TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE OUTSTANDING CHARITABLE WORK OF     THE BEAUTY GRAND CHAPTER OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR, AND TO CONGRATULATE ITS MEMBERS UPON REACHING THE MILESTONE OF THEIR FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF SERVICE IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the largest fraternal organization in the world open to both men and women, the Order of the Eastern Star is related to Freemasonary; and

Whereas, established in 1850 by attorney and educator Rob Morris, a former Freemason official, the order is based on teachings from the Bible but is open to people of all religious beliefs; and

Whereas, the Beauty Grand Chapter is a part of this fraternal organization affiliated under Palmetto Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons, Prince Hall Origin National Compact, United States of America; and

Whereas, established by the National Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star, Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons, on December 8, 1962, the chapter has contributed to needs in the Palmetto State in its continuous existence for half a century; and

Whereas, the mission of the chapter includes charitable, educational, fraternal, and scientific goals while encouraging members to exhibit noble principles in their personal lives; and

Whereas, in addition to providing scholarship funds, the Beauty Grand Chapter supports numerous charities including various local shelters for battered women around the State and the YWCA of Columbia, Sisters in Unity, the HIV/AIDS Foundation, the Blue Cross Nursing Unit, the Natural Disaster Relief Fund, the American Red Cross, and the American Cancer Society's Susan B. Komen Foundation; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is grateful for the significant and generous involvement that the Beauty Grand Chaper of the Order of the Eastern Star has had in the lives of so many of our citizens and wishes the members a joyous celebration as they continue the next half century of caring concern. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and commend the outstanding charitable work of the Beauty Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and to congratulate its members upon reaching the milestone of their fiftieth anniversary of service in South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Peggy J. Harrison, Grand Worthy Matron of the Beauty Grand Chapter of Order of the Eastern Star.