Documented history of Eastern Star chapters in South Carolina begins in the year 1908. Dr. Charles Catlett Johnson was the Most Worshipful Grand Master for the Jurisdiction of South Carolina at that time. Dr. Johnson, and other interested Free and Accepted Masons of South Carolina and their wives, formed a chapter during that year. Additional chapters across the state were formed in 1908 and early 1909.
The First joint organized meeting, (we now know as our Annual Session), was held on June 15, 1909 in Columbia, SC. Thus, the Grand Chapter officially began in 1909. At the end of the 1st joint meeting in 1909 there were 29 chapters and approximately 389 members.
The Grand Chapter has always been blessed to have very strong leadership. Since its founding, there have been a total of 18 Grand Worthy Matrons.
Grand Matron Fannie Shelton 1909 - 1911
Grand Matron Florence Anderson 1911 - 1912
Grand Matron Essie G. Thomas 1912 - 1914
Grand Matron M.H. Wright 1914 - 1915
Grand Matron Rebecca Hall Walton 1915 - 1931
Grand Matron Celeste M. Finley 1931 - 1959
Grand Matron Mary B. Thomas 1959 - 1986
Grand Matron Catherine B. Carolina 1986 - 1992
Grand Matron Mattye L. Thompson 1992 - 1993
Grand Matron Catherine B. Bodison 1993 - 1997
Grand Matron Jeanette P. Singleton 1997 - 2001
Grand Matron Elizabeth B. Tigler 2001 - 2005
Grand Matron Shelia B. Danforth 2005 - 2009
Grand Matron Juanita D. Edwards 2009 - 2013
Grand Matron Joyce D. Durant 2013 - 2017
Grand Matron Linda O. Neal 2017 - 2022
Grand Matron Mary M. Ennis 2022 - 2026
Grand Worthy Marton Blanchie J. James 2026 - Present
Throughout the years, the Grand Worthy Patrons have been supportive of their sisters. There has been a total of 16 Grand Worthy Patrons.
Grand Patron Dr. Charles L. Walton 1909 - 1914
Grand Patron Attorney E. J. Sawyer 1914 – 1924; 1925 - 1927
Grand Patron Brother Henry Butler 1924 - 1925
Grand Patron Dr. George Waldo Long 1927 - 1936
Grand Patron Rev. Zack Townsend 1936 - 1967
Grand Patron Rev. Charles J. Whitaker 1967 - 1986
Grand Patron Dr. Charles M. Johnson 1986 - 1993
Grand Patron Rev. Arthur l. Sellars 1993 - 1997
Grand Patron Rev. Robert A. Johnson 1997 - 2001
Grand Patron Rev. Terry B. Law 2001 - 2005
Grand Patron Rev. Lewis H. Nelson 2005 - 2009
Grand Patron Brother Herman L. Rivers 2009 - 2013
Grand Patron Brother Fred Herriott 2013 - 2017
Grand Patron Brother Reginald Y. Scott 2017 - 2022
Grand Patron Brother Jermaine Nowline 2022 – 2026
Grand Worthy Patron Brother Clyde “C.J.” Gore 2026 - Present
In addition to the Grand Worthy Matrons and Grand Worthy Patrons, the Elected Executive Boards have included strong, capable Sisters and Brothers who have served as Grand Associate Matron, Grand Associate Patron, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Conductress and Grand Associate Conductress.
The Jurisdiction of South Carolina is currently composed of Eleven (11) districts that align with the Eleven (11) Masonic districts of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina. Each District is led by an appointed Grand Supervising Deputy, appointed Grand Associate Deputies, and District Officers elected by the members of each district. Currently, there are approximately 250 chapters and 9500 members of the Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star in South Carolina.
The Order shines brightly in communities throughout the state through various activities and events.
The Grand Chapter is a lifetime member of the NAACP. Each year charities benefit from monetary donations. The Grand Chapter also awards annual scholarships to support our youth attending college. These actions of the Grand Chapter are further strengthened and replicated by districts and individual chapters.
Districts and chapters sponsor many activities as they give back to the community with their time, talent and donations. Events such as: Back to School Drives, Coat Drives, Food Giveaways, Walks and Marches supporting research for Alzheimer’s, Sickle Cell Anemia, Breast Cancer Awareness, Visits to schools as Classroom Buddies and Blessing Boxes are all examples of opportunities for members to serve.
In addition to community activism, the Order is very proud to provide a mentoring component; The Mary B. Thomas Girls Youth Circle. The focus and main purpose of the youth group is to train young ladies to become positive members and leaders in society.
Approval to charter the youth group was granted by Past Grand Matron Catherine B. Carolina, Past Grand Patron C.M. Johnson, and Past Grand Master Charles E. Riley. The Girls’ Youth Group was named The Mary B. Thomas Girls Youth Circle in 1988. In honor of Past Grand Matron Mary B. Thomas.
Members of the Order strive to embody the characteristics of the Five Heroines of the Bible: Adah, Ruth Esther, Martha and Electa daily as they continue to write the history of the Jurisdiction of South Carolina.
Submitted by,
Sister Charnette Singleton, Historian
PGSD
September 2026