer of the Phyllis Magazine.
On July 9th, 1983 a group of thirty one (31) Brothers and Sisters met in a special meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana and adopted a proposed Constitution and By-laws for the new organization. The name of the Phyllis Chapter official organ, a slogan, motto and a proposed budget was adopted. The lodge, derived from the name and history of Phyllis became an almond tree with an Eastern Star superimposed thereon. The Motto: "An International Society of Eastern Star (PHA) in pursuit of the study therein," was accepted. Elections were held with the following elected. Sister Brice E. Simmons, President; Sister Karyellen Dunn, First Vice President; Sister Jeannette M. Jones, Second Vice President and Historian; Sister Mollie Bradley, Executive Secretary; Sis Charlene L. Brisco, Treasurer, Sister Elisabeth Green, Recording Secretary and Sister Eleanor Kavanaugh, Membership Chairperson.
At that historic session, the first "Chapter" of the Phyllis Chapter was organized, it was named The Pearl Fisher Chapter, with Sister Laura M. A. Smith as President. Later it was agreed in order not to confuse the members or to have some thinking that it was setting up Eastern Star Chapters, the name Chapter was removed with the adoption of the name "auxiliary," in its place.
Another historic event was March 1984, when the first issue of the Phyllis Magazine was published. It carried on its front cover the actual cover of the Phylaxis Magazine that had been published earlier in 1981 with the design of the Order of the Eastern Star on its front cover. This beautiful drawing was done by Brother Lee Sherman Brooks, a Freemason from Jamestown, New York, especially for the Phylaxis Society.
This historic first issue, which is now a collectors item, was one in black and white print and contained 12 pages. It was printed in Boston, by its Editor, Sister Maria Coleman. It was indeed a first major step forward for the Phyllis Chapter and the Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star. The entire organization was elated of the accomplishment of the group in such a short period of time.
History records that the first annual Executive Session of the Phyllis Chapter was held in Portland, Oregon, March 1984, with the formation of the second Chapter, now called auxiliaries, The Elis Reynolds Auxiliary. At its formation it had 17 members, with Sister Layola I. Brown as President. With each passing month, membership continued to grow as word got out that the Phyllis Chapter and its magazine began reaching readers throughout the sisterhood. The powerful message contained within the pages of its official organ, of Eastern Star Light was received in all corners of the country.
Interesting enough, the magazine at the time was being mailed via first class, because the Phyllis Chapter was not large enough to warrant bulk mail status by the United States Postal authorities, nevertheless, it continued to grown, and it would be just a matter of time, when it would receive its bulk mail status through its parent organization. By the second volume, second issue, the magazine though still in black and white format began to mirror the Phylaxis Magazine, with its front cover reflecting that fact.
The Third Annual Executive Session was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico and with it the first Phyllis Chapter luncheon was held. It was quite successful with a moving address by Ms. Marshal Hardeman, the Mayor appointee to the Human Relations Committee of the City of Albuquerque. The Phyllis Magazine was printed in blue ink for the first time, bringing it fully in line with the Phylaxis Magazine which at that time was printed in blue ink to reflect the color of the Masonic Craft. Both publications had a new printer, Brother and Sister Narvell L. Williams of Kansas City, Missouri. At that session, a visit was made to Lasestrellita Chapter No. 16 O.E.S. Sadly to say, the Chapter has since gone to sleep.
The Phyllis Magazine presented its first photograph on its front cover, doing away with the publication of its Logo which graced each issue. The first photograph to grace the cover of the magazine was of Sister Brice E. Simmons, President of the Chapter. The second photograph to appear was carried in the next issue with a likeness of the late Sister Arlie C. Robins an outstanding O.E.S. Sister from Canada. The photograph appeared as part of a memorial to this dedicated Sister, the author of Legacy to Buxton, a community of escaped slaves from the United States. Sister Robins opening lines to the preface of her book is worth remembering:
The reason for the telling of the Buxton story are many and varied. North Buxton's roots like the roots of all our race, and indeed according to recent archaeological discoveries, the roots of all races are buried deep in the heart of Africa. Though we are far removed by time, distance and culture form our ancestral homes, the face of Africa is still reflected in our faces. The music and rhythm of Africa is still heard in our voices and felt in our bodies and the religious doctrines of Africa are sill manifested in the secret recesses of our souls. These are undeniable facts - just as the sun rises in the east so did our forbears rise in Africa.
