Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter was organized on May 3, 1969. The name was selected in honor of Sister Beatrice Hudson. The first officers of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter were George Hudson-Grand Patron, Rosie Humphries- Grand Matron, Gloria Thomas-Associate Grand Matron, Vernon Williams-Associate Grand Patron, Grace Bond-Grand Secretary, Freddie Smelley-Grand Treasurer, and Dorothy Young-Grand Conductress. They were elected to serve for two terms. On June 20, 1969, Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter was adopted by the Most Worshipful St. James Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. under the leadership of Brother John D. Means as Grand Master. The Grand Chapter later petitioned to the Supreme Grand Chapter, O.E.S., for a charter, which was granted on August 11, 1970 in Gary, Indiana.
In 1971, George Hudson and Rosie Humphries Hudson were reelected as Grand Patron and Grand Matron. The first Grand Chapter affair was a Cotillion Ball with the proceeds going to establish a scholarship fund. The first Esther Day service was held on May 16, 1971 at Caanon Baptist Church. The Grand Chapter's first charitable donation was in the amount of $500.00 given to the United Negro College Fund. The early years were marked by the enterprising ideas of members such as Sister Grace Bond who used her sewing talents to make the Grand Chapter's paraphernalia.
In 1972, Sister Maggie Ashley of Morning Star Chapter #5 (Star in the East #1) was elected Grand Matron and Brother Arthur Johnson was elected Grand Patron. They both served two terms. Sister Grace Bond submitted a resolution, which was accepted by the body, establishing the first membership directory. A Youth Committee was appointed, chaired by Sister Jessie Mooty, which later organized the Junior Stars. Sister Maggie Ashley submitted a resolution establishing the first Building Fund. The first community project was a banquet at the Sherman House, which turned out to be a huge success. In 1972, Queen Beatrice attended its first Supreme Session as a Grand Body. That year the Supreme Session was held in New Jersey. In 1973, the first King and Queen Contest Fashion Show by Robie Marshall Models was held and a donation of $500.00 was given to the Beatrice Caffery Foundation.
In December 1974, Sister Grace Bond of Morning Star Chapter #5 was elected Grand Matron and Brother Louis Flowers was elected Grand Patron. They both served two terms. In that the goal was to have a new home, the Grand Chapter continued its efforts to raise money for the Building Fund. The first joint banquet with St James Grand Lodge held at McCormick Inn and a trip to Jackson, Mississippi to attend the Supreme Session demonstrated the unity developing between the two Grand Bodies. The Grand Chapter's charitable contributions that year included $250.00 to St. Jude Midwest in Peoria, Illinois; $200.00 in the honor of Sister Rosie Jargon to Batman Book Co.; and $100.00 to several nursing homes.
In December 1976, Sister Grace Bond of Morning Star Chapter #5 was reelected Grand Matron and Brother Jeff Smith was elected Grand Patron. They both served until December 1979. During 1976, the Grand Chapter donated $500.00 to St. Jude Midwest Affiliated in Champaign, Illinois. In 1977, the joint King and Queen ball was held at the Holiday Inn, Centre City.
In March 1978, St. James Grand Lodge and Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter, under the leadership of John D. Means- Grand Master, Grace Bond-Grand Matron, and Jeff Smith-Grand Patron, opened the doors to the new home of the two Grand Bodies at 8220 South Western Avenue. On October 29, 1978, the Masonic Hall was duly dedicated. Charitable contributions were made to the Building Fund this year.
In December 1979, Sister Jessie Mooty and Brother Warren Hampton were elected Grand Matron and Grand Patron. The Grand Chapter continued to grow. The Grand Chapter at this point no longer had membership in the General Grand Masonic Congress (Supreme Grand Chapter, O.E.S.).
In December 1980, Sister Jessie Mooty was reelected as Grand Matron and Brother Anthony Robinson was elected Grand Patron. Our charitable donations were food baskets and clothing to the needy at Christmas time.
In December 1981, Sister Jessie Mooty was reelected as Grand Matron. The Grand Chapter attended the Supreme Session in Jackson, Mississippi.
In December 1982, Sister Dorothy Young of Ruth Chapter #7 was elected Grand Matron. She served until 1985. During this administration, they worked tirelessly to have Queen Beatrice reinstated into the Supreme Grand Chapter.
