M embers of Lampasas Chapter #295 Order of the Eastern Star recently celebrated the chapter's 103rd birthday.

Past Matron Glynda Carpenter researched and prepared the following history of the chapter.

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The Order of the Eastern Star would not exist had it not been for the Masonic institution. As daughters, widows, wives, sisters and mothers of Masons, members share the freedoms of our country -- freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, free public schools and other freedoms often taken for granted. The local chapter could not have existed all these years without the help and support of local Masons.

Rob Morris, the founder of OES, became a Mason in England in 1849. He felt female relatives should share the benefits of the fraternal order. From that desire evolved an Order to benefit both men and women who affectionately address one another as "brothers and sisters."

On Nov. 16, 1876, the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star was organized. Hallmarks include a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being with lessons scriptural, teachings moral and purposes beneficient.

The local Saratoga Masonic Lodge was chartered on Dec. 12, 1881. The first whistle of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe train in 1882 brought an economic boon to Lampasas. In 1884, the population was 10,000, and Lampasas was said to be larger than Dallas.

The name Saratoga Masonic Lodge probably evolved from the popular mineral spring waters, since the city of Lampasas was advertised as "The Saratoga of the South." Local members leveled their first cornerstone on Sept. 6, 1883, for the Lampasas County Courthouse.

The first Masonic Hall was on the upper floor of a building on the south end of the east side of the square, where the Lampasas County Office Building now sits. A narrow iron stairway led upstairs to a large room from the back of a Texaco service station. Bats were a problem, which continued until moving day to the new Lodge Hall in 1963. Chapter Silver Drills monthly were dedicated to the Saratoga Lodge building fund.

1890-1894 The first original minutes, Sept. 30, 1890, for OES Chapter #115 stated, "It was decided to organize a Chapter of the Eastern Star at this place!"

There must have been bad years for Lampasas, though. The railroad moved westward, and the "boom" was over. The economy both at home and at the state level was bad for farmers and stockmen, with declining prices while the necessities of life were more expensive. Loans were hard to get, and interest rates were high.

In July 1894, Lampasas Chapter #115 opened without ceremony. "Members voted to suspend all dues in arrears for a year or more. The Chapter closed in peace and harmony."

1905

Eleven years later, Lampasas Chapter #295 was organized at the Lodge Hall on Aug. 10, 1905. This was the same summer that Central Texas Baptists held their first encampment (July 6-16) at Hancock Springs. More than 8,000 people camped in the park with people coming from all over Texas.

First Worthy Matron was Mary Williamson, wife of the vice president of the newly organized Peoples National Bank. Worthy Patron was W.B. Nichols. They served four terms from 1905-08. Some of the installing officers came from San Saba.

Population in the city was 2,100. Lampasas had an electric plant, a telephone system and a city water system with eight miles of pipes.

In the town square people were complaining abouat unsightly conditions. Rural free delivery had started in 1904, and a petition was granted to build Central Christian Church of stone frame in 1907.

Mr. Swenny arrived in Lampasas driving the first auto-buggy, saying, "It took five gallons of gas to come from Temple." It was requested that the city purchase a safe fire truck. "The one on hand is dangerous for horse and rider at rapid speeds."

1920s-1940s

In 1920, the chapter voted to sell the organ (no organist), and a Victrola was bought and used until 1922, when a new piano was purchased for $250. Records are missing for years 1929-1934, which must have been hard years for Lampasas as well as the nation. Back dues were remitted for three years, and the chapter continued to seek new members. Babies born to chapter members, however, were presented a silver spoon that cost $1 each.

First mention of formal dresses being worn was 1940. The Christmas party was held at the Country Club west of town off FM 580. More than 100 gifts were under the huge frosted Christmas tree. Miss Alice Casbeer was Worthy Matron, and Walter Smith was Worthy Patron. Dr. Munger Lewis, with Miss Bea Casbeer at the piano, led a number of Christmas carols. Games, led by Past Matron Iva Lee Gibbs, included Hunting Paw Paw in the Paw Paw Patch, Making the Christmas Hat, Gossip and Santa Pack.

Money in the amount of $48.01 collected at the party was dedicated toward a new hall. The chapter bought a set of dishes for the Lodge costing $9.90, and Lura Griffin was presented at Grand Chapter and recognized as a 50- year member.

1950s to present

During the 1950s, the chapter grew in membership with attendance from 60 to 75 people at a regular meeting. Dr. W.M. Brook was thanked for the furniture presented the Masonic Lodge. The chapter also gave a standing voice of thanks to Alice and Frank Cofer for their gift of a new desk for use by the chapter and Lodge.

In 1955, the chapter received an invitation from the Rev. A.P. Avant, pastor of First Baptist Church, to hear a series of sermons on the five women of the Bible representing the Order, known as Adah, the daughter; Ruth, the widow; Esther, the wife; Martha, the sister; and Electa, the mother. Many favorable comments were made by those who attended.

The long-awaited dream of a new Lodge Hall came true in 1962-63. The chapter purchased new chairs, pedestals for star point officers, a new piano and a new refrigerator.

The 75th anniversary of the chapter was celebrated in October 1980, with a tea in the North Avenue home of Alice Cofer. Ninety members and guests attended.

The chapter assisted the Masons in preparation for their 100th anniversary banquet at the Methodist Church on Dec. 11, 1981. Jim Hoffpauir was Worshipful Master.

Eight-two members have served as Worthy Matron, and 52 members have served as Worthy Patron, with 15 sisters and 20 brothers serving more than one term. Only two have served for four terms: Mary Williamson and Laverne Griffin. Leland Pratt Sr. served nine terms, Walter Smith seven terms and W.E. Moore six terms.

It has been the custom through the years for ladies to wear dresses at the Lodge Hall. One might wonder if that will change, since ladies presently wear pants or pantsuits at all other functions, including church services.

The chapter was honored to have Willene Dunning, Marie Justice and Lila Goodson appointed as Deputy Grand Matrons.

Dues have increased through the years from $2.50 in 1936, to $3 in 1948, $6 in 1967, $10 in 1975 to $20 at present.

Ongoing projects for the chapter have been Thanksgiving baskets for shut-in members and the collection of toys for needy children at Christmas.

The chapter has been served by many loyal and dedicated officers who gave freely of their time and talents to make Lampasas Chapter #295 an outstanding chapter dedicated to charity, truth and lovingkindess.

For information about OES, please contact Grady and Glynda Jones at 556-3923.