Members of the Duke Center Keystone Chapter #2 of the Order of Eastern Star celebrated the 125th anniversary of the local chapter of the international fraternal service organization.
Keystone Chapter #2 is the second oldest Pennsylvania chapter of the organization having been established on June 7, 1888. The organization’s purpose is to provide assistance and support to members as well as to members of the community. The ladies of Chapter #2 also enjoy organized social events in addition to their service work.
A special anniversary luncheon and tea was held Sunday afternoon at the Bradford Masonic Lodge on South Avenue. Grand officers from the Pennsylvania Grand Chapter attended the event in support of the achievement. After the meal, live musical entertainment was provided by the three women of the Christian music group “Simple Faith.”
“It’s a wonderful organization of women. We do a lot of volunteer work. In order to become a member you must be married to or related to a Freemason,” said event organizer Jean Salton.
She had served for 20 years as treasurer of the Bradford Keystone Chapter #61 of the organization before it was disbanded two years ago.
Salton then became involved with the Duke Center chapter and many of the Bradford chapter also followed Keystone Chapter #2, while others went to the Smethport Keystone Chapter 15.
This caused a small growth in each of the chapters. Salter said the reason the chapter has had such longevity is not necessarily related to the number of members, but its numerous loyal years of service. Typically, once members get involved they will stay involved for decades.
“You build some fantastic friendships. It’s a way of life. In this group if someone has a problem, everyone helps,” Salter said.
Some of their work to better the community includes volunteering at The Friendship Table and Chapel Ridge nursing home, holding sales to raise money for local charitable organizations and putting on the yearly Freemason past master dinner. Salter said the group has had particular focus on raising funds to help those with muscular dystrophy, cancer and veterans.
