International F. & A. M. Masons & OES History
International
F & A.M. Masons and Order of the Eastern Star, is a world-wide fraternity. Organized in 1950 by the late Dr. William V.
Banks; a very prominent Attorney and a Mason with very high ideals. His dream became a reality at the birth of this new Masonic
Organization.
This fraternal
organization was incorporated and chartered in August of 1950 in Detroit, Michigan. This Charter empowered International Masons
to practice Freemasonry, and operate as a Masonic Order, throughout the United States, its possessions and territories. This
American issued charter empowers, International Masons to the same rights as those charters issued directly from the Grand
Lodge of England or the Grand Orient of France. Dr. Banks and his host of friends established a National Jurisdiction. Through
their diligent efforts the same year, three States were incorporated: Ohio, New York and Illinois.
Youth Chapters
were added with authority vested similar to that in the adult constitution. The purpose, to provide an apprentice work-shop
for the young children and adolescents in the charitable work of the Masonic Body. To inculcate certain moral principles,
as exemplified by the Holy Bible and other moral sciences, which is highly regarded by our Masonic Order.
International
Masons, was founded upon those Christian principles that denied no person the right to fraternalism, regardless of race, color
or creed. The cardinal principles of this organization are to appeal to its membership in such a manner as to:
1. Promote
better understanding and coordination.
2. To improve
such fields of thought which tend to ensure sound judgment.
3. To install
in the minds of youth the necessity of intellectual progress.
4. To regard
all that tends to develop character and wholesome personality traits.
5. To establish
only such assets or liabilities which are within the financial range of the membership.
International
Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc., and Order of Eastern Star, extends from coast to coast; from the Great Lakes to the
Gulf of Mexico, on the Bahamas Islands and Alaska. There are approximately 350,000 members enrolled, with an additional count
of youth courts.
Other institutions
of Freemasonry across the nation, swell with pride at the great progress our Organization has achieved in this century. A
large measurer of credits must be given to the well known reputation that Freemasonry enjoy throughout our nation and around
the world.
Our purchase
and employment of the first black owned Broadcasting Facilities of radio and television stations, along with the Universal
Barber College, the international School of Cosmetology, also the Industrial College puts us in the position to render unbridled
service far beyond that of any other Order. These medians of service, coupled with other modern services, such as monetary
benefits and those of prestige, and enjoyment, brings Freemasonry to a new level and where no one can doubt that International
Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc., and Order of Eastern Star, render services not duplicated by any other Organization.
Because of
our beliefs in the Bible and Christian principles, we teach charity service to all mankind and we try to induce an ethical
way of life which brings about those improvements necessary to the construction of good, clean respected citizenship. Under
the administration of our present leader, Supreme President and Chief Executive Officer, Illustrious, George Mathews, who
took office in 1986, International Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc., and Order of Eastern Star, has reached a higher
plateau and has grown to be one of the largest Fraternal Orders in the world. Dr. Mathews, has implemented higher goals for
the Officers and Members: Improved leadership, not only by teaching, but by demonstration. Extending a helping hand to the
needs in our communities, by showing Christianity and Charitable deeds. Broadening our Scholarship Fund to enable the Youth
to own business' or have the skills to work in top ranking positions and take part of in our government with strong voices,
full of honesty. Having a helping hand in teaching people to have Respect, Dignity, and most of all Love for themselves and
mankind.
Dr. Mathews
has created ways and means of financially supporting other National Organizations, and private sectors with the same concepts
as our own. "LOVE, CARE and SHARE".
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Dorothy Riley
This Chapter is named in honor of Princess Dorothy Riley. She is a source of wisdom and guideance. We look
to her as an exceptional example of a "Shining Star." We pray that our efforts as Eastern Stars within this Chapter
will reflect her unending devotion to this Great organization.
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Worthy Matron
I have been a member of the International Free & Accepted Modern
Masons Inc, and Order of the Eastern Star since May 3, 2002. I was initiated into Princess of Bathsheba Chapter #149,
where I served as Worthy Matron.
April 2004 brought about the renaissance of Dorothy Riley Chapter #189. I received
the overwhelming honor of being named Worthy Matron.
Princess Dorothy Riley gave an edict "Don't let my name die, don't
let me down". Her heartfelt request ignited a spark in the members of the Chapter to commit ourselves to the
development and growth of the Chapter.
I would like to thank the members of Dorothy Riley Chapter #189 for placing
their trust in my ability of guide the Chapter. It is my vision to lead the Chapter with integrity, honesty, trust
and fraternal love for the brotherhood and sisterhood of the International Free & Accepted Modern Masons Inc,
Order of the Eastern Star.
Fraternally yours, Sister Margo A. Maxwell, Worthy Matron
Sister Margo Maxwell, Worthy Matron (above)
Bro. Richard M. Jones, Sr., Worthy Patron (below)
Worthy Patron
Brother Richard M Jones, Sr. is a member in good standing of Mark
No. 5 Detroit, MI, which is the Father Lodge of International F. & A. M. Masons & Order of the Eastern Star, Inc.,
and currently serves as their Financial and Recording Secretary.
Apart from his activities in his local lodge, Brother Jones is Treasurer
for Districit No. 1 Council, a member of the financial of the District Grand Lodge, Grand Publist and Recording Secretary
of the M.W. Ralph Bunche Grand Lodge, and Assistant Convention Coordinator for the Midwest National District. He is
also a member of John Kennedy No. 18 Royal Arch Masons, is chairperson of the Memorial Committee for the Turner
S. Hartfield Grand Royal Arch Chapter, and has been featured as a lecturer.
Associate Matron
I began my journey
as an Eastern Star on May 17, 2002. I was initiated into Nannie Borrough #14
of Baldwin, Michigan at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. I served
as Secretary for the chapter until June 2003, at which time I transferred to Princess of Bathsheba #149 of Detroit, Michigan. I held the position of Associate Conductress until my transfer to Dorothy Riley #189
of Detroit, Michigan in April 2004.
I am currently serving
as the Associate Matron for the Chapter. Being an Eastern Star has taught
me many things that I carry along life’s twisted path as daily lessons and instructions.
The fraternal bond we share as sisters and brothers of International Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc & Order
of the Eastern Star is beyond compare. We assist each other in times of need
as well as the community. I look forward to the restructuring of this Chapter
as well as the growth. We are here to represent the beauty of this great organization
and the “Stars” of Dorothy Riley #189 will do nothing less.
Sister Lynnetta R.
Smith
Associate Matron
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