“Welcome to Harmony’s Winter Wonderland” were echoed around Kimberley last Sunday — once the power was restored. The special occasion was bringing to life in Kimberley the chosen theme for the 2012-13 term of Sr. Jacqui Wowk, Worthy Grand Matron and Jim Firbank, Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of British Columbia & Yukon. They had been installed into these positions, the leaders of the Order in this Grand Jurisdiction during the Grand Chapter held in Kamloops at the beginning of June. In the year following their Installation, they attempt to visit every Chapter within their Jurisdiction. Their Official Visit to Harmony Chapter #45 in Kimberley was on Sunday, September 9, 2012 in the Selkirk Masonic Hall.
Wintery scenes, mitts, toques, and scarves welcomed them to Harmony’s Winter Wonderland.
Welcoming these prestigious guests and their entourage were Harmony’s Worthy Matron, Sr Myra Farquhar & Worthy Patron, Bro. Peter Mennie. Conductress Sr. Didi Stroud and Associate Visiting Past Grand Matrons & Past Grand Patron: Donna Galpin from N. Vancouver; Betty Moffat from Castlegar; Rena Davis from Nelson; Kim Ball from Victoria; Stacey Jordan-Knox from Langley; Eileen Palmieri from Golden and Walter Verge from Invermere were presented at the Altar, escorted East, introduced and given the Grand Honours.
Grand Officers of 2012-13 who were present for the occasion were: Associate Grand Matron, Glenis Allen from Whitehorse, Yukon; Associate Grand Patron, Ken Knuttilia of Haney; Grand Lecturer, Donna Galpin; Grand Trustees, Robert Palmieri of Golden and Gwen Sturn of Langley;
Grand Ruth, Navarr Firbank, of N. Vancouver; Grand Martha, Frances Quibell of Vernon; Grand Electa, Betty Lindsey of Ft. St. John and Grand Sentinel, Keith Glen of Enderby.
Grand Representatives representing other Grand Jurisdictions present included: Kris Chambers, of Harmony #45, representing the Grand Jurisdiction of Oklahoma; Jean Fleury of Jubilee #64 in Cranbrook, representing the Grand Jurisdiction of Kansas and Jackie Thesen of Golden #25, representing the Grand Jurisdiction of Tennessee.
Visiting Worthy Matrons & Worthy Patrons included: Roberta Richards of Jubilee Chapter #64 in Cranbrook; Faye Riches & Don Tegart of Golden Chapter #25 in Golden; and Jo-anne & Ken Knuttilia from Mizpah Chapter #36 in Haney.
The escort of Worthy Grand Matron, Sr Wowk, Dave Clearwater and the escort of Worthy Grand Patron, Bro Firbank, his wife, Navarr Firbank were introduced and given a hearty welcome.
The final group to be welcomed were the Golden stars. They were welcomed by WM Farquhar saying: “Sisters & Brothers, these members have given us our Chapters of today through their many years of love and service Let’s give them a rousing welcome full of gratitude and love.
After offering her thanks for courtesies received and duties accomplished, the Worthy Grand Matron introduced the Grand Lecturer, Sr. Donna Galpin, PGM. She said that she was happy to return to Harmony, was grateful for the kindnesses she received and then gave demonstration of the Signs & passes of the Order.
The Worthy Grand Patron presented an OWL award to Sr Pat Oslund of Harmony for her behind-the-scene efforts on behalf of her Chapter. She received a resounding applause. He gave an outline of this year’s special project which is the Firefighters’ Burn Camp. This camp is held annually for children who have experienced burns. Their self-esteem and self-image are magnified through the efforts of this camp. The Grand Chapter is holding a raffle to supplement, the Order of the Eastern Star donation for 2012-13.
Prior to delivering her message of the day, Sr Wowk presented Sr. Flo McGillivray, an 82 year old member of the Order with a beautiful bouquet.
At the close of the meeting, Officers and the Grand visitors retired to the strains of Jingle bells with jingling bells, rousing smiles and joy-filled hearts. During the social hour, the WGM was presented with a donation to her special project. The winners of Harmony’s special Spring Raffle were announced. Winner of the Sand-castle wall hanging was May Vold of Marysville, of the Frontiersman Statuette was Dick Robison and of the hand-crafted afghan was Chris from Skookumchuk. The Worthy Patron thanked all for attending and wished them a safe journey.