The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong.

The organization has been in existence for 170 years.

Members are composed of men who are Master Masons and women with a specific masonic relationship. The members are proud of their long history of providing service to their community.

Tate Spring Chapter #425 has been active in Bean Station for 73 years. Members maintain a close relationship with the Masons and the Shriners and support the same charities.

The members of Tate Springs Chapter #425 recently gathered at the Masonic Hall in Bean Station for the official visit of Dottie Whalen, Associate Grand Conductress of Tennessee. Once each year, each chapter in the state of Tennessee will be visited by one of the four elected state officers.

Kimberly White, Worthy Matron of Tate Spring, along with Sylvan Jarvis, Worthy Patron, welcomed almost 80 guests from across the state. One General Grand Chapter Committee member, one past Grand Matron, 2 past Grand Patrons and 2 appointed Grand Officers were in attendance.

The Chapter made donations to the Worthy Grand Matron’s foremost objectives of Scottish Rite Charities, Shrine Hospitals for children, Youth and Christian Scholarship, Rainbow and DeMolay (youth organizations), and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Several of the members made personal donations in memory of or in honor of family and friends. The Associate Grand Conductress congratulated the chapter on the service projects for this year.

She remarked that the purple flowers that decorated the chapter room were complimented by the purple dresses all the officers were wearing. She also recognized Donna Winstead as a new 50 year member. Several other 50 year and 25 year members were also recognized.