The History of Dewey Chapter # 155
Order of The Eastern Star of New Jersey
Dewey Lodge # 266 F. & A.M. was instituted May 14, 1921. The lodge was formerly the old Philadelphia Hotel. This building was erected in 1898 by Lorenz Krein. Antioch Castle No 44, K. G. E., had a large part in dedication of the building, which was then known as Golden Eagle Hall. Later the name was changed to Philadelphia Hotel. The front of the building was greatly changed as well as the interior where meeting rooms, kitchen and banquet hall were provided for Dewey Lodge and Dewey Chapter.
June 1921 - January 1923
Dewey Chapter # 155 was instituted on June 15, 1921. The new Masonic Lodge was institued one month before and named in honor of Hiram T. Dewey. The chapter was Constitued on Febuary 14, 1922. Dr Emilie Rundlett, M.W. Grand Matron was our fraternal Mother. Atlantic City Chapter # 53 presented us with an Alter Cloth on the day of our institution. In December, 1921 the M.W. Grand Matron witnessed the exemplification of our work, was satisfied and recommended that our charter be given to our chapter at the next Grand chapter meeting. By-Laws were drawn up. Dewey Chapter presented a veil to Friendship Chapter on the night of their institution on May 13, 1922
1923 - 1924
Grand Chapters 54th meting, held in Kreuger Auditorium in Newark. Twenty Six members were initiated this year. The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron presented the chapter with a ballot box.
1924 - 1925
The officers were installed by Atlantic City Chapter No. 53. Thirty-five members were initiated this year. A wall clock was donated by S. Marie Kaser.
1925 - 1926
This year Grand Sessions were changed from January to April. Fifteen member were initiated this year.
1926 - 1927
On charter member night, S. Clara Boysen presented the chapter with a white Bible in memory of S. Emma Cressman, who held the station of Ruth and passed away during the year.
1927 - 1928
Members of Dewey Chapter and members of Hiram T. Dewey Masonic Lodge attended Church Services at the Emmanuel Congregational Church. Ventor Chapter was instituted, and Dewey Chapter presnted them with Adah's Veil.
1928 - 1929
In october the first O.E.S. home was dedicated in Bernardsville.
1929 - 1930
This year Dewey Chapter had an eight member choir and a soloist.
1931 - 1932
We celebrated our 10th anniversary and had a Star shaped cake, decorated in the Star Point colors for the occasion. We loaned all of our paraphernalia to Grand Chapter Session in May which was held in Atlantic City. Our worty Matron presented the Chapter with five Altar cushions and a Chaplain's stole.
1932 - 1933
This was the year we moved from the old Broadway Building to the new Masionic Hall, our present home. Our true friend and benefactor "Uncle Hi" Dewey passed away in March 1933
1933 - 1934
The O.E.S. Committee officiated in the signing of the NRA. Our 13th birthday celebration there were thirty-nine charter members still with us.
1934 - 1935
On Master Mason night the officers of Hiram T. Dewey Lodge had 100% attendance. Members of Dewey Chapter visited the O.E.S. home
1935 - 1936
We had two Worthy Patrons, the First had left New Jersey and the second served out the rest of the year.
1936 - 1937
Chapter's 15th Birthday.
1939 - 1940
This was the first year pictures were taken of the officers in the chapter room after installation, and the year that the #155 club was formed.
1940 - 1941
the yaer the card tables were purchased and some are still in use.
1941 - 1942
This was a war year and many things were curtailed and we were asked to purchase Savings Bonds which the chapter did.
1942 - 1943
Chapter Cookbooks sold for $ .25 per copy.
1943 - 1944
The corsages our officers wore for official night were made of Defense Stamps that were turned over to the Chapter for the purchase of a War Bond. The Charter Members were honored on our 22nd Birthday and although a black-out was in effect at the time the officers continued with the ceremony.
1944 - 1945
A card party was given and proceeds donated to the Red Cross. Another card party was given to purchase trays, hot food carts, and hymnals for our wounded serviceman in our army and NAvy Hospitals. Our Masonic Temple was newly painted and renovated this year.
1945 - 1946
The Christian Flag was added to our paraphernalia. he end of the War.
1946 - 1947
Our 25th Year Anniversary was celebrated at the Cosmopolitan Club. All members being in the chapter for 25 years received their 25 year pins.
1948 - 1949
Sixteen members were initiated this year. A new American Flag and twenty-five folding chairs were bought.