Eventually the officers traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with the Supreme Grand Chapter and reached a resolution. The Grand Chapter was successful, and in 1984, after years of separation, Queen Beatrice was reinstated and allowed recognition in the Supreme Session.
In 1985, Sister Jean Johnson was elected Grand Matron. This administration continued to move forward. Members were rewarded and recognized with certificates for the first time. In December 1985, Sister Jean Johnson was reelected Grand Matron and Brother Warren Hampton were once again elected as Grand Patron. They both served two years. During this administration, a Scholarship Fund was established with the first recipient being Evette Gates in 1987. In addition, an O.E.S. Choir was organized and the Sunbeams were activated.
In December 1988, Sister Carrie Woods of Ruth Chapter #9 was elected Grand Matron and Brother Warren Hampton was reelected Grand Patron. Together they served the Grand Chapter for more than 10 years. They were accredited for many of the innovative projects that we participate in today. The Scholarship Fund was changed to the Education Assistance Fund with joint efforts from both Grand Bodies. The scholarships continue to be one of the largest Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter contributions to the community. The Past Matron and Patron Ball was changed to a religious production and/or concert and recognizes the efforts of leaders who have faithfully served Queen Beatrice.
In December 1980, Sister Jessie Mooty was reelected as Grand Matron and Brother Anthony Robinson was elected Grand Patron. Our charitable donations were food baskets and clothing to the needy at Christmas time.
In December 1981, Sister Jessie Mooty was reelected as Grand Matron. The Grand Chapter attended the Supreme Session in Jackson, Mississippi.
In December 1982, Sister Dorothy Young of Ruth Chapter #7 was elected Grand Matron. She served until 1985. During this administration, they worked tirelessly to have Queen Beatrice reinstated into the Supreme Grand Chapter.
Eventually the officers traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with the Supreme Grand Chapter and reached a resolution. The Grand Chapter was successful, and in 1984, after years of separation, Queen Beatrice was reinstated and allowed recognition in the Supreme Session.
In 1985, Sister Jean Johnson was elected Grand Matron. This administration continued to move forward. Members were rewarded and recognized with certificates for the first time. In December 1985, Sister Jean Johnson was reelected Grand Matron and Brother Warren Hampton were once again elected as Grand Patron. They both served two years. During this administration, a Scholarship Fund was established with the first recipient being Evette Gates in 1987. In addition, an O.E.S. Choir was organized and the Sunbeams were activated.
In December 1988, Sister Carrie Woods of Ruth Chapter #9 was elected Grand Matron and Brother Warren Hampton was reelected Grand Patron. Together they served the Grand Chapter for more than 10 years. They were accredited for many of the innovative projects that we participate in today. The Scholarship Fund was changed to the Education Assistance Fund with joint efforts from both Grand Bodies. The scholarships continue to be one of the largest Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter contributions to the community. The Past Matron and Patron Ball was changed to a religious production and/or concert and recognizes the efforts of leaders who have faithfully served Queen Beatrice.
At the conclusion of our December 2002 session, Sister Tanya Smith-Jeffries of Morning Star Chapter #5 was elected as one of the youngest Grand Matrons in Queen Beatrice’s history. Brother Clarence Whitehead, 33rd was elected to serve as Worthy Grand Patron. Together they served the Grand Chapter for two years. Sis. Jeffries theme for 2003 was “Drawing from the Past to Build Our Future.” Her desire was to ensure the longevity and stability of Queen Beatrice by mentoring and shaping younger Sisters for future leadership roles thereby passing on valuable experiences and knowledge from past leaders.
Her goals included increasing the number of committed and dedicated women who are accepted into membership and for the Grand Chapter and its members to become more visible and vocal in the community through charitable activities and contributions. Her administration also published the first Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter Year End Report, highlighting its charitable contributions, activities and future organizational goals. During her administration the Education Committee was reactivated, and two new committees were added to enhance the focus of the Grand Body. They were the Charity and Benevolence and Good and Welfare Committees.
Under Sis. Jeffries leadership in 2004, she continued her goals to prepare younger members for leadership roles by gaining the knowledge of past leaders and showing a greater presence in the community through charity and benevolence acts.
