Miriam Chapter installs new officers

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Jane Pratt and T. Russell Woods were installed as worthy matron and worthy patron respectively at the April 22 meeting of Miriam Chapter No. 40 at the Dover-Foxcroft Masonic Hall.

Wanda Foster, past grand matron and a member of Susie Carr Chapter of Sangerville, the installing officer, was assisted by Sheldon Foster. Carrie Greenleaf of Fireside Chapter of Clinton was installing marshal; Ethel Strout of Silver Leaf Chapter of Charleston was installing chaplain; and Deanne Merrill of Aldworth Chapter of Milo was the installing organist.

Other officers installed for 1991-92 were Judith Leighton, associate matron; Harland Collins, associate patron; Heather Woods, secretary; Mary Kimball, treasurer; Kathleen Jones, conductress; Jane Macomber, associate conductress; Gloria Collins, chaplain; Kenneth Jones, past grand patron, marshal; Madelyn Betts, organist; Jean Hitchcock, Ruth; Laurel Woods, Esther;

Phyllis Berce, Electa; Marion Collins, warder; and Phyllis Stevens, sentinel.

Gifts were presented to the junior past matron and junior past patron from the chapter and from the outgoing officers by Judith Leighton, who also presented the new matron and patron with a gift from the chapter. The Hope E. Rideout traveling jewel was presented to the worthy matron by Heather Woods, and Jane Macomber mentioned that the worthy patron would wear the James Mealy traveling jewel, given in honor of her father.

Before the open installation, a business meeting was held with Heather Woods, worthy matron, presiding. Honored guests introduced and welcomed were Wanda Foster and Marjorie Goodwin, past grand matrons, and Kenneth R. Jones, past grand patron. Also welcomed were Deanne Merrill, grand representative to Alabama, and Shelley Brasslette, grand representative to Virginia.

Correspondence was received from Alicia Watson, worthy grand matron, regarding the presentation of 50-year membership pins at Grand Chapter sessions; invitations to the installation of Wassokeag Chapter of Dexter on April 25; the installation of officers of Guilford Assembly of Rainbow on May 5 at Guilford, and for an ESTARL supper at Susie Carr Chapter on May 9 in Sangerville.

A notice was received from Priscilla Perkins of Pleasant River Chapter in West Buxton that she would be a candidate for associate grand conductress at Grand Chapter sessions on May 20-22 in Augusta.

A note of appreciation was received from the Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church for a gift given in memory of Thelma Johnston, and an announcement that WomanCare would be holding workshops for anyone interested.

The Miriam Club will meet on May 6 at the home of Jane Macomber, and Memorial Night will be held by the chapter on May 27. Lady officers should wear white to the latter event.

Remarks were made by the past grand matrons and past grand patron, also by Ethel Strout, installing chaplain. Worshipful Master Gerald Gabrowski brought greetings from Mosaic Lodge No. 52, and Heather Woods, district deputy grand matron, brought greetings from Worthy Grand Matron Alicia Watson and Worthy Grand Patron Vincent Reed.

Gifts were presented to the installing staff from the worthy matron, and refreshments featuring a decorated cake made by Priscilla Sweitzer were served.

Chapters were represented from Sangerville, Charleston, Milo, Clinton and Exeter, N.H. Aldworth Chapter of Milo will permanently retain the traveling Care Bears for having the most members present.