1949 - 1950
This was the first time an actual brother ans sister team searved together as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of our Chapter. A Youth Club was started for the sons and daughters of Masons and Eastern Star members.
1950 - 1951
The Grand Officers visited us during the year. On MAster Mason night, the Worthy Patron gave the obligation to thirty-one Master Masons.
1951 - 1952
Charter Members were presented with a red, silk rose which were hand made by the WM .
1952 - 1953
The Grand Officers rendered the initiatory work at the Sept. Meeting. The new piano was purchased this year and the # 155 club donated the Blue velvet curtain in the East.
1953 - 1954
This year was a father and daughter serving in the East. New Chairs were purchased for our Chapter Room.
1954 - 1955
The Grand Officers visited in Sept, and gave the initiatory work. Two new chairs were presented in memory of S. Myrtle Kears mother. The Chapter donated 2700 cookies for the Fort Dix Cookie Parade. It was announced to the Chapter that 300 cancelled postage stamps would buy for Korea.
1955 - 1956
The Order of Rainbow Girls preformed their initiatory work. Fifty-one members of the Masonic Lodge were present on Master Mason Night. Grand Chapter reported that 8300 Bibles were sent to Korea and other foreign countries as a result of the cancelled postage stamps.
1956 - 1957
Ground Breaking for the new Eastern Star Home in December. We received a certificate for being one of three chapters in the 10th District to attain Honor Roll status in the Eastern Star Home Project.
1957 - 1958
Corner Stone Laying for O.E.S. Home was on April 13, 1958. Our Chapter donated $1000.00 toward a new heating system in the Masonic Temple. Grand Officers gave initiatory work in Jan. S. Millie Boysen and Brother Fred Obergfell, our first WM & WP, were both given life membership cards.
1958 - 1959
Grand Officers honored us with a visitation this year. During this year the WM collected soaps, perfume and powder for the State Home for Girls in Vineland.
1959 - 1960
Dr. Emilie Rundlett, our Fraternal Mother pass away.
1960 - 1961
Eleven members were initiated. We were visited by the MWGM William Davies on Master Mason Night.
1965 - 1966
The WM presented a Sheaf of Wheat for Ruth's Station to the Chapter in memory of her mother. The MWGM project for the year was the collection of Green Stamps toward the purchase of a bus for the O.E.S. Home.
1966 - 1967
This year we had a mother and son serving in the East. S. Millie Boysen, PGO and our first WM was presented with her 50 year pin in Grand Chapter. She passed away later in that year, as did our first WP B. Fredrick Obergfell.
1968 - 1969
First time a WM severed a second term. The Lodge was painted this year and a new Star rug was purchased.
1969 - 1970
We obtained new pedestals for the chapter this year, which were partly made by the WM husband.
1970 - 1971
New Blue velvet drapes were made for the lodge room by S. Bertha Parker.
1971 - 1972
History was made this year in Grand Chapter Session when Alpha Chapter received their charter, making them the first Negro chapter to be recognized by the Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey.
1972 - 1973
In March 1972 a change was adopted to hold meeting night once a month instead of customary twice a month. Catherine Percy to her 50 year pin and her son , now WP John J. Percy III Worshipful Master of Unity Lodge was obligated. Three chapter merged to form Tri-Star Chapter (Atlantic - Ventnor and John Clements).
1973 - 1974
Saving newspaper was a big project this year. It was a means of raising money for the Chapter. New By-Laws were printed.
1974 - 1975
A new refrigerator was bought. A special dispensation was requested from the MWGM to hold an election and install a new Conductress.
1975 - 1976
An organ was purchased by a donation made to the Lodge. It was placed in the East.
1976 - 1977
Three new thermostats were installed by the trustees. The Lodge trustees resigned leaving three chapter trustees on the board. The Assoc name will be Hiram T. Dewey and Dewey Chapter # 155.
1977 - 1978
The parking lot was rented to Kears for five years.
1979 - 1980
Trustees voted to replace the front doors with the Lodge and Chapter sharing expenses. The trustees planned to lower the ceiling in the dining room to cut oil costs.
1980 - 1981
the possibility of installing a phone was discussed but tabled. Motion was made to reactivate the # 155 Club.
1981 - 1982
A coin phone was installed in the temple. A donation was made for new pots and pans in the remodeled kitchen. A large print Readers Digest was presented to the Eastern Star Home
1982 - 1983
Dewey had an open house Brother D. Dickinson was Worshipful Master of Dewey Lodge.
1983 -1984
The Chapter had an open house and another Large print Readers Digest was presented to the Eastern Star Home.
