The ladies of the Fern Rebekah Lodge #33 are known as a distinguished group and that was never more apparent than on Saturday, April 26 when organization celebrated their 100th anniversary.
The ladies were elegant, magnanimous and pleasant but it wasn't their dress or how graceful they were that evening which defined the famed society. It was rather their work and dedication to the community of Kisbey. The celebration was held at the Kisbey Recreation Centre and the lodge received dozens of congratulations from various members of the community as well as some notable officials. MLA for Cannington, Dan D'Autremont was present at the momentous occasion and praised the organization for their work over the years.
"A 100th anniversary is a wonderful thing but you have to stop and think about all of the work, time and dedication that it takes to keep an organization going and obviously this one is over a 100 year period," he said.
"People are very, very busy today, they don't have time for a lot of the things that we used to do but I know the work that it takes to keep an organization strong and functional and obviously the Fern Rebekah Lodge is strong and functioning. So I would like to congratulate you on keeping your organization alive and may you celebrate another 100 years."
Over the past 100 years 315 members have served Fern Rebekah Lodge of Kisbey and three have gone on to represent Saskatchewan as provincial presidents. The organization survived two World Wars, numerous location moves and what many members describe as tough times. The lodge's Noble Grand, Jennifer Karlunchuck has been a member since 2004 and said she is proud to be a part of the organization.
"Just to hear the things that have happened over the last hundred years and to know that we're still hanging in there," she said.
She said to think that the organization has been around for 100 years is overwhelming and it makes her think of all the women who came before her. Karlunchuck highlighted charity work as a priority of the lodge and also spoke of what she enjoys about being a member.
"I think just getting to know the ladies. I always knew them growing up but now I know them in a different way," Karlunchuck said.
The milestone was achieved on Thursday, April 17 and the occasion was marked by a flag raising at the east entrance of Kisbey. Past president of the lodge Charlotte Hookenson who gave the history of the lodge at the event said the Fern Rebekah flag will remain raised until the end of the year and spoke of its significance.
"This flag will be a visible reminder of our existence and what we've experienced and the changes, the symbols on our flag represent the constancy of our order. With the continued efforts of our members and the support of our community may friendship love and truth continue for many more years," she said.
Member of Parliament Ed Kormarnicki was unable to attend the celebration but sent a letter and certificate of congratulations to the lodge. The letter along with cards from other individuals and organizations from the community was read by Karlunchuck for the audience.
"This certificate is given as a memento of the significant milestone in the history of Fern Rebekah Lodge #33 and to those who have chosen to serve and promote social and personal development. All of your efforts make the community and the world that much a better place to live and work in," the letter stated.
The lodge has played a significant role in the community and has honoured graduates and awarded bursaries since its inception. In addition, they have entered floats in the Arcola Fair and Kisbey anniversary parades. But they have also been noted for raising money from fashion shows, lunches at auction sales and quilt sales for numerous charities in the community. Those donations have gone to families who have lost their homes in fires, to people who need help with additional medical expenses and children who need be sent to special camps.
Mayor of Kisbey, Kalvin Nankivell thanked the members of the lodge for their role in the community over the years and highlighted its importance.
"For the Fern Rebekah Lodge a 100 years a very big milestone and the village is very much better for the Fern Rebekah Lodge and clubs like it. Communities cannot survive over the years without organizations like this and it proves it over and over again I very much appreciate what the fern Rebekah Lodge does, I hope they have a lot more years to come," he said.
The evening also saw several members receiving veteran jewels in recognition of their years of service to the lodge and community ranging from 25 to 45 years of service. The ladies and the rest of the audience were then treated to an evening of entertainment with musical performances and then the cutting of the 100th anniversary cake.