The Good and Welfare committee held their first ever Day of Beauty & Well-Being complete with speakers, vendors and manicures. She was also instrumental in boosting Rosebud Circle #1, Order of Sunbeams to represent the State of Illinois at the Supreme Session in New York. The Sunbeams under the direction of Sister Dorothy Braden, Mother Advisor returned to the State with many accolades for their activities and talent performances displayed by our youth at the Session. The administration ended with a Grand Chapter that was more focused on educating its members and giving back to the community.
Upon the conclusion of December 2004, Sis. Jacquelyn D. C. Spires of Morning Star Chapter #5 was elected and installed as the new Grand Matron and Bro. Clarence Whitehead was reelected as Grand Patron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter. Her initial goal for the organization was to “Love by Example.” Sis. Spires established relationships with all of her subordinate chapters in an effort to expand the grand body. In addition, she placed a priority on developing the Sunbeam Circles (youth group) in the state of Illinois. She also continued to promote that the members be educated in the word of God, their O.E.S. ritualistic work, and seek to acquire personal academic achievement as the ingredients to be a more productive and effective grand body.
In December 2005, Sister Spires and Brother Whitehead, 33rd were reelected as Grand Worthy Matron and Grand Worthy Patron. Sis. Spires theme for 2006 was “GROWTH, STRENGTH AND LOVE.” She was committed to the continuous development of our youth group, aide of our Sisters and Brothers, celebrate our historians within our chapters, networking with one another, and making a difference in the community. In 2006, The Grand Chapter and Rosebud Circle #1 represented the State of Illinois at the Ninety-third Biennial Supreme Session in Columbia, South Carolina. During the Session, Sis. Jacquelyn D.C. Spires was elected 2nd Associate Supreme Matron for the Supreme Chapter, Incorporated. Additionally, the Sunbeams, under the direction of Sis. Dorothy Braden, Grand Mother Advisor and a host of Associate Mother Advisors, returned to the State of Illinois with esteem recognition in the areas of talent and academia. Several members of the Sunbeams were elected and appointed to serve in the Supreme Circle.
In December 2006, Sister Spires and Brother Whitehead, 33rd, were reelected to serve a third term as Grand Worthy Matron and Grand Worthy Patron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter, State of Illinois. For the ensuing year of 2007, she designated the following areas as the focus of the Grand Chapter: Charity, Encouragement, and Unity. Each had its viable place in maintaining true and loving sisterhood. As a Grand Body, they strove to support the brothers of the Most Worshipful St. James Grand Lodge and illuminate beacons of light through their charitable acts of kindness. She along with the members of Queen Beatrice believe that all things are possible through Christ.
During the December 2007 Grand Session, Sister Jacquelyn Spires and Brother Clarence Whitehead installed Sister Annie Little of Hadassah Chapter #19 as Honorary Grand Worthy Matron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter. Sister Annie Little has been an active member of the Order for over 58 years and is known in our organization as the “Best Among Best”.
In December 2007, Sister Diann Webb of Ruth Chapter #9 was elected as Grand Worthy Matron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter and Bro. Clarence Whitehead was reelected as Grand Worthy Patron for the ensuing year of 2008. Sister Webb’s theme for 2008 was “Unity through Humility.”
In June 2008, Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter’s “Earth-Angel” became a “Heavenly Angel”. Sister Freddie Smelley, One of our Grand Chapter’s Founders, First Grand Treasurer, Honorary Grand Worthy Matron, One of the Founding Members and Past Worthy Matron of Elizabeth Chapter #8, one of the oldest Subordinate Chapter with our Grand body. Sister Freddie Smelley’s “Infinite Wisdom” impacted so many members of our distinguished Grand Chapter and she will surely be missed. We are truly grateful to our “Angel” passing our way for so many years.