1984 - 1985
Worthy Matron had a side-liners Honor Night.
1985 - 1986
By-laws were updated. Adoption of new Fraternal Parents - S. Louise H. Mazzone P.G.M.. and B. Joseph G. Robinson P.G.P. also the By-laws were later changed. Chairman of Merger Committee conducted voting of Hammonton Chapter merging with Dewey Chapter. The merger took place on April 1, 1986.
It was voted to merge the signature pages of Hammonton's Chapter Bible bound with Dewey's Chapter Bible. A special meeting on April 1, 1986, he purpose was the merger of Hammonton Chapter # 34 into Dewey Chapter # 155. The WM had a labyrinth walk this year. Distric Deputy was Barbara Dickinson.1986 - 1987
The old seal was retired and placed in the glass class in the vestibule. A purchase of a new seal was authorized. A 65th birthday of the chapter was held. New ritual was introduced.
1987 - 1988
The chapter has a secret pal. Trustees report a new roof was needed on the building.
1988 - 1989
Trustees report the instalation of a fire alarm that goes directly to the police dispatch .
1989 - 1990
Back Lot was black topped for free in exchange for allowing Senn use for parking. Trustees report exit lights have been brought up to safety standards. WM had a Grand Officers Night. Jan 9, 1990 By-laws needed to be revised.
1990 - 1991
Donation of Three new oil tanks by Senn Oil Company .
1991 - 1992
District Deputy was Helen Freney. New Christian Flag presented by S. Helen in loving memory of Francis Bailey and S. Anna Carrero. B. David Garing P.G.P presented the labyrinth walk in Dec. A top Three Visitation by the M.W.G.M. , M.W.G.P. and R.W.A.G.M.
1992 - 1993
M.W.G.M. was Jacqueline A. Anderson and M.W.G.P. was B. Douglas L Dickinson. S. Linda Thibault presented the chapter with Adah veil from S. Ginnie Corles, Worth Grand Adah who made the veil in honor of her Fraternal Father B. Douglas L. Dickinson M.W.G.P.
1993 - 1994
District Deputy was Margaret Williams. The trustees replaced the carpet throughout the entire building. Dewey had a Top Three presentation of 25 year pins.
1994 - 1995
The Chapter Purchased a name brick for the Egg Harbor Historical Society Memorial Walk. A new additional water heater was installed. It was voted that we give Hammonton Signet to Friendship Chapter, which we had aquired during the Hammonton merger.
1995 - 1996
Trustees prepared new By-laws for Joint trustees and were approved by Lodge and Chapter. Trustee set up a fund to buy a chair lift. It was voted we give Friendship chapter the rug we had recieved from Hammonton Chapter.
1996 - 1997
Fraternal Mom Louise H. Mazzone P.G.M. passed away. Hiram T. Dewey Masonic Lodge and Dewey Chapter # 155 O.E.S celerbrate 75th Birthday. Instalation started with 8 inches of snow fall and the power going off three times during instalation. 74 Sisters and Brothers braved the snow and elements. Anniversay celebration was held at the Ramada Inn in Hammonton, with the Top 3 attending, along with the Grand Master of Masons of New Jersey.
1997 - 1998
Still gathering info.
1998 - 1999
1998 Fraternal Father Joseph G. Robertson P.G.P passed away.
1998 While removing wallpaper a mural was found.
1999 - 2000
S. Jaquilne A. Anderson P.G.M. and B. Douglas L. Dickinson P.G.P. were adopted as our Fraternal Parents. Dishwasher bought for Kitchen.
2000 - 2001
New alter covers donated by S. Ruth Percy. New podium top for WM & WP donated by B. Frank Woolley. Mural that was found in 1998. Finished Trustees approve the purchase of a new Star for the East ..... Grand Officers Night was held in Jan.
200
1 - 2002
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2 - 2003
2003 - 2004
2004 - 2005
2005-2006
Dawn Freney Worthy Matron, Helen Freney Assoc Matron , Linda Percy Conductress and Ruth Percy Assoc Conductress Mother & Daughter Team in all 4 corners.
2006-2007
New Conductress and Assoc Conductress baton holders donated by Brother Dominick Messina PP
2007-2008
New Hand Made Podium Top in the East donated by Brother Dominick Messina PP
We are not finished with this page. We are still looking for more information to add to this page email me if you have something. We are also looking for Eastern Star items to add to our glass class in the vestibule. Thanks Linda Percy (swamptigger@aol.com)