Quitman Chapter No. 695, Order of the Eastern Star (OES) held its 100th anniversary celebration at the Flora Masonic Lodge #119, A.F. & A.M. on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Over 80 people attended, including honored guests Phyillis Macon, worthy grand matron, and James R. Parker, worthy grand patron, Grand Chapter of Texas. 

Attendees received a gift bag containing memorabilia – an OES handkerchief, 100th celebration pen, notepad, fan, bookmark and candy.

The display tables were covered in vintage white cotton tablecloths embroidered with “Chapter 695, Quitman, Texas.”

Regina Gilbreath shared her collection of Quitman chapter annual yearbooks from 1965 to 2022, along with many group officer pictures from the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.  

Ulna McWhorter shared her collection of pictures and newspaper articles from 1951 when Annie Taylor served as worthy matron and from 1952 when her mother, Lillian Cathey, served as worthy matron.

The first worthy matron of Quitman Chapter was Lovie Wright Searcy, who served from 1922-23. A copy of her portrait as a young woman, which was donated after Quitman Chapter’s 75th celebration by grandson Art Searcy and his family, was displayed. 

Also included in the displays was Grand Chapter of Texas, OES 100th annual session program and commemorative centennial coin.

Another collection displayed included vintage ceramic statues of Adah, Ruth, Esther,  Martha and Electa, women of the Bible.  

An interesting display from Mineola Chapter which consolidated with Quitman Chapter was the original handwritten minutes from their first meeting, vintage books, charter and certificates. 

The program began with Allen Tuell, past patron, giving the invocation, followed by Gary Dixon, worthy patron, who led the group in The Pledge of Allegiance and “God Bless America.” Margaret Turrentine, worthy matron, and Dixon brought greetings.

David Dobbs, mayor pro tem, presented the proclamation of the city by Mayor Randy Dunn that Sunday, Oct. 23 was “Quitman Chapter No, 695, Order of the Eastern Star Day.”

Turrentine introduced Macon and Parker and their guests Trey Smith, International Headquarters Committee, and Carolyn Martin, Youth Committee, of General Grand Chapter, OES. 

Ramona Harris presented gleanings from Quitman Chapter history over the last 100 years followed by Gilbreath giving her Star memories.

Macon presented Gilbreath with her 65-year membership pin and certificate.  

Macon presented a Certificate of One Hundred Year Anniversary as an Active Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star to Turrentine. Parker presented a Congratulations On Your 100th Birthday Certificate on behalf of General Grand Chapter to Dixon.

Dixon presented two commemorative coins to Searcy for her and her husband Art Searcy, grandson of Lovie Wright Searcy, who was unable to attend, and a commemorative coin to Abby Hollis, great-great-great granddaughter of Lovie Searcy, and thanked them for attending. 

In closing, “An Evening Prayer” was sung in unison. Dixon gave the benediction.

Everyone was invited to the dining room for refreshments and fraternal fellowship. Dixon presented a commemorative 100th celebration coin to everyone.