On April 29, 2001 members of  Ruth Chapter No. 104 Order of the Eastern Star and Edward Dugger Jr. Military Lodge No. 123 along with members of their families convened at the Saint Vincent Hotel at 212 West 5^th Street, Dayton Ohio. The St. Vincent Shelter provides a place for people to shower, use bathroom facilities, do laundry, use a telephone, collect personal mail, and receive food. On any given day, the shelter serves upwards of 70 to 100 individuals.

Much like the miracle of the "loaves and fishes" which fed the multitude of which we read in the gospels, the chapter and lodge experienced a miracle on 29 April, not on a hillside in Israel, but rather in a humble shelter in Dayton Ohio! Through the grace of God; the donation of time/effort by the sisters and brothers ; and under the leadership of Worthy Matron Claire Barren  and Worshipful Master James E. Hardnick, the  Chapter and Lodge served hot meals to more than 70 individuals and families.

As Eastern Stars we know that the human will-to-succeed is quickly extinguished by the removal of all hope, It is not our place to judge but to serve. It is our belief that people can only be uplifted and called out of isolation by a trusted friend. Through the teachings of our institution we’ve learned that it is through the acquired liberty and desire to help others that we find the values in our own lives.

Our homeless endeavors on that day extended far beyond providing nourishment to those in need. It was a genuine display of harmonious teamwork and exemplifies those principal tenets held in such high esteem by the order and craft. Our charitable effort was well received by the Shelters’ Staff and resident.

29 APR 2001 PHOTO GALLERY

Photographed by Bro Rufus Thomas

(Click on Photo to Enlarge)

 

HOMELESS PROJECT VOLUNTEER LIST

Bro. Byron A.   BRANDON

Sis. Clara  BERRIEN, WM

Sis. Margaret BOHANON, PM

Bro. Melvin B. BUCKMAN, JS

Sis. Shirley COLE

Bro. Victor E. COLE, SW, WP

Bro. Douglas DANIELS

Sis. Betty DOILEY, PM

Bro. Keith FRANCIS

Bro. Nathaniel J. GATES, SS

Bro. Grant GOLDSBY

Bro. James E. HARDNICK, WM

Sis. Kimberly HARDNICK

Bro.  William K. HARVEY, PM

Bro. Mancedon R. JOHNSON, JW

Bro. Bradford J. STALLWORTH, JD

Bro. Gregory SUDBERRY

Bro. Noah D. TAYLOR

Bro. Arper TENTMAN Jr., PM

Bro. Edward THOMAS, PP, SD

Bro. Rufus THOMAS

Bro.  John L. WALKER, PM

Bro. Lester L. WASHINGTON