A Brief History of
Friendship Chapter #15
Acceptance Speech
Institution 1964
Friendship Chapter U.D. – Chambly, QC
By Sister Doris Smith, W.M.
Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, Distinguished East, Sisters & Brothers:
This is a momentous occasion tonight, for the life of a new Chapter is just beginning. We start another new page in the history of this Grand Jurisdiction.
It is with the greatest pleasure that I welcome you one and all to the Institution of Friendship Chapter U.D., a chapter which we hope will rise to worthy heights, not so much perhaps in number (though we hope to gain many more), but in our work, for the good of the Order and in this community, aiding those less fortunate than us. To be chosen Worthy Matron of this Chapter U.D. is an honour, which I humbly accept with the responsibilities that carry with it.
No one person is ever indispensable to an organization. True good leadership is essential if our Order is to thrive, however, it is the membership support which must exist in this Chapter now that it has arrived and is certain to stay. We have hard work ahead of us, with many rehearsals and the settling of problems. But with each of us co-operating and with God’s guidance we can do it.
Following Electa’s theme we have chose the colour Red, representing Love, Loyalty, Charity and Hospitality, “For our name is Friendship”.
I would like to close with this verse from the Bible, taken from John, Chapter 13 – 34th verse:
A new Commandment I give unto you,
That ye love one another;
As I have loved you,
That ye also love one another.
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And so began the new life of Friendship Chapter. It all started on November 16, 1963 with a meeting to discuss the formation of a new chapter. This meeting was held at the Parish Hall of St. Stephen’s Church, Fort Chambly. Twenty people were present at this meeting and after much discussion, it was agreed by everyone that a chapter be formed. It was voted on at this meeting that the Chapter’s name would be Friendship Chapter and that it would meet once a month on the fourth Tuesday. It was agreed that application for dispensation be made on December 16, 1963.
The following officers were elected: Worthy Matron – Mrs. D. Smith; Worthy Patron – Mr. E. Young; Associate Matron – Mrs. E. Young; Associate Patron – Mr. W. Taylor; Secretary – Mrs. B. Johnson; Treasurer – Mrs. D. Lombard; Conductress – Mrs. C. Randell; Associate Conductress – Mrs. J. Whittacher.
The meeting regarding the Application for Dispensation, held on December 16, 1963, was called to order by the Chairman, Mr. J. Smith, P.P. who introduced Mr. R. Corkran, W.G.P. and the Under Dispensation Committee from Grand Chapter. They were: Mr. E. Reid, P.G.P., Mr. C. Hill, P.G.P. and Mrs. D. Graves, P.G.M. January 25, 1964 was set aside as Institution Night, for initiation of members and installation of officers. The Bible, which was to be donated by the Rev. & Mrs. C. Randell, would be dedicated on Institution Night.
The institution of Friendship Chapter U.D., Fort Chambly, took place in the Parish Hall of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, on Saturday, January 25, 1964 at 7:00 p.m. Preceded by a barbecued chicken dinner, the institution was presided over by Brother Richard Corkran, Worthy Grand Patron, assisted by Sister May Wallace, Worthy Grand Matron, and the Grand Officers.
A large number of members were in attendance, representing chapters throughout the Jurisdiction. Seated in the East were Past Grand Matrons Margaret Walker, Elaine Moore, Dora Graves, Bessie MacFarlane, and Eva Ward; Past Grand Patrons J. Edward West, Howard Walsh, Henry Barlow, Elmer J. K. Reid and John Walker. Grand Instructors Annie Dryden, Alma Kandalaft, Jean Harwood and John Patry were also in attendance. Following the initiatory work, beautifully performed by the Grand officers, the installation of the new officers took place.
Following the reading of the dispensation granted the new chapter by the Grand Secretary, the Worthy Grand Patron declared Friendship Chapter U.D. duly instituted and so proclaimed by the Grand Marshal, Sister Elsie McLean.
The Worthy Matron, Sister Doris Smith, in her acceptance speech thanked all those who had taken part, stressed unity and co-operation. Her emblem would be Electa’s cup, as indicative of friendship and hospitality.
The dedication of the Bible, Union Jack, pedestals, batons and Broken Column followed, being dedicated by Sister Esther West, P.G.M., Grand Secretary.
The new chapter was closed in ritualistic form, bringing to a close a very successful and impressive institution, with the Worthy Grand Matron, Sister May Wallace giving the Farewell address.
Over the years, the chapter prospered and gained many new members. Unfortunately we also lost many members as our older members passed “To That Borne Whence No Traveler Returns”. In January 1989 Carleton Chapter No. 42 consolidated with Friendship Chapter and in June 1999 Victoria Chapter No. 25 also decided to consolidate with us. Thus, we are now called Friendship-Victoria Chapter. In November 2008 Rosemount-St. Lambert Chapter consolidated with Friendship-Victoria Chapter and we became Friendship Chapter #15.
Friendship Chapter has had the honour of having four (4) Past Grand Matrons, Sisters Doris Smith, Hélène LeBel, Anita Young, and Marion Melnechuk (Loffelmann), and one Past Grand Patron, Brother Tom Williamson. With the consolidation of Carleton and Victoria Chapters, we welcomed three more Past Grand Matrons, Sisters Beatie Walker, Annis Bunting and Florence Samalack and three more Past Grand Patrons, Brothers John Walker, Nicholas Samalack and Mervin Jones. We can also claim Brother John Wise, P.G.P., through affiliation. Sister Alana Farrell is the first Past Grand Matron of the consolidated Friendship-Victoria Chapter. With the consolidation of Rosemount-St. Lambert Chapter #15, we welcomed two Past Grand Matrons, Sisters Brenda Shaw-Radford and Joyce Thompson and one Past Grand Patron, Brother Terence Radford.
Brother Nick Samalack served as General Grand Chapter Committee member on the Wonderful World of Youth from 1985-1988, Sister Florence Samalack served as General Grand Chapter Committee Member on Education from 1988-1991, Sister Hélène LeBel served as a General Grand Chapter Committee member on the Eastern Star Journal from 1997 – 2000, Sister Marion Loffelmann served as General Grand Chapter Committee Member and Visioneer for Quebec from 2003-2006 and Sister Anita Young served as General Grand Chapter Committee Member on Visionquest from 2006 - 2009. Sister Brenda Shaw-Radford is our current General Grand Chapter Committee Member and her term is from 2009 – 2012.
