On February 19, 1891 representatives of the first ten Chapters under Charter by the Most Worthy Grand Patron of General Grand Chapter assembled in Milwaukee by invitation of the Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron and Associate Matron of Milwaukee Chapter No. 2 to organize a Grand Chapter of Wisconsin.

During this time Grand Representatives were appointed to be the liaisons between Grand Jurisdictions.

At this time each Chapter was allowed only three Rituals; none to be sold to members.

District Conventions were scheduled throughout the state at which time a school of instruction was held and the Ristualistic work exemplified.

The presentation of the American Flag was added to our Opening Cermony for the first time in 1898 and the Flag was given a place of honor in the Chapter.

Each Subordinate Chapter was responsible for a donation to the Wisconsin Masonic Home.

In 1905 it was decided to change the time of the Annual Session from February to early Fall.

In 1909 an assistant to the Worthy Grand Matron was appointed to be know as Deputy Grand Lecturer; this was the fore runner of our present Grand Lecturer.

A Red Book of Instructions for floor work was first printed in 1912.

The 25th Anniversary of the Order in Wisconsin was observed with a special banquet and outstanding entertainment at the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Number of Chapters: 210
Membership: 24,379

Our Golden Years
1916 - 1940

1915 - 1916  Twenty-Sixth
1916 - 1917  Twenty-Seventh
1917 - 1918  Twenty-Eighth
1918 - 1919  Twenty-Ninth
1919 - 1920  Thirtieth
1920 - 1921  Thirty-First
1921 - 1922  Thirty-Second
1922 - 1923  Thirty-Third
1923 - 1924  Thirty-Fourth
1924 - 1925  Thirty-Fifth
1925 - 1926  Thirty-Sixth
1926 - 1927  Thirty-Seventh
1927 - 1928  Thirty-Eighth
1928 - 1929  Thirty-Ninth
1929 - 1930  Fortieth
1930 - 1931  Forty-First
1931 - 1932  Forty-Second
1932 - 1933  Forty-Third
1933 - 1934  Forty-Fourth
1934 - 1935  Forty-Fifth
1935 - 1936  Forty-Sixth
1936 - 1937  Friendship Session
1937 - 1938  Forty-Eighth
1938 - 1939  Forty-Ninth
1939 - 1940  Golden Jubilee

During World War I all members of the Order who were in the service of our country were exempt from the payment of dues and the Subordinate Chapters did not have to pay per capita tax for them.

In 1919 it was voted to build a hospital at the Masonic Home at Dousman and the cornerstone was laid in 1923.

The largest convention held in Wisconsin to date was in 1920.

A committee was appointed in 1926 to recommend a form of Introduction of Guests at Grand Chapter and in Subordinate Chapters.

The Ritual of our Order was materially changed so that by January 1, 1930 the new Ritual was to be used exclusively.

Grand Pages were used for the first time in 1931.

The position of the Ballot Box on the Alter was changed from the right side of the Bible to the left.

During this time the mileage allowance was raised from 3 1/2 cents to 5 cents per mile.

Due to the Depression many Chapters were unable to pay their per capita tax because the banks closed.

At the 1936 Grand Chapter Session, the motion was adopted that $1 per member be paid to the International Eastern Star Temple in Washinton, D.C. At this Session, Sister Helen M. Laflin, the first Grand Secretary retired after 46 years of service.

The first Session to be given a special name, "Friendship Session" was in 1937, and the first theme march, "Queen Esther March" was in 1938.

The Wisconsin state flag was presented for the first time at the Session in 1938, and the Eastern Star flag for the first time in 1939.

Number of Chapters: 270
Membership: 46,466

Our Diamond Years
1941 - 1965

1940 - 1941  Cathedral
1941 - 1942  Ruth
1942 - 1943  
1943 - 1944  Liberty Year
1944 - 1945  Peace
1945 - 1946  Faith of a Nation
1946 - 1947  Good Neighbor
1947 - 1948  Faith
1948 - 1949  
1949 - 1950  World Harmony
1950 - 1951  Star-light
1951 - 1952  Carillon of Peace
1952 - 1953  Weaving of the Jewel
1953 - 1954  Green Cathedral
1954 - 1955  Fingertip
1955 - 1956  Golden Rule
1956 - 1957  Light and Love
1957 - 1958  Era of Harmony
1958 - 1959  Galaxy of Stars
1959 - 1960  Seek Ye the Way
1960 - 1961  Heritage
1961 - 1962  Harbor
1962 - 1963  Chapel Bell
1963 - 1964  Understanding Heart
1964 - 1965  Diamond Jubilee

At Grand Chapter, exemplification of the work was given by officers selected from Subordinate Chapters.

