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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHomecoming '87, 1987-07-01, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1987. PAGE A-23. _ Homecoming '87_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rebekahs have been helping people since 1933 As a great fraternity, Odd Fellowship creates a brotherhood and sisterhood, notadivision of men and women. It stimulates life in all its fullness through instruc­ tion in the Degrees, which are linked together to broaden the mind and elevate the character of candidates for membership into the Order. Rebekahs are the largest wo­ men’s link to Odd Fellowship, although they conduct their own meetings, projects and activities, while their role of charity and helpfulness to others is unmatched in their communities. Oddfellows may become members of the Rebekah Lodge if they so desire. The Morning Star Rebekah Lodge in Brussels was instituted on June 2, 1933, with nine brothers from Western Star Lodge IOOF and 31 women receiving the Rebekah Degree. The first elective officers were Corrie Dunbar, Noble Grand; Florence Baeker, Vice­ Grand; Muriel Allen, Recording Secretary; Laura Williamson, Treasurer; and Sadie McDonald, Finance Secretary. Mrs. William Clouse was the first Chaplain of the Lodge. When first instituted, Morning Brussels Stockyards sold to Henschel family Continued from page A-22 other advantage is that if the producer doesn’t like the price he is getting, he has the privilege of buying his livestock back, although Mr. McCall says this seldom occurs. In the fall of 1980, Bruce and Ross McCall formed a full partner­ ship, and bought out the other five men who still held shares, with Bruce becoming president and Ross treasurer of the new com­ pany. The business continued to grow and thrive, and today the name McCall is known the length and breadth of the nation, where cattlemen associate it with fair and honest dealing in a highly competi­ tive industry. Bruce McCall has always enjoy­ ed the challenge his job presented, and he likes dealing with farmers, whom he feels are a courageous lot. “They are eternal optimists. They have to be, because they operate without any guaranteed Library still centre of community activity Continued from page A-5 Club held monthly meetings. In 1922 Fred McCracken painted the exterior of the building at a cost of $48. In 1935 the Legion was given permission to build a memorial on the grounds. During the war years the Red Cross used the downstairs as a workroom. A separate children’s room was outfitted before the war. In 1943 the County Library was set up providing a new supply of reading material circulating in and out of the local library. Over the years many improve­ ments were made with the help of groups like the Lions Club and the Women’s Institute. The improvements continued to be present. Ih the last year the village council has installed new steps (because the old steps were settling and threatening the whole front facade,) and made extensive renovations to the basement. The old chimney is to be replaced this Star Lodge was part of Stratford District. However, in 1946 a Lodge was instituted in Listowel, follow­ ed by one each in both Atwood and Monkton, and later, by two more, one at Exeter and one at Hensail. This made too many Lodges for one District, so a new one was formed, known as Huron District #23 and comprised of Lodges at Brussels, Seaforth, Clinton, Hensail, Exeter and Goderich. The first year in which the Brussels Lodge was active was during the depression, and mem­ bers had many opportunities for benevolent work, helping those within its own membership, as well as in the community at large. Helping others has always been a mandate for both Oddfellows and Rebekahs, who faithfully follow the mandate first proposed by Schuyler Colfax, one of the Odd­ fellow’s early leaders and later vice-president of the United States, who enjoyed members to be “Guardian of the Widow and Father of the Fatherless.” In 1947, a “C.P. and T” committee was formed in Brussels, consisting of members from both the IOOF and Rebekah Lodges. The initials originally stood for “Cancer, Polio and Tuberculo- income, and I think they have great faithin whatthey’redoing. And there is no other business where so many dollars change hands on just a word of mouth promise, ” he said. “A successful farmer has always been an honest man, and a very shrewd businessman,” he added. On May 1, 1987, the McCall family sold the Brussels Stock- yards to the Henschel family of Ingersoll, and the business will continue to be a mainstay of the economy of Brussels and the surrounding area. Both father and son have stayed on to facilitate the changeover, but both only agreed to work until the end of June. Neither one will say at this point what other ventures they have in mind, but it is a sure bet that whatever the McCalls do, it will benefit Brussels. Neither one rules out another partnership, either. “I tell you, if you and your boy can stick together, there’s nothing on earth that can stop you, ’ ’ Bruce says. year. Today the library basement meeting rooms are still a busy place being used by many com­ munity groups and providing a home to the Brussels Playschool this past year. Present librarian, since 1981, is Mrs. Susan Nichol. Past librarians were: 1880-Mrs. Grozier; 1881, Mrs. G. E. Cowper; 1885-1887, Miss Ross; 1888-1898, Miss Dolly Shaw; 1898-1908, Miss McNaugh­ ton; 1908-1916, Mrs. Jessie Kerr; 1917-1941, Mrs. Lowry; 1941-1946 Mrs. Ballentyne; 1946-1958, Mrs. W. Scott; 1958-1959, Mrs. Kerney; 1959-1961, Mrs. Qarence Smith; 1962-1964, Mrs. William Spears; 1965-1972, Mrs. Claire Long; 1972, Mrs. Barbara Grube and 1981, Mrs. Della Nichol. Today the library is open 2 - 5 on Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, 2:30 to5 and 7:30to9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday from 2 - 5 p.m. The Charter Members of the Morningstar Rebekah Lodge No. 315 met on June 6, 1973 at Brussels to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Lodge. Left to right: Laura Williamson, Walter Williamson, Aletha Rann, Mrs. Bill Little, Winnifred Edgar, Beth Hoover, Muriel Allen, and Reta Hoover. Absent when the photo was taken was Janet Shrepneck. Photo courtesy of Adeline Campbell, Blyth. sis,” although in later years, the committee has been re-named the Humanitarian Service Committee. This committee raises funds through card games, bazaars, draws, etc., with which it helps anyone in times of sickness, fire or disaster of any kind. The commit­ tee also owns several hospital beds, wheel chairs, walkers, crut­ ches, canes, and other medical or home-care equipment it will lend to anyone in the community at no charge. We're Proud to be a part of the Community for Over 50 Years [Front row, left to right]: Roger Humphries, Ken Pethick, Hugh Campbell, Steve Coulter, Bob Mathers, Gary Williamson, Jeff McGavin, Neil Williamson and Bill Coutts. [Middle row, left to right]: Bill Pennings and Gary McCutcheon. [Back row, left to right] Tom Shannon, Bryan Finlayson, Brian McGavin, Neil McGavin, Marie McGavin and Mary Lou Vincent. Absent: Blaine Marks and Tim Nolan. FARM EQUIPMENT LIMITED 887-6365 WALTON 527-0245 Since its beginning, both the Rebekahs and the IOOF in Brus­ sels have attended church services each May at one of the local churches, and each June a Memor­ ial Service is held at the Decoration Day Service at the local cemetery in memory of departed Sisters and Brothers. At present, Morning Star Lodge has a membership of 61 Sisters and six Brothers. Among the elected executive, Margaret Nichol is NobleGrand; LeonaConnelly is Vice-Grand; Barb Nichol is Re­ cording Secretary; Jean Bridge is Finance Secretary; and Jean Fras­ er is Treasurer. The Rebekahs meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, at the Bell Telephone building on Mill Street. Anyone in the community may join upon recommendation from a current Lodge member, by signing a declaration similar to the one used in pledging allegiance to the Oddfellows Lodge.