Sister Robins also wrote the History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Province of Ontario, becoming the second women to write a history of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. The first being Ms. Alferdteen Harrison, an Associate Professor of History at Jackson State University and author of A History of the Most Worshipful Stringer Grand Lodge: Our Heritage is Our Challenge (1977) as well as becoming the third women to write about Prince Hall Freemasonry joining Ms. Loretta J. Williams Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the College of General Studies at the University of Missouri - Columbia, the author of Black Freemasonry and Middle-Class Realities (1980).
Members of the Phyllis Chapter traveled to Canada to visit Sister Robins at the hospital in Canada just prior to her passing. The Fourth Annual Executive Session was held in Washington, D.C. and our Chapter President, Sister Brice E. Simmons stepped down and Sister Layola Brown of Portland, Oregon became President. Sister Jeannette Walkes, First Vice President; Eleanor Kavanaugh, Second Vice President; Dorothy Vickers, Executive Secretary and Barbara Collier, Treasurer. Another historical first was the fact that the Sovereign Grand Commander Booker T. Alexander United Supreme Council, A.A.S.R., Northern Jurisdiction installed the officers.
Another historical first was the fact that the paintings of the 6th graders of the Prince Hall Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was displayed by the newly formed Prince Hall Art Commission with three chosen to receive awards. The session was graced by the presence of Mrs. Dorothy Porter, the wife of the historian Dr. Charles H. Wesley, author of The History of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio and Prince Hall: Life and Legacy. Mrs. Wesley is the famed bibliographer and is known world wide as the curator of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University.
The Phyllis Magazine began its long awaited first of an important series on the Order of the Eastern Star by Harry A. Williamson the famed Prince Hall Masonic scholar from New York, which would grace seven issues, and would be hailed as an important work on the Prince Hall OES. Williamson began his article with an inspiring introduction:
No individual ought to be member of any large fraternal organization which possesses some sort of a historical background without making a reasonable effort to learn something about its origin, subsequent progress and fundamentals.
As an international historical, literary and historical organization, the introduction by Brother Williamson truly hit its mark with the Phyllis Chapter, as it continued its progress in its field of interest.
No man or women should be proud to boast of membership in the Order of the Eastern Star except they possess requisite knowledge about the institution.
The seven issues of the Williamson paper appearing in The Phyllis Magazine, focused its readers and members on the need to further understand the complete concept of the Phyllis Chapter and its role as an historical, literary, historical organization within Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star, the first such organization ever within our Masonic family.
While all of these historical first were taking place, the Phyllis Chapter visited Naomi Chapter No. 9 O.E.S. where the Queen of the South degree was conferred in a very impressive manner.
With its continued progress the Fifth Annual Executive Session was held in New Orleans, Louisiana with a new auxiliary being organized. The Ruby E. Williams Auxiliary of New Orleans, with Sister Alfreda Brumfield as President, joined the growing ranks of the Phyllis Chapter, as it continued to expand its programs. The attendees visited the John G. Lewis Chapter No. 1 O.E.S., continuing a new a tradition of visiting an local Chapter where ever the Phyllis Chapter met.
The Chapter next traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas for its Sixth Annual Session, approving two new auxiliaries, The Shirley W. Ingram Auxiliary in Little Rock with Sister Dorothy McCauley, President and the Alabama Auxiliary in Tuskegee, with Sister Artemisia Junier, President. At this session, Sister Leola R. Jackson of Fort Worth, Texas was appointed Recording Secretary and Sister Eddie M. Johnson, Grand Worthy Matron of Texas became the Phyllis Chapter Chaplain, as the Executive Staff continued to expand. The Phyllis Magazine also continued its growth as well, having become a first rate publication, bringing news and important and worthwhile articles to its every growing list of members.
