Our Chapter

History of Deborah Grand Chapter

Order of the Eastern Star of the State of Texas

The history of Deborah Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of the State
of Texas is truly on that should be known to all stars and brethren of
the Most Worshipful Mt. Carmel Grand Lodge of Texas A.F. & A.M.

Whereas, a Petition was presented to the Grand Chapter of New York by
Sister Fannie Ruth Bolden, Associate Grand Matron, Brother Abe Haywood,
Grand Patron and Sister Fannie Bedford. Associate Grand Matron who
having received in a Legal manner all the Degrees of the Order, and
being sisters and wives of Master Mason in good standing in the
respective Lodges, praying for a Warrant to establish a Grand Chapter of
the Order of the Eastern Star in the State of Texas to be known as
Deborah Grand Chapter.

They received the Warranty from Oriental Grand Chapter in the State of
New York, the 23rd day of May, 1945. The Chapter was signed b Sister
Mattie Payne, Worthy Grand Matron, Bro, Ronald J. Wood 33°, grand Patron
and Sister Addie Clark, Worthy Associate Grand Matron. Thus, Deborah
Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of the State of Texas was established.

The first Grand Matron of Deborah Grand Chapter was Sister Paralee M.
Hill with Sister Nelly E. City as the Grand Secretary. The first Chapter
established under the newly chartered Grand Chapter was Sun Rise #1, OES.

Even though the history is slim, we have proof that the second Worthy
Grand Matron of Deborah Grand Chapter, OES, Sister Sadie Neal signed the
Charter to establish N.E. City Chapter 368, OES on March 2, 1957. Sister
Paralee M. Hill, Worthy Matron.

Other Past Grand Matrons who diligently served Deborah Grand Chapter are
Sister Mary Harris and Sister Addie B. Cleveland. When Sister Cleveland
resigned the Grand office in 1999, Sister Ethel B. Mitchell was elected
during the Annual Session in July.

Sister Alverdia Phillips, the niece of Sister Nelly E. City is the only
living member of Sun Rise Chapter #1. The 90 year old star was adopted
by Adah Chapter #5, OES during the leadership of Sister Addie B. Cleveland.

It is so great to know that in July, 2001, Deborah Grand Chapter, Order
of Eastern Star of the State of Texas celebrated 56 years of continuous
service to stars past and present. Let’s work on diligently and
prosperously to keep Deborah Grand Chapter, OES in existence and
operating to the fullest capacity.