The membership portion of the California Eastern Star Vision Statement encourages members to engage and revitalize its existing membership. Ariel Chapter #42 in Antioch achieved that goal on Aug. 1 with great pride, glad hearts and a few happy tears when it initiated eight new members, all with ties to the Masonic youth orders.

Worthy Matron Marsha Antrobus presided over the ceremony that included her two daughters. Conductress Debbie Brown led the procession through the labyrinth that concluded with her son on the arm of Associate Conductress Candi Amigo. Leslie Koch gave a lesson about the trustful faith of Martha to her daughter, her dear friend of many years, and her friend’s daughter. Deputy Grand Matron Mary Carlson beamed with pride and thanked the chapter for providing such an auspicious occasion to celebrate her return to active duty after an injury-induced absence.

The new initiates were Erin Alonso, Elise Antrobus, Alisha Navarro and Paula Zimmerman from Rainbow; Melisa Gemetti, Michelle Gemetti and Elizabeth Koch from Job’s Daughters; and Trevor Brown from DeMolay.

This accomplishment can be attributed to the tireless efforts of the aforementioned Ariel officers who are involved beyond Eastern Star as parents with the local Masonic youth organizations – Diablo Valley Assembly #84 International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Antioch Bethel #115 International Order of Job’s Daughters, and Antioch Chapter DeMolay.

WM Marsha served California Rainbow as grand deputy and is on the California Public Relations Team and the Antioch DeMolay Advisory Counsel. Debbie Brown is chapter advisor for the Antioch chapter of DeMolay and a Cross of Honor recipient. Leslie Koch is a majority member of Job’s Daughters Bethel #147, Clovis, and promoter of sociability for Bethel #115, Antioch. Candi Amigo is assistant pledge mom and Advisory Board vice-chair for Diablo Valley Rainbow Assembly #84, Antioch.

These ladies exemplify the Vision Statement’s encouragement regarding working cohesively with our Masonic Family. In addition, Marsha Antrobus, Elise Antrobus, Debbie Brown, Trevor Brown, Leslie Koch, Alisha Navarro and Paula Zimmerman have all received the Masonic Spirit Award by the Antioch-Brentwood Masonic Lodge #175 for exemplifying in words, deeds and actions the Masonic spirit of brotherly love, truth and relief.

The General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization to which both men and women may belong. Ariel Chapter, established in Antioch in 1880, will hold its 130th installation of officers on Nov. 7. The aforementioned Masonic organizations all meet regularly at the Antioch-Brentwood Masonic Lodge in downtown Antioch and draw their members from the entire East County area and beyond.

Membership opportunities are available for girls from 8 years of age, boys and girls from 12 to 21, and men and women ages 18 and above. For more information, please call 925-757-5561 and a representative of the requested organization will contact you.

– Contributed by Elizabeth Granberg