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Early in the year 1897, a movement was inaugurated to establish a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in Hyattsville. After the preliminary steps had been taken, in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the Grand Chapter, the local chapter was instituted with the usual ceremonies under the direction of Mrs. Margaret Megenhart, Grand Matron of Maryland. Mrs. Blanche M. Noel was chosen the first Worthy Matron, and Mr. Milard F. Hobbs the first Worthy Patron. It was decided to name the chapter “Ruth,” which is a name greatly honored and revered by the order. As its numbers indicates, Ruth was the seventh chapter organized in the State of Maryland. The first degree work done in the chapter after the institution was performed by the Grand Chapter of the District of Columbia, Mrs. Alceda Lamond, Grand Matron, presiding as Worthy Matron, and L. Cabell Williamson, now General Grand Patron of the United States, acting as Worthy Patron. Dr. Alonzo M. Buck was the first person elected to receive the degrees after the institution. The Chapter was issued April 9, 1897.
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The following named members who petitioned for the chapter are still borne on the rolls of the chapter: Mrs. Blanche M. Noel, Mrs. Victoria V. Major, Mrs. Julia K. Edwards, Mrs. Laura V. Cooke, Mrs. Amia L. Baker, Mrs. Marion P. D. Buck, Mr. Harry B. Major, Rev. Chas. J. S. Mayo.
Ruth Chapter has been honored by the advancement of Mr. Harry B. Major, Past Patron of the Chapter, to the office of Grand Patron of the State, after his successful service in the position of Associate Grand Patron for a year. Several of the past officers of Ruth Chapter has been honored by appointments in the Grand Chapter. Since the organization Ruth Chapter has had the hearty co-operation of the chapters of her own State and of the District of Columbia, and is held in high esteem by her sister chapters. The meetings have been well attended, and the work has received the recommendation of the grand officers at every annual visitation. Few village chapters, if any, in the country have received visits from so many distinguished members of the order. Among the frequent visitors are Miss Almira Foley, Past General Grand Matron, and Mr. L. Cabell Williamson, Present General Grand Patron of the United States, nearly all the past matrons of Maryland, and most of the Past Grand Matrons and Patrons of the district of Columbia have been received as visitors to Ruth Chapter. This fact of itself is sufficient evidence of the high place occupied by Ruth Chapter in the great order of adoptive masonry. The chapter is still progressing, and gaining year by year, and is in good financial condition. The present corps of officers is as follows, and is second to none in the State: Mrs. Bliss J. Wilson, Worthy Matron; Dr. V. L. Perry, Worthy Patron; Mrs. Alice Perkins, Associate Matron; Amia L. Baker, Secretary; Mr. Wm. B. Severe, Treasurer; Mrs. Sarah Magruder, Conductress; Mrs. Nettie Moulden, Associate Conductress; Miss Laura P. Nicholson, Adah; Mrs. Katie E. Severe, Ruth; Mrs. F. A. Preston, Esther; Miss Jennie Webster, Martha; Mrs. Laura V. Cooke, Electa; Mrs. Rosa Carter, Marshall, Mrs. Marion P. D. Buck, Water; Mrs. Emma Coward, Organist; Mr. Walter A. Wilson, Sentinel.
the past matrons and patrons of the Chapter are: Mrs. Blanche M. Noel, Mrs. Victoria V. Major, Mrs. Laura V. Cooke, Mrs. Julia K. Edwards, and Mrs. Amia L. Baker, Past Matrons, and Mr. Harry B. Major and Mr. Walter A. Wilson, Past Patrons.
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