By Emily R. Evans
The Truth Reporter
On Saturday, September 27, there was an extravagant cocktail hour held at the Delta by Marriott by the Order of the Eastern Star, Jewel Chapter No. 20.
The event started off in a gorgeously set room where everyone gathered looking very beautiful and handsome. The ambiance was warm and the decorations were arranged perfectly. In the hall there were hors d’oeuvres. The tables were set with multiple courses and the processional was the start of the service led by the mistress of ceremonies Gloria Tisdale.
The introduction of dais guests and the invocation was offered by Rev. James H. Willis, Sr.
Dinner was served followed by the welcome from Worthy Matron LaVera R. Scott and Worthy Patron Keith L. McWhite . The response was given by Teronica Betts, Loyal Lady Ruler La Paz Assembly No 35 and S.P. Nathaniel Ford, Commander In Chief St. Matthews Consistory NO.25
The history of Jewel Chapter No.20 was presented by government officials Cerssandra McPherson, city councilwoman at large and Paula Hicks-Hudson, state senator.
The history of Belle Z. Ballard No. 6 Girls Assembly, Melodic Gems of Jewel Chapter No. 20 was given by Sis. Clarissa Criswell and Sis. Angela Jones. The introduction of speaker was made by Sis. Linnie B. Willis, first lady of St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church
Then followed the recognition of all past matrons and patrons; community service presentations; special presentations; remarks and then the benediction by the Most Worshipful Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio Rev. Willis.
The Jewel Chapter No. 20 Order of the Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliated was chartered August 1, 1895. Much of the historical accounts of Jewel Chapter No. 20 Order of the Eastern Star have been passed down over the years.
Sixteen years after the first Eastern Star Chapter was organized in Ohio (1878), and two years after the Eastern Star Grand Chapter was instituted, a group of dedicated ladies interested in forming an O.E.S. chapter in Toledo was organized into a chapter by Grand Worthy Matron Mattie Mozee and the Grand Worthy Patron John Wilburn on October 8, 1884, at 606 Summit Street. They were subsequently granted a charter on August 1, 1895. The new chapter was named Toledo Chapter No. 20. Dealy Brown was named the Worthy Matron and A. M. Clemons Worthy Patron with 24 charter members.
Sometime before 1900, the name was changed to Jewel Chapter No. 20. Also, in that year, the chapter moved to Amazon Lodge No. 4 meeting place on Superior Street and later moved with them to 137 Erie Street. In 1926, the lodge and the chapter moved to 1017 City Park Avenue. They currently meet at 638 University Ave.
The struggle to keep the chapter alive during the Great Depression was hard. Many members became delinquent and to retain the charter, dinners were sold to pay the Grand Tax. Another period when their courage and determination was tested was when the Grand Chapter’s charter was lifted in the 1930s. Jewel Chapter stayed together and when the charter was returned in 1941, they were much stronger in membership and stamina.
Jewel Chapter has been host of Amaranth Grand Chapter Grand Communications seven times -1900, Elizabeth Tate, W.M. and A. M. Clemons, W.P.; 1947 Belle Z. Ballard, W.M. and William Long, W.P.; 1965 Mabel Collins, W.M. and Willie Davis, W.P.; 1971 Flossie Davis W.M. and Francis Brooks, W.P.; 1947 Gladys Brooks, W.M. and Willie Davis, W.P.; 2001 Mary A. Wilkins, W.M. and Terrence Hopkins, W.P.; and 2008 Willie M. Brown, W.M. and Allan M. Roberts, W.P.
The Past Grand Worthy Patrons of Amaranth Grand Chapter, Inc. Sisters H. Lenore Ballard, Gloria J. Tisdale, Joyce E. Aldridge, Debbie Dean Mitchell, Tanya R. Roach, and Delores M. Bates served the Amaranth Grand Chapter as Grand District Deputies. Sisters Anna Jones, Mary A. Wilkins, Tanya R. Roach, and Pamela D. Hopkins served as Grand Associate Youth Directors of Grand Girls Assembly under Amaranth Grand Chapter.
Community Organizations and Initiatives Supported by Jewel Chapter No. 20 include: Mom’s House, N.A.O.M.I House, African American Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group, Family House, Cherry Street Mission, the Flint, Mi water crisis, St. Paul’s Community Center, Ronald McDonald House, Amaranth Grand Chapter Scholarship, Foundation Park, Lucas County Children Services, American Heart Association, Susan G. Komen, Kitchen for the Poor, Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank and Salvation Army (serving food and ringing the bell for the red kettle)