The new decade of 1990 found the Chapter holding its Seventh Annual Session in Houston, Texas, under the theme of "Lengthen our Strides, Solidarity, Dedication, Education." Visitation was made to Viola Caldwell Chapter No. 326 O.E.S. The auxiliary in Tuskegee, Alabama was renamed the Artemesia J. Junier auxiliary with many of its members in attendance at this session.
The Phyllis Magazine began printing the interesting "The Energy Charged Life of of Dorothy Porter Wesley." At age 84, this 4'7" librarian, bibliographer and scholar continued pace that most would find difficult to keep up with. At this session, 42 O.E.S. Sisters from North Carolina requested permission to form an auxiliary.
The historic city of Greensboro, North Carolina became the site of the 8th Annual Session of the Chapter, hosted by the North Carolina Auxiliary with over 70 new members. Sister Carolyn M. Torian, President. The history tour one of the highlights of the annual session each year, was outstanding and led to us visiting and having lunch at a hospital owned jointly by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of North Carolina.
The Phyllis Magazine had three outstanding covers in a row, the first being Mrs. Wesley already mentioned, the second a copy of the first page of the oldest Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star publication found in the Iowa Masonic Library, it being "Our Eastern Star" the official organ of the Grand Chapter of Arkansas dated August 1st, 1899. It consisted of eight pages, and produced a worth of historical information as to the events taking place in the Jurisdiction of Arkansas. The third cover, as the magazine returned to black ink, was of Sister Sue M. Brown (Mrs. S. Joe Brown) the author of "The History of the O.E.S. Among Colored People." This issue also carried an informative article, The S. Joe Brown's: An Extraordinary Masonic Family and began extracts from Sister Brown's famous 1925 book on the Order. With 92 charter members the North Carolina auxiliary became the Minor/Perkins Auxiliary. As a point of interest, the Phyllis Chapter does not grant charters to its auxiliary, but rather authorizations as not to be mistaken for a Grand Chapter.
Tulsa, Oklahoma became the site for the Ninth Annual Session and with it an election was held which brought new leadership to the Phyllis Chapter. Sister Mozelle McKay, became President; Sister Eleanor Kavanaugh, First Vice President, Sister Carolyn Torian, Second Vice President, Sister Dorothy Vickers, Executive Secretary; Sister Juanita Bright, Financial Secretary; Sister Barbara Collier, Treasure and Sister Vanessa Smith, Recording Secretary. Appointed Sister Jeannette M. Walkes, as Council of Directors and Sister Artemisia Junier, Council of Representatives. History repeated itself as all were installed by Dr. I. H. Clayborn, Sovereign Grand Commander, United Supreme Council, A.A.S.R., Southern Jurisdiction. At this session the Phyllis Chapter was reorganized to bring it more in line with the Phylaxis Society's organizational structure.
The front cover of The Phylaxis Magazine carried a photograph of the elected and appointed officers of the Phyllis Chapter in their O.E.S. whites and sashes. The first time that they had gathered together for an official photograph in O.E.S. regalia. The previous issue front cover carried a likeness of Sister Reverend Maria Coleman and her poetry taken from her 1970 book, entitled "A Piece Of My Mind."
The long awaited Tenth Anniversary session was held in St. Louis, Missouri, hosted by The Geraldine P. Ford Auxiliary of Missouri. At this session another new auxiliary became part of the Phyllis Chapter, that being The Tacoma Washington Auxiliary. Sister Dorothy Green President, and the re-obligation of The Pearl Fisher Auxiliary of Indiana, the Phyllis Chapter's first auxiliary, returned back to the fold.
At this historical setting, Brother William Chapman from Detroit, Michigan, who had originally built the "Altar of Honor" for the Phylaxis Society, presented the Phyllis Chapter with an altar of their own. To add to it, he presented a Bible owned by his late mother, to grace the Altar that he had built for the Chapter. Members had looked forward to this milestone and historic gathering, as the Phyllis Chapter celebrated its silver anniversary.