During Sister Webb’s leadership, the Grand Chapter and Rosebud Grand Circle under the direction of Sister Dorothy Braden, Grand Mother Advisor represented the Great State of Illinois at the Ninety-Fourth Biennial Supreme Session in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During the Session, Sister Jacquelyn D.C. Spires, Past Grand Worthy Matron was reelected to the office of 2nd Associate Supreme Matron for the Supreme Chapter, Inc. Our youth group returned to the State once again with the 2nd place Award in the area of talent and Companion Keiarra Burrell placed third in the Supreme Princess Competition. Several Members of Rosebud Grand Circle were elected and appointed to serve in the Supreme Circle, Order of Sunbeams. Under the leadership of Sister Diann Webb, the Grand Chapter continued its legacy of “Charity beginning at home” and “Impacting the Community”. The members of the Grand Chapter volunteered in several charitable organizations and events including the Englewood Back 2 School Parade, where Members donated school supplies and passed out the “Bags filled with Educational Supplies” to children along the Parade’s route.
In addition, the Grand Chapter purchased Forty-five Turkeys and Subordinate Chapters donated non-perishable items to make up a complete meal for Thanksgiving. The “Thanksgiving Filled-With Love Baskets” were distributed to three churches, Greater St. Titus, Rock of Love and True Light Baptist, who have established Non-for-Profit food pantries in the Chicago-land area, where there is a tremendous need. Sister Webb encouraged all Members to inter-lace themselves Spiritually, Ritualistically and Fraternally within the bonds of our ancient organization.
During the December 2008 Grand Session, Sister Diann Webb was reelected as the Grand Worthy Matron and the Illustrious Clarence Whitehead was reelected as the Grand Worthy Patron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter for the ensuing year of 2009. The Grand Chapter was blessed by our Heavenly Father as the Members worked relentlessly to continue the works of our Order.
During the December 2009 Annual Session Banquet, The members of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter collected 500 hundred toys which were donated to Sankofa Safe Child Initiative partnered with United States Congressman Danny K. Davis – 7th District and Innovative (Thelma’s House – 8100 South Western Avenue). Both of these charitable organizations serve thousands of children yearly and the donations were distributed to the children on Christmas Eve.
Sister Diann Webb was reelected to serve a third term as Grand Worthy Matron and Illustrious Bryant Turner, 33° was elected to serve as Grand Worthy Patron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter, O.E.S. – State of Illinois for the ensuing year of 2010.
In August of 2010 Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter lost another bright star when Sister Annie Little, Honorary Past Grand Matron, and Worthy Matron of Hadassah #19, passed away. Sister Little will always be remembered by the Grand Chapter as a spirited and resilient woman of God.
In December 2010, Sister Tonia Burrell-Pace, Past Matron of Elizabeth #8, was elected Grand Worthy Matron and Illustrious Bryant Turner, 33° was re-elected Grand Worthy Patron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter O.E.S..-State of Illinois for the ensuing year of 2011. Her theme for the 2011 year was “Respecting our Past, while Embracing our
Future”. Her emphasis for the year was on charity and ensuring that all chapters and matrons worked according to our ritual and bylaws. Under Grand Matron Pace’s leadership the Grand Chapter increased their charitable works and increased the amount of scholarships given to worthy college students.
In December 2011, Sister Tonia Burrell-Pace, Elizabeth #8 was re-elected to serve a second term as Grand Worthy Matron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter O.E.S. Her theme for the year 2012 is “Making a Difference”. Her goal was to make Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter’s name synonymous with service to the community and our members. This year Grand Matron Pace also continued her efforts on restoring our chapters by educating and empowering our leaders and members. She continues to look for ways to increase membership as well as engage and revitalize our existing membership.
In July 2012, the Grand Chapter traveled to the State of Florida for the 96th Biennial Grand Masonic Congress. On, July 25, 2012 Sis. Jacqueline D.C. Spires made history in the State of Illinois becoming the first Past Grand Matron from the State of Illinois to be elected by the Supreme membership as Supreme Matron of the Supreme Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern. At that same Supreme Session several members of Rosebud Grand Circle Order of the Sunbeams were elected to Supreme seats as well.
In December 2012, Sister Tonia Burrell Pace and Bro. Bryant Turner 33° were both re-elected to the seat of Grand Worthy and Matron and Grand Worthy Patron for the year 2013. Grand Matron Pace’s theme for 2013 is “Getting Back to the Basics”. Her goal for 2013 is to re-energize our members and re-invent our grand chapter so that we may continue our legacy for years to come.
In 2013, under the leadership of GWM Tonia Burrell Pace, Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter had the honor of hosting dignitaries from the Supreme Grand Chapter and General Grand Masonic Congress as Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter paid homage to the Supreme Matron, Sis. Jacquelyn D.C. Spires, State of Illinois.
