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Return to Crescent Masonic Lodge Home Page AR Florence Chapter #15
Florence Chapter #15, Order of the Eastern Star of Arkansas, was instituted with 10 charter members on October 25, 1882, at the seventh annual Arkansas Grand Chapter session held in the Masonic Lodge at Jacksonville, Arkansas. Our Chapter was chartered by George A. Dannelly, Worthy Grand Patron, who was also the first to serve as Worthy Patron of Florence Chapter. At the request of its founder, the chapter was named "Florence" in memory of the only child of Rebecca Baldwin, the First Worthy Matron of the Chapter. On the move again… Since its institution, Florence Chapter has been located with Crescent Masonic Lodge #403, F. & A. M., occupying several different sites in the North Little Rock area. The original location was Baldwin Hall at 2nd and Main Streets over a livery stable. In 1900 we moved to Humphrey Hall at 4th and Main Streets. Then in 1908 we moved a few yards north to 419 ˝ Main Street. Meetings were held there for over 16 years. Beginning in 1924, Florence Chapter and Crescent Lodge met in a new Masonic Lodge building located at 3rd and Willow Streets, which also housed Big Rock Masonic Lodge and Jewel Chapter of the Eastern Star. On April 17, 1953, the chapter held its very first meeting in a new Crescent Masonic Lodge Building at 2312 Main Street, across from the North Little Rock High School. The final meeting in that facility was held in June 1984. Due to the sale of the property, Florence Chapter and Crescent Lodge temporarily relocated to 17th and Maple Streets while waiting for completion of a new lodge building. In June of 1985, Florence Chapter held its first meeting in the new Crescent Masonic Lodge building at 4701 West Commercial Drive where we currently meet on the 3rd Friday of each month. Membership… Throughout its history, not only has Florence been "on the move" with respect to its location, but its membership has also experienced many changes. The first annual Grand Chapter report submitted in 1883 showed the Florence Chapter with 37 members. The membership steadily climbed to a high of 470 reported on September 30, 1952. 2007 marked the 125th anniversary of Florence Chapter. Distinguished Members… Many dedicated members have brought honor and distinction to the Florence Chapter by their service to the Arkansas Grand Chapter. In 1883 and again in 1884, Arkansas' Grand Chapter convened in Argenta, now North Little Rock, with Florence Chapter members taking a very active part, particularly in their exemplification of the initiatory work. The Florence Chapter was even honored by a resolution of the Grand Chapter recognizing the fine ritualistic work of its officers and that tradition has continued to the present. In addition to our founder, George A. Dannelly, Florence Chapter has had several members elected to serve in the Grand East: J. W. Weed served as Worthy Grand Patron in 1925, Gladys Parish was Worthy Grand Matron in 1960; George Swafford was a Charter Member of Florence Chapter and served as Worthy Grand Patron in 1967. O. W. "Bill" Diederich served as Worthy Grand Patron in 1976 and Dewey M. King served as Worthy Grand Patron in 1991; Jan Jackson was Worthy Grand Matron in 2007. Also, we have dual members that served as Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron. Florence Chapter is proud of these distinguished members & numerous other members who have been appointed to serve as Grand Officers and other titles of distinction. Each one has represented our chapter in a commendable manner. Although we have had times of hardship and loss during Florence Chapter's past 125 years, we must remember the periods of prosperity and growth. As we reflect upon our enduring past, we cannot help but feel great pride in our accomplishments. We should not dwell upon the losses, but be inspired to look at our future just as those 37 members on October 25, 1982 did. By having pride in our past and present and hope for our future, we will continue to be dedicated to the principles of Charity, Truth, and Loving Kindness that are exemplified by the 5 heroines of our beautiful order. Return to Crescent Masonic Lodge Home Page
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