2025 - 2025 "Working Together for the Greater Good"
Worthy Grand Matron Kathleen TaylorWorthy Grand Patron Kurt Johnson
2025 - 2026 Grand Officers
2025 - 2026 Grand Escorts
2025 Session Photos
Colors for the Year:
All Colors!!!
But especially Purple and Blue
2025-2026 Theme
Working Together for the Greater Good
- Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.
- Together, we can do so much more.
- Together, we can make a difference in our world
2025-2026 Grand Chapter Projects
The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain
One of two our main focuses is to have a project – yet to be determined – at the Masonic Institute for Developing Brain. This is a one-of-a-kind-in-the-country facility dedicated to fostering healthy brain function of children across the lifespan. It is under the auspices of the University of Minnesota and in partnership with Minnesota Masonic Charities. More info later.
The Minnesota Masonic Home
Our other main project. Our Masonic Home is starting to show its age and there are several projects we are examining to determine which one would have the greatest impact for our participation. The Masonic Home has always been a favorite place for Eastern Star support. Lines of communication are being reconnected that had frayed during the COVID shutdown and staff changes. Those are being nurtured once again. More info on the chosen project will be forthcoming.
Service Dogs
Service Dogs-support of Helping Paws
We have seen and heard time and time again the difference Service Dogs make in people’s lives. Once again, we encourage those who are motivated and inspired by Service Dogs to put their efforts there. Helping Paws is still the key Grand Chapter connection. We will again be a sponsor at the “Tail Waggin Gala” for Helping Paws in the fall and look forward the next litter of loving, dedicated dogs. For you, out there in the community, feeding funds through Grand Chapter to Helping Paws is great. BUT – if you have a local service dog organization that is accredited, that is also worthwhile, and is YOUR CHOICE.
Masonic Cancer Center at U of M
Our cancer project will be supporting Dr. Erin Marcotte, OES Scholar at Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. Erin's research involves childhood cancers, specifically childhood leukemia and a liver cancer called hepatoblastoma. Her work in leukemia is exceptional. She is looking at ways of identifying children who have a high likelihood of developing all forms of cancer.
All too often, our families are affected by cancer. Our activities are still developing but there are two things we can all help with. The first is ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’ – a phrase from Gandhi. Each grand officer was given a container with the charge to fill it up with change and bring it back to next year’s session. The escorts have their own containers – bee buckets, with the same charge -- fill it up, and bring it back next year. For everyone else, there are quart mason jars. Each of you are encouraged to take one – there’ll be a little surprise at the bottom of each one – and fill it up and bring back next year. If you were able to pick up one at Grand Chapter, we will have them at each of the official visits and will hand ‘em out then. Next year, we will (hopefully) have a representative of Wells Fargo or some other bank official at the ‘coin dump’.
The other thing you can all help with will be to contribute to the raffle of a beautiful quilt, made by our own Sue Bay. It will travel around with us this year, offering raffle tickets -- $1 each or 6 for $5. The drawing will be at Grand Chapter next year. So get your dollar bills ready. All the monies from these two activities will be presented to the pancreatic cancer department at the University of Minnesota.
Click here for a video about Dr. Parsons and her work.
Grand Chapter Scholarships
We will continue our support for our three scholarship programs. Be sure to let people know about them, especially ESTARL!!!
ESTARL: Available to any person pursing leadership in religious fields;
M. Josephine Rusham: Available to graduating high school seniors going into post-secondary education
Pat Rasmusson Continuing Education Scholarship: For students who are not covered by the other two scholarships, and which seeks to assist those students who often have no scholarship resources.
Working Together with Grand Lodge
What is our product as an organization? What are we selling? We provide a “Member experience”, supporting personal growth and enjoyment through fraternal relationships, and following our tenets of “Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness”.
Personal growth and doing good resonate with people. Potential AND current members also want to know how they gain value for their time and money investment in all facets of their life. One way is with the opportunity to learn leadership, communication, project management, member engagement. We will have opportunities to work together with Grand Lodge this year. This year’s Grand Master Bob Davis intends to make Grand Lodge conferences that present education on these skills available to Eastern Star members as well. His theme is “Everything You Do Matters”. Doesn’t that pair nicely with “Working Together for the Greater Good”? We will be encouraging people to take advantage of these opportunities. Schedules will be in Starlites
Working Together for Youth
This project is something we can all participate in. Last year, it came to our attention that when a child reaches 18, he/she ages out of foster care. Some may still be in high school, or there are those who are homeless, living in a shelter, or are in some other crisis where the small act of taking a shower and feeling clean doesn’t happen. Our charge to you will be to collect those little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and whatever else as you travel our great country. We know a lot of hotel chains are now going to the toiletries attached to the wall. No worries. Next time you’re at the dollar tree, pick up a few items . . . toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant . . . any personal toiletry you can think of. I think we can all afford a couple bucks to help out our youth. And please remember the ‘personal needs’ of the young ladies. When you have a collection, take ‘em to your local high school or homeless shelter as a donation from our organization. Maybe put one of our brochures with the items to show them who we are.
Working Together to Help Our Chapters
Finally, we are continuing what CJ and Dan offered last year -- to bring Grand Officers and Escorts out to help with projects, whether it be a parade, food drive, breakfast, whatever. PLEASE, don't avoid doing a project for lack of people, ask us to help. In addition, if you would like help brainstorming some sort of project to get some energy, income, or exposure, reach out. We'll meet with you over coffee or soda, research opportunities in your area to get involved, and see what we might be able to do TOGETHER!!!
Fun and Memories
