The Order of the Eastern Star of the State of New York is pleased to add one more accomplishment to its list of firsts: The first-ever Chapter of the Order under the current Chapter System was established in New York City in 1868. The first Grand Chapter was constituted in New York State in 1870. In 1891 the first Worthy Patron of Maple City Chapter, William H. Albery, began a fund drive for the first OES Home in New York with the first gift—a $5 gold piece. In 1908 the Grand Chapter opened that first Home in its first location, Waterville, NY.
Now, the Order of the Eastern Star introduces its first membership society for charitable giving. In recognition of the strong motivation toward charity in each of us and inspired by the act of that Worthy Patron from Ogdensburg, we have created The W.H. Albery Society in his honor. The Society is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Beneath its umbrella are all the usual charities we are pleased to support. We have options, now, when we contemplate our giving. A donor may choose a favorite fund or make an unspecified gift to the Society. It is also possible to leave a bequest to The W.H. Albery Society or to join a Charitable Gift Annuity Program.
As explained in The W.H.Albery Society brochure, all gifts will be credited towards membership in the Society, which is gained with $500.00 in total donations and recognized with a pin. As their benevolent efforts continue and their dollar total increases, members achieve other levels of recognition.
There is one other first: a new fund called Save Our Home. In the spring of 2009 the Order invited members to support this three-year bridge funding effort. It is intended to counter the devastating effects of the recent financial crisis and provide a solid foundation for our Home into the future.The history of this particular funding opportunity is more fully described in the Save Our Home insert. The challenge is for each member to contribute at least $100.00 in each of the next three years.
We invite you to explore the ways in which The W.H. Albery Society can liberate your charitable impulses. Make a donation to a designated fund; make a gift to the Society; accept the Save Our Home Fund challenge. We say our Order was Begun in Charity and it has thrived Embracing Charity. Our needs are great today; so is our compassion. Start your journey to Society membership today.