The Florida Grand Chapter of International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star.
Founded 1950 by Dr. William Venoid Banks.
The International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star was founded in 1950 by Dr. William Venoid Banks. It is one of the oldest interconnected Religious Fraternal Orders, with operations throughout the United States, the Bahamas, and Africa. The President and Chief Executive Officer is Illustrious Kenneth L. Hollowell, 33°.
The Pernella Tubbs Supreme Grand Chapter, led by Supreme Grand Matron Sister Monique C. Walton, governs the state chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star within International Masons. The OES provides a female companion Chapter to cooperate with the Lodge of Free Masons, organizing spiritual women of high moral and social character who contribute time, energy, and wisdom toward charity, truth, and loving kindness.
The Noble Rose Christine W. Hayes Grand Chapter is the Florida Grand Chapter, serving as the governing body of the local OES chapters across the state — from Miami and Tampa to West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Homestead, Belle Glade, and beyond.
34 Years
Sister Christine Hayes served as Grand Matron from 1983 to 2017 — the longest seated Grand Matron for any state in International Masons history.
From a Tampa gathering in 1955 to a statewide chapter.
In the early years, Florida was governed by a Joint Council led by Brother Thomas as President from 1953 through 1954. In 1955, in the city of Tampa, the Craft of various lodges and chapters met to set up a Grand Lodge. Lady Mabel Gordon was elected as Grand Matron and Bishop R. F. Coleman as Grand Master.
From these humble beginnings the organization flourished across the state, with strongholds in Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Dania, Naples, Perrine, Lake Worth, Fort Myers, Homestead, Belle Glade, Brooksville, LaCoochee, Marathon, Riviera Beach, and Florenceville — and continues to grow today.
The chapter was originally named Ruby Allen Grand Chapter. In 1973 it received its charter as Mary McLeod Bethune Grand Chapter. In March 2009, a revised charter renamed it to the Noble Rose Christine W. Hayes Grand Chapter, honoring Sister Hayes for her 34 years of service.
Evening Light #2 is the Mother Chapter of the Noble Rose Christine W. Hayes Grand Chapter.
Milestones across seven decades
Dr. William Venoid Banks founds the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons, Inc. and Order of the Eastern Star.
Florida is governed by a Joint Council led by Brother Thomas as President through 1954.
In Tampa, lodges and chapters gather to establish a Grand Lodge. Lady Mabel Gordon elected first Grand Matron.
Brother I. A. Banks is elected Grand Master after the passing of Bishop R. F. Coleman; Lady Mabel Gordon re-elected Grand Matron.
Originally named the Ruby Allen Grand Chapter, the state chapter receives its charter under a new name.
Begins a historic 34-year tenure — the longest seated Grand Matron for any state in the organization.
Sister Peachie Tresvant petitions and is granted a revised charter, renaming the chapter the Noble Rose Christine W. Hayes Grand Chapter.
Succeeds Sister Hayes; term limits of four consecutive one-year terms instituted.
Sister Khandia Smith follows her mother into the Grand Matron seat — and at age 44, the youngest ever elected in Florida.
Continues the chapter's seventy-year tradition of charity, truth, and loving kindness.
"The members of Noble Rose Christine W. Hayes Grand Chapter welcome you to our sisterhood — built on charity, truth, and service to all mankind."
