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Rebekah Lodge celebrates new, longest-serving members of organization

Stockton Star Rebekah Lodge 395 participated in the Fredonia History Days Parade earlier this month. Five long-standing members including Helen Piersons, a 74-year member, were joined by two new members for the event. With a combined total of 179 years of community service the ladies were very proud to represent the Rebekahs in the parade.

The parade was a first for many of the members but not for Mrs. Piersons. While riding in the cab, she enjoyed telling stories of the many parades the Rebekahs had participated in the past.

“We walked many, many miles back then,” she commented. “It seems so good to be going again. … I’m so happy to be here.” As the most senior member of the Stockton Star Rebekah Lodge 395, Helen has had the good fortune to participate in the many good works and fun activities that have been done over the years.

Mrs. Piersons said she was also looking forward to the initiation ceremony for five new members that was to be held soon. “It is so good to see the Lodge growing again”, she said with a smile. “You have to reach out to new members and teach them what you know.”

On July 10, Mrs. Piersons participated in the initiation ceremony and provided the following written account:

Stockton Star Rebekah Lodge 395 met on Monday, July 10 at which time five new members were welcomed by initiation. The meeting was conducted by Diane Link, Past Noble Grand and seven officers answered roll call. There were 12 members in attendance. Opening included pledge to the American flag and pledge to the fraternal flag; officers’ duties and the Chaplain giving the opening prayer, followed by all repeating the Lord’s Prayer.

The meeting opened with initiation of the five new members.

As the meeting progressed the new members were allowed time to ask questions about the organization and its expectations for them. With the current lifestyle being so much different than that of when the organizations was founded, it was very much appreciated to learn that the basic requirements of the Rebekahs, simply put, are “Friendship, Love and Truth” with a preface on family, friends and community.

In an effort to be more inviting to new members the Lodge has changed its meeting schedule to include one evening meeting the second Monday of the month and one day time meeting the fourth Monday of the month. With this new schedule the financial secretary Janice Camp expressed the sentiment, “Come when you can, do what you can, with whatever it is you have to do it with.”

At the close of the meeting Mrs. Piersons once again proved to be a valuable resource for all of the members in attendance. Over the next several months, at the evening meetings, she will be explaining the rituals, how they are performed and why. With an organizations as old as the Rebekahs there are many things that may have changed over the years but the rituals have remained the same. Helen reminded all of the members to spread the word about joining the Stockton Star Rebekah Lodge 395.

If you would like more information about the Rebekahs, the next meeting is 7 p.m. Aug. 14 in the Stockton Fire Hall.

Comments can be sent to editorial@observertoday.com

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