Cookshire Chapter No. 46

Community Center: Continue past regular meeting place to Clifton Road (~200m). Turn right and continue to second street (Church Street) and turn left. Community Center is a big brick building on the left. (Thanks, Sandra)

Following some earlier meetings, Cookshire Chapter #46, O.E.S. came into existance on Saturday, Arpil 16, 1955, at a meeting held in the Victoria Hall, Cookshire, QC. Mrs. Gladys Bennett was the first Worthy Matron and Mr. J. E. Drennan, the first Worthy Patron. We have three Charter members; namely Sister Barbara Vogell, P.M., Sister Gertrude Raymond, P.M. and Brother John McDonald, P.M.

The first regular meeting was held on April 27 of the same year. Over 250 people attended the banquet in the lower hall which followed this meeting. At the meeting of May 25, 1955, it was resolved that the annual dues be $2.00 for 1955 and $3.00 from January 1956. On November 26, 1955 the members had over one hundred friends representing twenty-four Chapters gathered to witness the "Constituting" of the Chapter. the proposed by-laws for this Chapter were accepted at a meeting held on February 22, 1956.

Cookshire Chapter #46 possesses a most impressive "closing march" which was presented to it as a gift by Sister Gladys Bennett, our Charter Worthy Matron. She had received it from a friend of hers and in revealing it to us, received our promise that we would not give it to anyone else. Later, a Grand Matron requsted that the ceremony be part of a Grand Chapter closing. The members of Chapter #46, however, were of the opinion that a promise was a promise and regretfully refused the request.

On April 24, 1963, the Chapter accepted the Consolidation of Silver Star Chapter #19 from East Angus and in 1966 White Heather Chapter from Scotstown consolidated with us.

In May 1965, in appreciation of the assistance given to Maplewood Chapter in getting started, Sister Patricia Rowland, P.M., on behalf of the officers and members of Maplewook Chapter #53 presented this Chapter with Canada's new maple leaf flag and a staff. Both are still presented at our meetings.

The last meeting to be held in Cookshire occured on December 11, 1980. The first meeting in Sawyerville was held on March 15, 1981.

On June 28, 1989, a fire erupted in the building housing Chapter #46. Fortunately it was extinguished and the only damage to the Chapter's regalia involved the signet, which was replaced by one donated by Mount Eustis Cahpter #37 from Littleton, N.H.

In 1989, the first presentation of the Jean Wilder Memorial Busary was awarded at the Alexander Galt Regional High School Awards Evening. Thsi bursary continues to be presented on an annual basis.

On April 11, 1995, Chapter #46 held its 40th birthday party at Crete's Hotel in Sawyerville. Forty people enjoyed the 'méchoui' on that occasion.

On May 11, 2000, this Chapter honored all members who were residents at the Wales Home in Richmond. On that occasion, a dispensation was obtained to move the Charter and regalia to the Wales Home.

On April 23, 2005, Cookshire Chapter #46 celebrated its 50th anniversary. Members and guesta were served a delicious turkey dinner in the basement of the United Church by the members of that church. During the meal, we were entertained by the live piano styling of Brother Bruce Patton. A beautiful anniversary cake was cut by our Charter members - Sister Gertrude Raymond, Sister Barbara Vogell and Brother John McDonald. (Unfortunately this beautiful church burned in July 2005)

On December 3, 2005, Queen Mary-Sherbrooke #5 consolidated with our Chapter. We are very fortunate that some of these members are able to attend and hold office in our Chapter. Despite dwindling membership, Cookshire Chapter #46 remains and active entity within the jurisdiction of Québec.

(Compiled by Brother Bruce Patton for the 50th Anniversary of Cookshire Chapter #46 in 2005 and edited by Sister Sandra Morrison in 2007.)

Grand Representatives' Night - 55th Birthday