DUNCAN — As Enid Pickering began writing about the Order of the Eastern Star in 1979, the former Worthy Grand Matron realized she was forever capturing Oklahoma’s history of what was considered the largest women’s organization in the world.

Pickering had already moved from Oklahoma to Arizona, after completing her time as head of the state organization, but was willing to return to write a book that has become a coveted item for those in the OES.

Peggy Niehoff, an Eastern Star member for over 50 years, owns one copy of the book, and fellow OES Chapter 39 (Duncan) member, Martha Coker has two copies. Pickering’s goal was to travel to every chapter in the state in 1979, as the Oklahoma OES approached its Centennial.

Coker and Niehoff find the history extremely fascinating because the state OES was chartered in 1879, during the days of Oklahoma was known as the Indian Territory.

In fact, if one visits the Duncan Masonic Lodge at 905 W. Chestnut, they will gladly provide a tour. And the first thing they will point out is the charter prominently displayed on the wall. Currently, the charter is draped with a black scarf, noting the death of a member. The scarf remains there until the next meeting.

As it is with many organizations, each year a new slate of Eastern Star officers is installed. This year, the installation took place on Dec. 11, and around 75 people traveled in from around the state to participate. That may not seem like a lot of visitors to some, but for an organization with ancient history and aging membership, it was a better turnout than anticipated, said Coker.

“It was a beautiful large turnout and ceremony,” she said.

Plans for the installation were started about three years ago, when Glenda Adrian began her ascent “around the star.” The Temple resident was installed Sunday as the Worthy Matron for the Duncan chapter.

To arrive at that position is a three-year journey, during which Adrian served in the office of each point of the star — north, south, west and, of course, east — thus the Eastern Star. Three years ago, Adrian asked members at the state level if they would be her installing team. She will spend the next year at the head of the local chapter.

Coker credits Adrian’s leadership for the success of the installation. Niehoff also praised her by saying, “Glenda has traveled to other installations and visited so many people in this state. She is a lovely person.”

The Order of the Eastern Star was created for the wives, sisters, daughters and widows of Mason members, and holds three eras, beginning around 1850.

Some people find the Masons and the OES to be a mystery, yet, neither organization is really difficult to understand. Members of both seek to do “noble deeds.”

For longtime members like Coker and Niehoff, Adrian exhibits the best qualities of an “Eastern Star.” In Pickering’s book, an Eastern Star must make her influence for good felt everywhere, by leading an unselfish life.

The three women find that many members get involved as they get older in life, because they have more free time and they find it a great opportunity to do community work.

Niehoff noted that one of Duncan’s oldest members is Marie Spears, of Ada. “She will be 100 years old,” Niehoff said.

Coker laughed and teased Niehoff by adding, “I hope I never get my 50 year pin!” Coker hasn’t been in the organization as long as Niehoff, who joined in 1962. Adrian was initiated in 2007.

Another member is Duncan resident Estella Bowman, who is 91 years-old and a 50-year member, Coker noted.

“Estella is involved with Christians Concerned and she is a World War II veteran nurse, she’s just very active in the community,” Adrian said. “It’s very character building. It helps you build your character and set your priorities. We do a lot of charity work.”

For example, the Worthy Grand Matron picks a major charity during her term of service.

The state organization has about 15 charities to which they contribute, from breast cancer awareness to child care programs. At the local level, the Duncan chapter’s efforts are directed at getting food for many of the local pantries.

Over the past 25 years, about nine chapters have dissolved and become part of the Duncan chapter. Many of those towns have food pantries, and even though Adrian isn’t from Duncan, she’s picked a Duncan/Stephens County organization as a service project.

“One of my goals is to plan a fundraiser for the children’s shelter. It’s very important to donate,” she said. “People reciprocate. If you support each other in projects, it benefits you and the project.”

While the two older women had many good things to say about Adrian, she wasn’t about to let that pass. “They’re leaders. Trust me, they are dedicated,” she said of Niehoff and Coker.

Coker added that the Duncan chapter is a longtime supporter of projects like Project Graduation, Toy Shop and scholarships for senior youth.

“It’s camaraderie, a good memory. Even the boys in the Masonic Lodge voice appreciation for what we do,” Coker said.

A bit of history

Enid Pickering’s book provides a detailed account of how the OES organized, with a chapter on founder Robert Morris, who received his degree of Master Mason when he was 28. Though Morris, born Aug. 31, 1818, was a Mason, he never held a position in OES. Morris died July 31, 1888 at the age of 70. He was buried in LaGrange, Ky. and a replica of the OES emblem is on a marble obelisk at his grave.

Unlike the original OES, the scope of membership has expanded to include in-laws and others, said Niehoff, noting it has become very broad to include and reflect today’s families.

Duncan OES members are proud of the state’s heritage and charters. Coker loves to talk about the founding of the Order of the Eastern Star in Oklahoma, pointing out that at one time there was a Masonic and Eastern Star chapter in every town of this state.

Also, Duncan’s chapter once served as Grand Chapter of Indian Territory.

A 33 degree Scottish Rite Mason, the Rev. Joseph S. Murrow founded the town of Atoka, then organized the Masonic Grand Lodge of Indian Territory in 1868 and he organized the first Eastern Star Chapter in Indian Territory in 1879, also in Atoka.

Duncan is first mentioned in the book in the Grand Chapter of Indian Territory 1902-09, in the 17th annual session Aug. 16, 1906. In 1909, the Grand Chapter of the State of Oklahoma was formed, with the last session for the IT being conducted at the same time.

It signaled progress for the OES. Oklahoma at one time, had more than 500 chapters. They have since been consolidated into 114 chapters.

The book also highlights each annual grand session, notable officers and members and other history pertaining to the Oklahoma Order of the Eastern Star.