Thomas M. Lamb. Grand Chapter. Order of the Eastern Star. OES. Worcester, MA. by Travis Simpkins |
I spent part of this week focusing on local history. I've been helping with a project for Stella Chapter No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star, in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Chapter has an upcoming 150th Anniversary and I've been creating new portraits and looking for information on prominent members.
This is Thomas M. Lamb (1830 - 1881). He and his wife, Laura, were both among the first members of Stella Chapter. In addition to being a Past Patron of Stella Chapter and Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts, Bro. Thomas Lamb also helped lead the organization at a national level from 1878-1880 when he was elected Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter, O.E.S., for the United States.
I now have a personal connection with Bro. Thomas Lamb. Beyond his membership in Stella Chapter, he was also a member of Morning Star Lodge, the Scottish Rite Valley of Worcester and the three Worcester York Rite Bodies. I have close ties to all of those groups as well.
It took some effort to find Bro. Lamb's grave in Hope Cemetery, but it was nice to pay him a visit. His original 19th Century tombstone is long gone and he now shares a stone with four other family members.