Killarney Guide

BY LYNNE HAGBERG

Chair, International Peace Garden Chapel Committee of General Grand Chapter

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world in which both men and women belong. It encircles the world, with 10,000 Chapters in every U.S. State, and all Canadian provinces, except Newfoundland. 

We have chapters in Aruba, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Guam, Peru, the Philippines, Romania, England, Scotland, Taiwan, Italy, Bolivia, and Puerto Rico.

Though its teachings are based on the Bible, the Eastern Star espouses no religion, and is not secret or political. Its members are comprised of men who are Masons, and women with specific Masonic relationships. Millions of dollars are raised annually within its membership, for numerous projects which benefit mankind.

The Order of the Eastern Star held a Pilgrimage at the International Peace Garden August 12 and 13. The Pilgrimage is a gathering of OES members and friends, who come together informally to renew old friendships, and make new ones. 

The Peace Garden Chapel was built by the OES in the 1970s, and is now owned by the Peace Garden, but the OES contributes to its maintenance. 

I have been a member for 57 years, and in 1997 I had the privilege to become the Worthy Grand Matron for Manitoba. Having attained this standing in 2018, I was asked to become a General Grand Chapter Committee member for the Peace Garden Chapel. 

The Pilgrimage is held every three years, with the last one being in 2017. Unfortunately, due to Covid, this was not possible.

In 2021, the current Most Worthy Grand Matron, Glenda Winchester from South Carolina, asked me to chair this committee for the next three years. I was dubious, but decided to do it. There was almost no one else that was eligible for this post who lived as close to the Peace Garden. 

I had committee members attend from Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ohio. The Pilgrimage consisted of registration, then lunch with the Peace Garden Masonic Lodge, free time in the Gardens, and then a banquet with entertainment, all in the huge Masonic Auditorium. 

We had two special events, both from Killarney – The Killarney Filipino Dancers and Band, and for a surprise, I asked retired Staff Sargent Greg Ericson, of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to come in his red serge. How distinguished he looked! We as Canadians are so proud of our Mounties, and do get used to seeing them. Not so with most Americans, especially ones from the southern states. 

Believe me, the name Killarney was certainly heard throughout the weekend. Many asked if we had many Irish people living in Killarney. All of these Killarney residents were a big hit. One of the dancers, Sister Grace Jiminea, is a member of Queen Mary #3 Chapter in Brandon.

Sunday morning was to have been a Church service in the Peace Chapel, but Mother Nature (rain!) had other ideas, and we decided to have the service in the Masonic Auditorium. After the service, we held a farewell lunch.

Sixty members and friends who attended were from South Carolina, Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oklahoma, California, Virginia, South Dakota, Montana, and Indiana. 

Eighty-five Canadians came from Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC/Yukon and Manitoba, for a total of 145. Two of the members from Alberta, who were staying in the Ag Campgrounds, stayed an extra day, and attended the regular meeting of Queen Mary #3 Chapter in Brandon on Monday night. 

Of course, our special member attending was the Most Worthy Grand Matron Sister Glenda Winchester from South Carolina. The Most Worthy Grand Patron, Brother Lon Lowry from Ohio, was unable to attend due to medical issues.

The next Pilgrimage is planned for 2027. At the Church Service, I insisted that “Halleluiah” be sung by two talented members. I love this song, and it is so special, as it was written by Canadian musician Leonard Cohen. And I feel “Halleluiah” is a fitting word to end this wonderful experience.

A HALLELUIAH EXPERIENCE – Around 60 members of the Order of the Eastern Star, from both the U.S. and Canada, gathered together at the beautiful International Peace Garden on August 12 and 13 for a pilgrimage. From left are: Most Worthy Grand Matron Glenda Winchester – South Carolina; Barbara Flanagan, GGCCM – Virginia; Retired Staff Sergeant Greg Ericson – Killarney; Grace Jiminea – Killarney; and Lynne Hagberg, Chair, GGCCM – Killarney.

Wendy Cameron/Photo