The front cover of The Phyllis Magazine, was historic as the members gathered in Little Rock, Arkansas for its Eleventh Annual Session. The front cover carried a photograph of Mrs. Daisey Bates who helped to integrate the Central High School in Little Rock, by forcing a reluctant President Dwight D. Eisenhower to bring the United States Army to implement the ruling of the United States Supreme Court. With Mrs. Bates were four Grand Masters who were in attendance at the Phylaxis Session, the host Grand Master Howard Woods, William C. Parker, Jr. of North Carolina, Edgar Bridges of Mississippi and Solomon Wallace of New York. At the session two new auxiliaries were authorized, The Barbara Roberts Auxiliary of Kansas City, Missouri, Sister Barbara Roberts President, and The Mozella McKay Auxiliary in Junction City, Kansas, Sister Ruth Carol, President.
The next issue of The Phyllis Magazine announced the site of the 12th Annual Session, as it carried a photograph of the historic Tacoma Done. The site where the two Grand Lodges of Washington, the Caucasian Grand Lodge and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge jointly laid the corner stone for the building. This probably the first time in the Masonic history of the United States that white and black Freemasons came together to perform such a momentous task.
The host for the session being the Evergreen Auxiliary of the Phyllis Chapter, Sister Dorothy Green, President, under the theme of "Lighting Candles to Dispel the Darkness." At this session the Mayor of Tacoma, Washington, the Hon. Harold Moss, a Prince Hall Freemason brought greetings from the city.
A skit was presented by the various O.E.S. Chapters at the hotel, as members dressed in their O.E.S. regalia and whites participated in the many highlights of the session. Once again, the watercolor drawings of Prince Hall by the students of the Prince Hall Elementary School in Philadelphia was exhibited, and those in attendance chose the top four to be honored. However, all 19 of the students who had allowed their work to be exhibited received awards for their ambitious dedication to the Phylaxis/Phyllis program.
The following were elected to office, Sister Mozella McKay, President; Sister Carolyn Torian, First Vice President; Sister Artemisia J. Junier, Second Vice President; Sister Jeannette M. Walkes, Executive Secretary; Sister Juanita Bright, Financial Secretary; Sister Barbara Collier, Treasurer; Sister Vanessa C. Smith, Recording Secretary. Appointed were, Sister Flora J. Simons, Council of Directors and Sister Rubye B. Meeks, Council of Representatives. Emeritus status was given to Sister Dorothy Vickers and Sister Eleanor Kavanaugh, for their long dedicated service to the Chapter.
The choice of Indianapolis, Indiana as the site of the 13th Annual Session, brought the Phyllis Chapter full circle to its roots and its history, as it returned to the site where it all began. Those who have remained faithful and had attended our very first meeting was elated to have been invited back by the very first auxiliary, The Pearl V. Fisher Auxiliary. It was they that had given birth to the Phyllis Chapter thirteen years ago, and left those in attendance humble, and aware of the historic occasion.
On the day of the Chapter's official opening, the attendees boarded two buses to tour the African-American landmarks in Indiana, and what they saw would remain with them for many years to come. One of the highlights being the Madame C. J. Walker Theater, which she had built for the community. She had built a cosmetology business and became a millionaire, the first African American to do so. The Theater provided a social, cultural, educational and business center for the Black community. The Chapter also toured the breathtaking Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis, ending the tour at the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, where a lecture was given on the African-American history of Indianapolis.
That evening the Sisters attired in their O.E.S. whites attended an Eastern Star Chapter communication, which was very impressive to all in attendance as they watched the Sisters from Indiana perform the ceremonies of the Order.
There were so many highlights of our return to Indiana, perhaps for this writer, the most memorable was receiving the first Brice E. Simmons Medal of Excellence Award. This was more than just an honor for me, as an O.E.S. member living in New York City, I worked with Sister Brice E. Simmons our first Phyllis Chapter President when she was Grand Worthy Matron. She and I had been friends for quite a number of years, and so this award was indeed very special for me, as was the session itself, a sort of home coming for the Phyllis Chapter.
