Our History

Under a call issued July 1, 1889, on September 11, 1889, the legal officers of Electa #11, Chicago, Talma #12, Chicago, Estella #15, Springfield, Golden Gate Chapter, Gibson City, Electa Chapter, Brooklyn, IL and Princess Hagar Chapter, Chicago, met in convention at the Masonic Hall, corner of 16th and State Street, Chicago, IL for the organization of a Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star for the state of Illinois. 

The convention was called to order by Brother R. E. Moore, District Deputy Grand Patron of Illinois. Brother L. H. Reynolds offered prayer. 

On a motion by Sister Rebecca D. Boone, Brother L. H. Reynolds was chosen chairman of the convention. On a motion by Brother B. S. Harris, Sister J. E. Everett was chosen as Secretary. 

The roll call of Chapters was completed; Brother R. E. Moore moved that a committee of five be appointed on Resolutions. Those appointed: Brother R. E. Moore, Sister Rebecca D. Boone, Brother B. S. Harris, Sister Frances Lewis, and Sister Agnes Moody. 

The Committee presented a resolution stating: 

• The desire to organize a legal Grand Chapter by approving the call issued July 1, 1889, and noting there is a legal number of Chapters in the Order of Eastern Star to organize a Grand Chapter. Their belief is consummated as early as possible. The Mother Grand Chapter of the State of Tennessee is notified of the declaration and intention. All Chapters are required to surrender their warrants and take warrants under the Grand Chapter of Illinois when organized. A committee of nine is appointed to draft a Constitution and By-Laws for the government of the Grand Chapter when organized. An invitation is extended to the Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Indiana, Brother A. H. Rogan, Indiana being the nearest Jurisdiction, to be present at the time named for the organization to preside and instruct the officers chosen for the Grand Body. Brother R. E. Moore, District Deputy Grand Patron of Illinois, be authorized and empowered to execute all preliminary arrangements for the consummation of the Grand Chapter of Illinois.

On a motion by Sister J. E. Everett, the resolution was adopted. 

The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws appointed were Sister Rebecca D. Boone, Sister Laura Joiner, Sister J. E. Everett, Sister Agnes Moodey, Sister C. Curl, Sister Mary Clayton, Brother R. E. Moore, Brother B. S. Harris, and Brother R. Green. 

Tuesday, March 18, 1890, at the convention assembled to affect the organization of the Grand Chapter of Illinois, a committee of five was appointed to the Credentials Committee. Those appointed Sister Agnes Moodey, Brother B. S. Harris, Sister Laura Joiner, Brother R. Green, and Sister Frances Lewis. 

The Committee reported they had examined the credentials of the sisters and brothers who were the duly accredited representatives of the Chapters and entitled to a voice and vote. 

The report on a motion by Sister N. Brown was approved. 

Brother R. E. Moore presented Brother A. H. Rogan, Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Indiana to open a Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star in regular form. 

The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws presented the Constitution and By-Laws for the government of the Grand Chapter, which were read, received, and adopted. 

At the afternoon session of the convention, March 18, 1890, the Grand Patron of Indiana proceeded with the election of officers. Those elected: 

• Worthy Grand Matron:          Sister Rebecca D. Boone 
• Worthy Grand Patron:           Brother R. E. Moore 
• Associate Grand Matron:       Sister Laura Joiner 
• Associate Grand Patron:        Brother R. Green 
• Grand Treasurer:                    Sister Agnes Moody 
• Grand Secretary:                    Sister Frances A. Lewis  
• Grand Conductress:               Sister Rosie E. Moore 
• Associate Grand Conductress: Sister M. Clayton 

The members assembled in Arlington Hall, at which time Grand Patron A. H. Rogan, assisted by Brother Henry Moore of the Grand Chapter of Indiana installed the officers of the Grand Chapter of Illinois. 

Grand Patron A. H. Rogan proclaimed that the Grand Chapter of the State of Illinois was legally and regularly organized. 

On Thursday, March 19, 1890, at the Masonic Hall, corner of 16th and State Street, the first Grand Chapter Session was opened with Sister Rebecca D. Boone, Worthy Grand Matron, and Brother R. E. Moore in the East. 

On a motion by Brother R. E. Moore, it was agreed to hold the first Annual Communication of the Grand Chapter in the city of Quincy, IL, on the second Wednesday, August 1890. 

The Articles of Incorporation State of Illinois were duly signed and filed in the office of the Secretary of State on the 18th day of May 1909 for the Grand Chapter of Illinois to be called Afro-American Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, State of Illinois following the provisions of An Act Concerning Corporations: approved April 18, 1872. 

The Secretary of State certified that the Afro-American Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, State of Illinois, is a legally organized corporation under the laws of the State of Illinois. 

At the Grand Chapter Session held August 10 - 12, 1909, the Grand Chapter unanimously voted to change the name of the Grand Chapter to Eureka Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, State of Illinois. 

A certificate was filed with the office of the Secretary of State documenting the name change. 

At the Annual Grand Chapter Session in August 1953, an amendment adopted by the membership was added to the By-Laws to read. The words Prince Hall Affiliation shall be printed on all communications, documents, forms, etc., of the Grand Chapter and all Subordinate Chapters.