History Written for 50th Anniversary
Celebrated March 14, 1979
Mount Moriah Chapter No. 19 of Lenexa was organized at the Masonic Hall of Lenexa, Kansas, Monday July 14, 1873. It was instituted by M.E.G. Patron McKeany (no first name apprears) assisted by Olathe Chapter, at which time $30.00 was paid M.E.G. McKeany for the charter. Olathe Chapter came down on the train and by horse and buggy to help organize the chapter. From the minutes of the first meeting the By-Laws stated: That stated meetings be held on the Wed. evening after each full moon. That the annual dues be $1.50 to be paid each St. John's Day. That each member be required to pay 50 cents as special dues for present wants of Chapter. April 1, 1984, charges were preferred against a member for refusing to pay dues of $1.50 and telling the Chapter that they might go to Hell. Trial was set for next meeting. This was delayed until meeting of June 3, 1984, due to member going to Texas. After trial, member was found guilty and expelled from the Chapter. As far as we can tell, there are no records that the Chapter lasted much longer than 1876.
By special dispensation, Sister Jessie Thorp (Miller), Associate Grand Matron, was appointed as Special Deputy for Brother Roy H. Clossen, W.G.P., to convene Adda Chapter U.D. The Chapter was named for Sister Adda Allen, wife of Brother George Allen, our first Worthy Patron. Mrs. Artie Lee Hoover, Worthy Matron and Mrs. Nell Dickerson, Associate Matron. On the afternoon of January 9, 1929, a group of Eastern Star members from Mendias No. 1, Nova No. 436, Abdiel No. 267, Gladiola No. 459, Bonner Springs No. 302 and Sincerity No. 295 met in the Masonic Hall, Lenexa, KS., with Sister Jessie Thorp (Miller) for the purpose of instituting Adda Chapter U.D. Sister Jessie announced her assisting officers who were: Sister Ada Kelley, P.M. of Bonner Springs, Grand Marshal, Sister Bertha Barnes, P.M. of Mendias, Grand Chaplain, Sister Grace Sturhan, P.M. of Abdiel, Grand Secretary.
The 1928 officers of Nova Chapter No. 436 were prepared to exemplify the opening ceremonies and initiatory work.
On Wednesday evening, June 12, 1929, Adda Chapter was Constituted and received its charter with Sister Jessie Miller, W.G.M. as presiding officer. Dues were $2.00 and initiation fee was $5.00. At the end of 1929, per capita tax of forty cents was paid for 41 members.
In 1929, Adda Chapter was in District No. 19 which included the Kansas City Chapters. After a few years, attendance was poor and the funds were low. A number of meetings were not held for lack of quorum. In spite of problems, the work of the Chapter was carried on. Then on Dec. 13, 1939, it seemed the greatest hour of decision was at hand. Guests included Sister Maude Clossen P.G.M. and Brother Roy Clossen P.G.P. who were representing the Worthy Grand Matron. 19 members and 3 visitors were present. After much discussion, it was decided to continue the Chapter and elect officers for the coming year. The struggle to survive continued on into the 40's. At the end of the year of 1944, membership was 48. From that time on, more members were initiated and the Chapter began to grow.
The electric signet was presented by the Allen family. The first piano was given to the Chapter in 1939 by Sister Minnie Enyart. The piano and the American flag we are now using were presented to the lodge by the Rainbow Girls. The Chapter has sponsored the first Rainbow Girls Assembly and for a while a Girl Scout Troop.