A "Time of Celebration"

A multi-purpose event a "Time of Celebration" was held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Masonic Temple in Chinook, Mont. The trio of events was a Consolidation Ceremony of Sacajawea #37 and Northern Star #23, the 125th Anniversary of Northern Star Chapter #23, and the Homecoming of Worthy Grand Matron, Pamela Waddish.

The Northern Star Chapter #23 welcomed us with a warm Chinook embrace. Sacajawea #37 received its charter almost 118 years ago on September 27, 1906. The Lewis & Clark Expedition was celebrating its Centennial in 1906 and the name of a courageous woman who guided them seemed appropriate thus, Sacajawea Chapter #37 was created in Malta, Mont. Like many volunteer organizations, the lack of numbers to keep a quorum was part of the reason for consolidation. The consolidation was a way to keep alive instead of the act of surrendering the Charter, a complete closure. Two other chapters have consolidated with Chinook; Montana Chapter #78 of Harlem, Mont. in 1978 and Havre Chapter #30 of Havre, Mont. in 2022. WGM Pamela Waddish presented the incoming Sacajawea Chapter a "Certificate of Consolidation" that was attached to the Charter, which will remain on the wall of the Masonic Temple in Chinook. The last secretary of Sacajawea #37, Sarah Osmundson, gave a short history of deceased sister Julia Schulz, and the Sacajawea doll she made for the chapter. Northern Star Worthy Matron Melody Sand recited the Pledge of Allegiance in Aaniih Nakota, and Organist Michael Stevenson revealed numerous pronunciations of Sacajawea but ended with the common expedition nickname of 'Jane'.

The 125th Anniversary was recognized by a reading of the original organizational meeting on May 4, 1899, by Northern Star Secretary, Kathleen McGuire. Their Charter was received at the Tenth Communication held in Helena, Mont. on September 22, 1899.

Worthy Grand Matron, Pamela Waddish, was welcomed home to Chinook by many, many OES members and friends from all over Montana! Conductress, Patty Hall roasted her with a skit called "Nothing Sticks to Pam" by spraying Pam cooking oil after every quip. Three lucky contestants participated in an OES/MT-themed Jeopardy game hosted by Sarah, and Michael played the Jeopardy theme song. Starbucks was the big prize and Starburst candy for the losers. WM Melody presented WGM Pam with her 50-year member pin, a heartwarming addition to put the icing on the celebration cake!

Northern Star has a wonderful TNT Fireworks stand in Havre, Mont. as a yearly fundraiser. The Havre Mason Lodge #55 and the Chinook Eastern Star take shifts. The monies are used for various charities and research such as Heart, Cancer, scholarships and Service Dogs. Chinook keeps each consolidated chapter active by creating a 'family in need' holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Memorial Day) food basket for Chinook, Harlem, Havre, and Malta to personally deliver with joy and goodwill.

The MT Grand Chapter OES "Starlight Over the Waters" 134th annual session will be held July 17th – 20th in Butte, Mont. A dozen members are attending in support of our Worthy Grand Matron, Pamela Waddish. The Sacajawea doll created by Julia Schulz has been donated to the Phillips County Museum and is currently on display for all to enjoy.

118 years has created change for our local OES because Sacajawea #37 will from now on be known as Northern Star #23 and meet in Chinook, but we remain active.