At another Session the 1867 Ritual work was exemplified by past and present matrons of Wisconsin who wore traditional costumes.

General Grand Chapter permitted Chapters to pay their full International Temple fund quotas through the purchase of War Bonds.

War Bonds sold amounting to $86,681.25 enabled Wisconsin Grand Chapter to purchase an airplane (the Badger Star OES) which was delivered during the 1943 Session.

During the war years members provided many hours of volunteer service.

Special projects were institued by several Worthy Grand Matrons during this period. One was to provide funds for the training of a guide dog and its owner.

Official Visits were conducted by line officers and the appointed Grand officers with the exception of the Grand Sentinel.

The District Deputy system went into effect.

Dual Membership was adopted.

Exemplification of the work with explanations by the Grand Lecturer was started during this time.

Number of Chapters: 252
Membership 53,268

Our Centenial Years
1966 - 1990

1965 - 1966  Starland Rays
1966 - 1967  Happiness
1967 - 1968  Melody of the Stars
1968 - 1969  Living Star
1969 - 1970  Signet
1970 - 1971  Crown of Life
1971 - 1972  God's Garden of Love
1972 - 1973  Rose
1973 - 1975  Loving Kindness Session
1975 - 1976  American Way
1976 - 1977  Our Spinning Blue World
1977 - 1978  Guiding Angel Session
1978 - 1979  Beyond the Blue Horizon
1979 - 1980  Dove of Peace
1980 - 1981  Melody of Love
1981 - 1982  Wings of Joy
1982 - 1983  Pathways of Light
1983 - 1984  Showers of Blessings
1984 - 1985  Chapel of the Chimes
1985 - 1986  Gateway to Unity
1986 - 1987  Bridges of Love
1987 - 1988  Angel of Faith
1988 - 1989  Bells of Peace
1989 - 1990  Treasured Memories

The fiscal year of Grand Chapter and Subordinate Chapters was changed.

All Subordinate Chapter by-laws were brought up to date.

An insurance program for Eastern Star Chapters and members was approved by Grand Chapter.

Wisconsin's Subordinate Chapters achieved 100% status in the International Temble Fund.

A new health Care Center was built at Dousman and the Order of the Eastern Star of Wisconsin funded one wing.

A Masonic Home Assessment was voted on.

Approval was granted to Past Matrons and Past Patrons of Subordinate Chapters to vote at Grand Chapter.

The Registration Fee at Grand Chapter was raised to $3.

After several years of trial, the District Deputy system was adopted in 1972.

A computer system was purchased for the Grand Chapter office.

Our state now has state-wide territorial jurisdiction.

An Eastern Star float was made for use by anyone for parades.

A Long Range Planning Committee as approved to assist OES future.

A new Red Book was printed.

Chapter Accomplishment Awards in the form of plaques was begun. To encourage participation within the Chapter and visitations among Chapters, pins are awarded to members.

The Grand Chapter office moved to Dousman; sharing space in the former Infirmary building with offices of Grand Lodge, F & AM, Consistory and the Masonic Journal.

Grand Chapter now meets in four cities, ie., Milwaukee, Madison, LaCrosse and Green Bay.

The 100th year of OES and the 100th Session of OES are celebrated.

Number of Chapters: 168
Membership: 23,685

The Next Years...

1990 - 1991  In His Hand Centennial
1991 - 1992  Faith is the Key
1992 - 1993  Christmas Dove
1993 - 1994  God is Glorious
1994 - 1995  God Bless America
1995 - 1996  Harmony and Loyalty
1996 - 1997  Wings of Harmony
1997 - 1998  Circle of Love
1998 - 1999  Faith and Friendship
1999 - 2000  Stairway to the Stars
2000 - 2001  Peaceful Journeys
2001 - 2002  Faith Lights the Way
2002 - 2003  Precious Memories
2003 - 2004  Reach for the Star
2004 - 2005  Garden of Knowledge
2005 - 2006  Harvest of Prayers
2006 - 2007  Garden of Faith
2007 - 2008  Led by His Light