In the midst of the calm after the storm emerged Adah
Chapter #637 which was founded on October 8, 1987 by Sister
Barbara Williams. Sister Barbara Williams’ drive and vision
to make a more profound impact was called to action when she
decided to create a chapter of her own to aid in the growth
of Modern Free and Accepted Masons of the World, Inc.
Back in 1986, the Grand Master, a minister, of Progressive
Grand Lodge and Elizabeth Grand Chapter of Illinois, MF&AM
was removed from office for imposing too strict of
restrictions on the states functions. Once removed, the
state folded and was later revived as King Solomon Grand
Lodge and Bathsheba Grand Chapter.
Sis. Williams, a member of Esther Chapter #336 under
Progressive Grand Lodge and Elizabeth Grand Chapter was
inspired to grow the state by establishing a new chapter
under the new Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter of Illinois,
MF&AM. With the aid and guidance of a knowledgeable brother,
Bro. Joe Sneed, Sis. Barbara Williams began her journey.
Sis. Williams and Bro. Sneed met with Anna Beard, Denise
Edmonds, Barbara Foster, Gwen Williams, Jacquelyn Williams,
and Roslyn Williams to discuss the beginnings of a new
chapter and were officially deemed the charter members of
Adah Chapter #637. Sister Barbara Williams served as Adah’s
first Worthy Matron along with Bro. Joe Sneed as her Worthy
Patron.
Adah Chapter became one of the first chapters under the new
Illinois administration along with Ruth Chapter #638, Martha
Chapter #639 and the previously existing Esther Chapter
#336. There were a number of chapters that formed from the
membership of Adah, such as Sis. Maxine Walker with Morning
Star Chapter #635 – Sis. Jackie Burton, Sis. Stephanie
Jones, Sis. Rachael Laird and Bro. Anthony West with Naomi
Chapter #168 – Sis. Vennie Talbert, Sis. Sheila Cooper, Sis.
Cheryl Harris and Bro. Willie Reeves with Electa Chapter
#588 – and again Sis. Sheila Cooper with Amani Chapter #561
– and Bro. Anthony West, once an Adah Associate Patron with
Widow’s Sons Lodge #1295. Adah Chapter also graciously aided
in the regrouping efforts of Esther Chapter #336.
Adah Chapter has had the support of many lodges acting as
“brother” lodges to the chapter. Most often associated with
the lodge of which most of the chapter’s patrons belong to,
Adah created great alliances with lodges throughout the
state. In the beginning, Adah received tremendous support
from Chicago Lodge #826 and Masters Lodge #242. Around 2000,
Adah established a bond with Hiram Lodge #1228. With both
groups having similar goals, interests and personalities,
they began to work collectively on various events, socials
and charities. It is the strength and common interests of
both groups that link the two together.
Adah Chapter #637 received its Warranted Charter the 18th
day of March 1989. Since its inception, the combined efforts
of our membership have cultivated four Grand Matrons from
its ranks, two of which were prior members of the chapter,
serving consecutive terms since 1994. Adah has a long and
honorable history of achievements and service to its
community in which we aim to serve. Adah is the breeding
ground for cultivating many of Bathsheba Grand Chapters
prominent leaders.
Our ranks have enjoyed, in addition to Sister Williams -
Vidar McClinton – Maxine Walker - Rachael Laird – Marfield
Dodd – Serena Davis – DeBey Rainey – Jennifer Ginn – Crysta
Lyon-Halbert – LaTanya Burke - Karen King and many more prominent leaders
to come. Together, the leadership and its members have made
Adah Chapter a well known “icon” to Modern Free and have won
many prestigious awards multiple times including Chapter of
the Year, Worthy Matron of the Year, Star of the Year, the
Grand Matron’s Award, and Secretary of the Year.
We are well known for our charitable functions in working
with children and battered women. Some of our pet charity
projects include Ident-a-kid, Y-Me Breast Cancer Walkathon
and spending time with homeless/battered women at Paulina’s
House, Paul Hall, Catholic Charities and Deborah’s Place.
Adah members strongly resolve around the core of our
existence - sisterhood. This deep and abiding bond based on
love and respect for one another has sustained the chapter,
allowing her to withstand the test of time; even through
rebuilding and restructuring phases. Bound by God,
sisterhood, knowledge and the pursuit to leave the world
better than the way we found it, the women of Adah Chapter
#637, continue to set standards and adorn the state of
Illinois and Modern Free and Accepted Masons of the World,
Inc.