In this edition of Remember This, the Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre looks back on The Order of the Eastern Star.
If asked, “what is a Freemason?” and “what is their raison d’être?” You may get a variety of responses depending on who you ask. If you ask a member in good standing they may tell you that the international fraternal organization to which they belong is all about self-improvement, charitable works, community building, and the pursuit of truth above all.
This credo is definitely shared by a particularly enigmatic and elite branch of the Freemasons. They are called The Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.). But who exactly are these folks and how long have their ilk been active in Timmins?
There has been a Masonic Hall at 35 Tamarack St. since 1915. The unassuming two-storey brick building (now considered the oldest brick structure in Timmins) has seen many meetings of the minds over its 108-year history. One such important coming together of the Masons took place on Monday, April 6, 1925. The Arbutus Chapter No.123 of The O.E.S was duly instituted that day. Presiding over this auspicious occasion was Mr. John C. Doidge of London, Ont., W.G.P (Worthy Grand Patron) of the Grand Chapter of Ontario, and Mrs. Lulu B. Wood of Hamilton W.G.M (Worthy Grand Matron) of the Grand Chapter No.77 of Iroquois Falls.
The mystic and deeply esoteric symbolism of the O.E.S centres around five biblical heroines representing virtues that their members aspire to emulate in their daily lives. The symbolic value of the five-pointed star (the sacred emblem of the order) alludes to the five senses, and more importantly, the five initiatory degrees of the order among other well-kept secrets.
Other chapters such as the Porcupine Chapter No.84 were active as early as 1923 in the community. Along with other fraternal organizations such as the Kinsmen, the Lion’s Club, and The Rebekahs, the O.E.S was very active in fundraising initiatives throughout the chapter’s lifespan.
The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre regularly provides TimminsToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Timmins museum has to offer here and read more Remember This columns here.