All eyes were turned westward, as the Phyllis Chapter gathered at Ontario, California for its Fourteenth Annual Session, presided over by Sister Mozelle A. McKay. At this session, Sister Artemisia J. Junier became First Vice President; Sis Flora Simons became Second Vice President, Sister Dorothy J. Archibald Financial Secretary; Sister Marjorie Holley, Council of Directors and Sister Vanessa Smith, Recording Secretary. It was not only our 14th anniversary, but the 222nd anniversary of Prince Hall becoming a Mason in Boston, a heritage that all of the Prince Hall family proudly carries. All in attendance will long remember the tour to City Hall in San Bernardino where we viewed the massive one ton, eleven foot statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that sat on public land in the immediate front of City Hall. We had learned of the remarkable story of how it came to be, and the role that the Prince Hall Freemasons had in bringing it to a reality. This statue had spiritual symbolic "nail prints" in the hands and foot, to resemble one who had been crucified. Long to be remembered as well was the trips to the Mormon Rocks and the visit and meal at High Desert Lodge No. 107, in the Black Township of Victorville.
Not to be forgotten was President Mozella McKay leading the Chapter in a "Walk in the Light" around the room in which the members had assembled. This was not only memorable, but historic as well. Who would guess shortly thereafter there would be not one, but two loses, as our guest speaker, Nobel Roy Moore, Past Potentate of the Prince Hall Shrine, would pass shortly thereafter. The noble spirit of Madam President, Sister McKay as she was followed by all of the Sisters in attendance around the room as she led in signing "Walk in the light", that light would soon be taken from us.
Sister Artemisia J. Junier received the second Brice E. Simmons Award of Excellence in a special ceremony from the hands of President McKay, and appeared on the front cover of The Phyllis Magazine. At the session the President presented two Brice E. Simmons awards one to Sister Mollie Bradley, one to Past President Layola Brown, and surprise of surprise, Sister McKay received her medal also on behalf of the Executive Staff and members. Needless to say the presentation caught her quite by surprise and left her speechless. Truly a wonderful time was had in California.
Two months following the Chapter's 14th Annual Session, Phyllis Chapter President Dr. Mozella Alston McKay FPS, passed, May 11th, 1997. Many at the annual session did not realize how ill she was, as she continued to perform her duties as President. It was a great loss to the entire Phyllis Chapter. To the great comfort of the Chapter, the presence of an auxiliary named in her honor resides in the State of Kansas.
The Phyllis Magazine was dedicated to the memory of President McKay with a photograph of her on its front cover, as well as details of her life told in words and photo's over a number of pages. In the words of 11 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Sister Artemisia J. Junier FPS, First Vice President took on the duties as the President and led the Phyllis Chapter in a solemn assembly dedicated to the memory of President McKay, as the Chapter gathered for its 15th Annual Session in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This was the site our third annual session held in 1986, and was a return that many looked forward to.
Sister Artemisia Junier was elected President. Interesting enough was the fact that she was also the newly elected Imperial Commandress of the Daughters of Isis, the auxiliary of the Prince Hall Shrine. Sister Flora J. Simon of Dumas, Arkansas became the First Vice President; Sister Alfreda D. Brumfield of New Orleans, Louisiana Second Vice President. Re-elected Sister Jeannette M. Walkes of Leavenworth, Kansas as Executive Secretary, Sister Dorothy J. Archibald, Tacoma, Washington as Financial Secretary, Sister Barbara Collier, Mountain Home, Idaho, Treasurer. Sister Vanessa C. Smith of Bessemer, Alabama, Recording Secretary. Appointed Sister Marjorie H. Holley, Virginia Beach, Virginia as Council of Directors, Sister Willie Catha Jones, West Memphis, Tennessee Council of Representatives and Sister Henrietta M. Thomas, Indianapolis, Indiana as Vice President of Auxiliaries.
Another first for the Phyllis Chapter was the fact that the guest speaker, Marsha K. Hardeman, Executive Director of the Albuquerque, New Mexico Convention Center had been the Phyllis Chapter guest speaker in 1986. New Mexico Grand Worthy Matron Sister Letha Thompson photograph graced the front cover of The Phyllis Magazine.
