Bethpage #5 History

The Order of the Eastern Star was founded by Dr. Rob Morris, LL.D., Ph.D., who was born August 31, 1818. He became a Mason in 1846 and desired its benefits shared by the female relatives of Master Masons. But, by its ancient laws, women were not eligible for the degrees, so in 1850 he taught a neighbor and his wife the degrees he had written and in 1854 he organized a body under the name of "Constellations," later "Families", and finally The Order of the Eastern Star.

In 1899, at Bethpage, Tennessee, on May 27th, Bethpage Chapter 11 was organized and instituted August 27, 1899 under General Grand Chapter by Mrs. Hattie E. Ewing, Most Worthy Grand Matron; Nathan Earhart, Most Worthy Grand Patron; Mrs. Lorainne J. Pitkins, Right Worthy Grand Secretary and Sterling Price of East Nashville Chapter 1. In 1900, the Grand Chapter of Tennessee was organized and the chapter number was changed from 11 to 5.

Julia L. Gaines, a member of Bethpage Chapter, was the first Associate Grand Matron of Tennessee. The following year she was elected Worthy Grand Matron and Appointed E. A. Woodson, Grand Chaplain and Mrs. Lula Ray, Grand Warder from her chapter

January 29, 1906, John Bell Chapter 44 was organized in Gallatin and they made their last report in 1918. As Bethpage Chapter was making no progress, it was suggested by Sister Leta W. Leseuer, Worthy Grand Matron, that John Bell give up their charter and receive certificates and affiliate with Bethpage Chapter, if it would move to Gallatin. Bethpage agreed to the merger, provided the new chapter be allowed to retain the name Bethpage Chapter 5 as the charter had been issued by the General Grand Chapter before Tennessee Grand Chapter was organized.

On August 21, 1919, the chapters became one under the leadership of Mrs. Janie Auterban, Worthy Matron and J.F. Williams, Worthy Patron.

Charter Members of Bethpage Chapter

Mesdames E. A. Wilson, Julia Gaines, W. C. Nimmo, M. E. Key, J. W. Dorris, J. W. Mason. G. T. Yates, E. A. Woodson, Elba Whitesides, Lula Ray, Josiah Witham, Emma Cochran, Izzie Durham, Mattie Chipman, J. W. Henry, T. G. Wright, J. E. Dorris, Misses Kate Dorris, Maud Senter, Lovie Key, Mr. E. B. Wilson, Dan Gaines, W. C. Nimmo, Z. T. Key, J. W. Dorris, J. W. Mason, W. Withan, T. W. Hunter, E. A. Woodson, G. T. Yates, W. M. Durham, J. W. Morgan, Josiah Witham, J. W. Henry, and T. G. Wright.

Bethpage's first Worthy Matron, Mrs. Julia L. Gaines; Worthy Patron, E. A. Woodson

Charter Members of John Bell Chapter

Mesdames John I. Bryant, T. I. Cook, J. C. Graham, Z. J. Griffin, Louisa S. Heath, W. R. Hughey, B. E. Love, J. J. Naive, F. E. Patton, O. D. Rutherford, Hoge B. Nix; Misses Eura Barnett, Nellie Simpson; Mr. J. C. Graham, S. K. Graffin, and W. C. Rippy.

John Bell's first Worthy Matron, Miss Nellie Simpson; Worthy Patron, Z. K. Griffin.

Bethpage #5 OES