Seymour Chapter 134 Order of the Eastern Star conducted a reception honoring Denver Gray, Grand Sentinel of the Indiana Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, on Sept. 14 at Central Christian Church in Seymour.
Guests were greeted for pictures in the lobby of the church in front of a golf fairway mural. The honored guest and his wife, Wanda, were seated beside Denver’s golf clubs, an assortment of golf hats and tables decorated with the five star point colors.
Following the social hour, guests were invited into the sanctuary, where the altar was draped with a handmade appliquéd golf course-themed quilt. The Worthy Grand Matron’s Bible was on the altar.
Presiding as Worthy Matron was Margaret Kroman, Past Deputy. Assisting with the activities as Worthy Patron were Marvin Anderson, Associate Patron; Conductress, Brenda Goss, PD; and Organist, Judi Brown, PD. Photographer for the afternoon was Stephen Kroman, Grand Lodge Photographer for the Grand Lodge of Indiana.
The Conductress presented Denver Gray at the altar with Pastor Ben Yee giving the prayer of blessing.
Brother Denver was dressed as PGA Golfer Payne Stewart in plaid knickers and vest complete with a Tam O’Shanter cap and Sister Wanda as a golf widow and were escorted to the East by the S and S Bouquet of Love, the Dare to Dream and the Legacy of Hope Grand Families under an arch of golf clubs.
Brother Denver then introduced Jenny Nicholson, Worthy Grand Matron, and Robert DeRolf, Worthy Grand Patron. The tribute was given by Betty Swisher, Grand Trustee and PGM.
Escorted and introduced were General Grand Chapter Committee Members Sherry Johnson, Credentials, and Deby Thomas, Service Dog Project; Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons of Indiana Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Barbara Terry, PGM and Grand Treasurer, and her husband, Jim; Linda Singer, widow of Dwight Singer, PGP; Loretta Riehl, PGM; Fred Rowe, PGP; and Bonnie Allinder, PGM.
Also, Constance Branigan, widow of Robert Branigan, PGP; Susie Roach, PGM, and her husband, Mike; Dwayne Taylor, PGP, and his wife, Geneva; Vivian Ashton, PGM; Cary Hetrick, PGP, and his wife, Michelle; Betty Swisher, Grand Trustee and PGM; Tina Vredenburgh, PGM, and her husband, George; Larry Frost, PGP, and his wife, Nancy; Cindy Skura, PGM, and her husband, Dave; and Les Simonton, PGP, and his wife, Cheryl.
The Legacy of Hope Grand Family escorted and introduced were Melody DeRolf, wife of the Worthy Grand Patron; Gleda Brooks, Associate Grand Matron and her husband, Jerry; Rick Lassiter, Associate Grand Patron; Anna Burton, Grand Secretary; and Angela Hensell, Grand Conductress, and her husband, Brian.
Also, Cynthia Willyard, Associate Grand Conductress, and her husband, Richard; James Rogers, Grand Chaplain, and his wife, Alice; Harold Rowe, Grand Marshal; Peggi Barassi, Grand Organist; Pam Butz, Grand Adah; B.J. Mitchell, Grand Ruth; Tina Mullens, Grand Esther; Karen Hazelman, Grand Martha; Pat Witt, Grand Electa; and Ruth Sherrow, Grand Warder.
The district deputies and spouses, the Messengers of Hope and their Helping Hands escorted and introduced were from Districts 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 21 and our own District Deputy 4, Janice Brock, and her husband, Jim. Also escorted and introduced were Louann Sorg, General Grand Chapter Campfire Friend, and her husband, Bill.
Introduced from the floor were the S and S Bouquet of Love Grand Family, Dare to Dream Grand Family, Grand Chapter committee members, grand representatives, worthy matrons and worthy patrons, past matrons and past patrons and past grand organists and former grand representatives and distinguished masons.
Also recognized were the members of Seymour chapter and Denver’s Caddies, the members of the 4th District Association steering committee.
Escorted across the East were 24 members of Denver’s family, including his wife, Wanda, their two sons and their families, including eight grandchildren along with brothers and sisters of Brother Denver and Sister Wanda.
John Lowry gave a very touching light and chalk drawing of the “Images of Christ.”
Following the presentation of love gifts, the program was closed with an Irish Golf Blessing. Past Grand Patron Dwayne Taylor gave the benediction with Past Grand Patron Larry Frost giving the table grace.
Dinner instructions were given by Marvin Anderson. A fried chicken and roast beef dinner, catered by The Pines, was served in the fellowship hall, which was decorated in a golf theme.
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization in which both men and women may belong. Membership includes master masons and ladies over the age of 18 who have a specific relationship to a master mason. Questions regarding membership eligibility may be sent to [email protected].