In July 2014, the Grand Chapter traveled to the State of Michigan for the 97th Biennial Grand Masonic Congress. At that session, our Grand Worthy Matron, Sis. Tonia Burrell Pace was elected to the seat of Supreme Financial Secretary and Sis. Jacquelyn DC Spires was re-elected Supreme Matron. In December 2014, Sis. Tonia Burrell Pace was elected to serve a 5th term as Grand Worthy Matron. In December 2015, Sis. Tonia Burrell Pace decided to step down and pass the gavel to the next worthy Sister because in her words, “True leaders cultivate new leaders.”
In December 2015, Sis. Graundia Smith was elected Grand Worthy Matron. Sis. Graundia Smith is committed to carrying the torch of unity and community outreach and elevating this Grand Body through hard work and dedication. This Grand Body has truly been blessed over the years with progress, growth and unity. May we continue to grow in love and fellowship. We ask that God will continue to spread his rich blessings among our jurisdiction, and we will forever be humble enough to recognize those blessings and share them as we leave our footprints in the sands of life.
In May of 2016 Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter suffered another loss when Sister Diann Webb, Past Grand Worthy and Past Worthy Matron of Ruth Chapter#9 passed away. Sister Webb will always be remembered as the “Queen”.
In June of 2016, the Grand Chapter traveled to the state of Missouri for the 98th Biennial Grand Masonic Congress. At that session Sis. Tonia Burrell Pace, PGWM was re-elected to the seat of Supreme Financial Secretary. Bro. Bryant Turner 33° was elected as Supreme Associate Patron and Sis. Jacqueline D.C. Spires was re-elected as Supreme Matron.
In December of 2016 Sis. Mary Lathan Past Worthy Matron of Elizabeth Chapter #8 was elected as Grand Worthy Matron and Bro. Detrice Toney 32° was re-elected as Grand Worthy Patron for the year of 2017. Grand Matron Lathan’s theme for 2017 is “Where there is UNITY there is always Victory”. Her goal for 2017 is to keep the Grand Chapter unified in Love and Spirituality.
In December of 2017 Esther Chapter #7 and Imani Chapter #11 became chartered members of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter, OES.
In December 2017, Sis Mary Lathan, Elizabeth #8 was re-elected for a second term as Grand Worthy Matron of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter and Bro. Detrice Toney 32° was re-elected as Grand Worthy Patron for the ensuing year of 2018. Her theme is “Sisters Oh How We Need Each Other” All sisters working together to organize and sustain this great work that God has given us.
In July 2018, the Grand Chapter traveled to the state of Ohio for the 99th Biennial Grand Masonic Congress. At that session Sis Jacqueline D. C. Spires ended her tenure as Supreme Matron. Sis Tonia Pace, PGWM was reelected as Supreme Financial Secretary and Bro Bryant Turner 33° was reelected as Supreme Associate Patron.
In September of 2018 Liya Chapter #2 under the leadership of Worthy Matron Sis Stephanie Jackson became chartered members of Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter, OES
In December 2018, Sis Mary Lathan was re-elected to serve a 3rd term as Grand Worthy Matron and Ill. Detrice Toney 32° was reelected as Grand Worthy Patron for the year of 2019. The 2018 theme “Sisters Oh How We Need Each Other” came to light as the Grand Chapter worked relentlessly to build strong bonds through respect and love for one another.
In December 2019, Sis Mary Lathan was re-elected to serve a 4th term as Grand Worthy Matron and Ill. Detrice Toney 32° was reelected as Grand Worthy Patron for the year of 2020. The 2018 theme “The Year of Focus” came to light as the Grand Chapter worked relentlessly to build strong bonds through respect and love for one another.
In 2020, the world experienced the COVID-19 Pandemic. Per the edict from the RW Grand Master Ill. Renard Bates 33°, elections were not held and all elected officers from the previous ensuing year retained their seats. Despite the pandemic, Queen Beatrice Grand Chapter continued to do its charitable work.
In December 2021, Sis. Lolita Godbold was elected to serve as Grand Worthy Matron and Ill. Anthony Harvey 33° was elected as Grand Worthy Patron for the ensuing year of 2022.
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