During this session an overview of the entire Phyllis Chapter organizational structure was gone over by the Executive Staff, with plans laid to strengthen some areas, and redo others.
The following year found the Phyllis Chapter at historic Tuskegee Institute, Alabama at its famous Kellogg Conference Center. It didn't take those in attendance long to realize that we were on historic ground being on the University Campus. The history tour itself historic as the attendees visited many of the civil rights historical sites. Sites heard of though for the most part, never expected to see, as our buses took us from one historic site after another on the civil rights trail.
The workshops were as usual very educational and the session closed with Sister Alfreda D. Brumfield of New Orleans, Louisiana receiving the Brice E. Simmons Award. Sister Junier photograph as Imperial Commandress graced the front cover of the Phyllis Magazine.
The year 2000 brought the Chapter into a new century, with its 17th Annual Session held in Kansas City, Missouri. The "Show Me State" hosted by the Barbara Roberts Auxiliary. Kansas City is known for its Jazz and Barbecue. At this session we had many Grand Masters bring greeting, as well as Brother Michael Segall who represented the Grand Master of France, who flew in from Paris, as well as Nelson King, of Toronto, Canada, President of the Phylaxis Society counterpart, the Philalethes Society. Perhaps a first, was the fact that both Grand Masters of Kansas brought greetings from their respective Jurisdictions.
Another interesting fact was that a joint meeting was held by the Phyllis Chapter Executive Bard and the Executive Staff of the Phylaxis Society. Such a meeting had not taken place for many years, however, it was felt that this get together was important, as each viewed areas of concerns between the two organization, giving each the opportunity to work through all areas that would benefit overall both groups.
The Chapter workshops continued to be well presented and much education on various aspects of the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as the needs for the race was brought forward. Sister Flora Simmons of Arkansas and Sister Eleanor Kavanaugh of Kentucky received the Brice E. Simmons Award of Excellence.
With this the Phyllis Chapter looks forward towards the future which we believe will see the continued progress of this unique research, literary, historical organization the only one of its kind within the Prince Hall family, dedicated into research into the Order of the Eastern Star and the only organization that publishes an official organ that highlights the findings of that research.
Before ending this history, one area that usually comes up is our banner. It usually brings forth a number of questions, which needs to be addressed.
The Emblem: The Star represents Christ. The New Testament is full of many symbolic references to Christ. The Old Testament also contains many references to the anticipated Messiah. The most frequently used symbolic references are : Lamb, Lion, Blood of the Lamb, Open Bible, Lily of the Valley, The Son of Righteousness, the Lamb slain for he sins of the world, The Rose of Sharon, The Bright and Morning Star.
The Almond Tree: The tree is one of the smallest and loveliest of the nut plants. It produces showy pink-white blooms almost as lavishly as a flowering peach and usually grows no taller than 20 to 25 feet. It is almost as hard as the peach, but it blooms earlier, sometime between late January and early April. In areas where there are late frost during its flowering period, the blooms are frostbitten and lost, and with them the crop. California exports almonds and they grow well in Utah, parts of Texas, Idaho, Arizona and New Mexico. Areas where climates are similar are worth trying for almonds if it is possible to place them in a location sheltered from winter winds and late frosts. Almonds require cross-pollination, so plant a pair. The most successful varieties for your area will be known to the local nursery.
Color - Yellow and Blue: The clear blue of the cloudless sky is the color dedicated to the first point. Blue, ever the symbols of fidelity, loyalty and intelligence, represents both, Adah's excellence use of her intellect in determining the right course of action and her unparalleled loyalty to her father.
Yellow represents "constancy", "exalted" and "richness" and is dedicated to Ruth. Ruth was certainly characterized by a radiant and strong personality and is therefore, represented by the color of the sun, "exalted in the heavens", and dedicated to her. Her position in the ancestral line of Christ is sufficient testimony to the richness of her own personal worth. Yellow is also associated to the meaning of humbleness.
The Phyllis Chapter continues to blaze a path towards progress.