Order of the Eastern Star, Caledonia Chapter No 293
Descriptive Data
TypeAgencyDate Range1927-2023DescriptionThe Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organisation in the world. Open to both men and women, it is dedicated to the principles of Freemasonry and has 'Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific' purposes. Whilst men could join the Order they were restricted from holding all positions and were not in charge.
The first meeting of the Order of the Eastern Star, Caledonia Chapter No 293 was held in Wellington on 16 August 1927 at the Caledonia Hall, Ghuznee Street. The Chapter met at a dozen different locations around Wellington from 1927-1990, and then in Petone from 1990-2023. Members came from Wellington, Lower & Upper Hutt, Porirua, Wairarapa, Ōtaki and Palmerston North.
Until its closure in 2023, the Caledonia Chapter No 293 was the oldest Chapter in New Zealand. At the time of its closure there was only one other chapter remaining in New Zealand.
At the first meeting the following Officers were elected: Worthy Matron, Sister Rachel Clements; Worthy Patron, Brother David Paxton; Associate Matron, Sister Annie Paxton; Associate Patron, Brother James C Stirling; Secretary, Brother Christopher Salmond; Treasurer, Sister Elizabeth Bennie; Conductress, Sister Jessie Kirkland; Associate Conductress, Sister Margaret Lambie; Chaplain, Brother JK Burnett; Marshall, Sister Jeanie Goodwin; Organist, Sister Marian Martin; Warder, Sister Isabella Shearer; Sentinel, Brother George Clements.
The Worthy Matron called for suggestions for a name for the chapter. Various names were proposed but on a vote being taken it was unanimously agreed to call the chapter Caledonia.
Due to the Chapter's care and interest in people in the wider community, they were involved in various fundraising and charitable activities, some fundraising events in the early years were: Burns Night dances, whist drives, Halloween parties, raffles, and a Penny Trail. These events were used to provide money for children's Christmas parties and picnics. In the 1970s through to the 2000s, social committees organised functions to raise money for various Worthy Matron's projects and there were regular collections for various Foodbanks in the Wellington and Hutt Valley during the last 12 years of it's operation.
The Caledonia Chapter No 293 closed 15 April 2023.
1927: Caledonian Hall, Ghuznee Street
1928: Wellington Antipodean Hall, Lower Cuba Street
1928-1929: New Century Hall, Kent Terrace
1929-1943: Empire Hall, Arthur Street
1943-1944: Oddfellows Hall, Clyde Quay
1944: RAOB Hall, Herbert Street [now Victoria Street]
1944-1950: IOOF Hall, Allen Street
1951:Trades Hall, Vivian Street
1952-1971: Thistle Hall, Arthur Street
1971-1973: English Speaking Union, 96 Courtney Place
1975-1990: Loaves & Fishes, Hill Street
1990-2023: Petone Masonic Hall, Udy Street, Petone
The first meeting of the Order of the Eastern Star, Caledonia Chapter No 293 was held in Wellington on 16 August 1927 at the Caledonia Hall, Ghuznee Street. The Chapter met at a dozen different locations around Wellington from 1927-1990, and then in Petone from 1990-2023. Members came from Wellington, Lower & Upper Hutt, Porirua, Wairarapa, Ōtaki and Palmerston North.
Until its closure in 2023, the Caledonia Chapter No 293 was the oldest Chapter in New Zealand. At the time of its closure there was only one other chapter remaining in New Zealand.
At the first meeting the following Officers were elected: Worthy Matron, Sister Rachel Clements; Worthy Patron, Brother David Paxton; Associate Matron, Sister Annie Paxton; Associate Patron, Brother James C Stirling; Secretary, Brother Christopher Salmond; Treasurer, Sister Elizabeth Bennie; Conductress, Sister Jessie Kirkland; Associate Conductress, Sister Margaret Lambie; Chaplain, Brother JK Burnett; Marshall, Sister Jeanie Goodwin; Organist, Sister Marian Martin; Warder, Sister Isabella Shearer; Sentinel, Brother George Clements.
The Worthy Matron called for suggestions for a name for the chapter. Various names were proposed but on a vote being taken it was unanimously agreed to call the chapter Caledonia.
Due to the Chapter's care and interest in people in the wider community, they were involved in various fundraising and charitable activities, some fundraising events in the early years were: Burns Night dances, whist drives, Halloween parties, raffles, and a Penny Trail. These events were used to provide money for children's Christmas parties and picnics. In the 1970s through to the 2000s, social committees organised functions to raise money for various Worthy Matron's projects and there were regular collections for various Foodbanks in the Wellington and Hutt Valley during the last 12 years of it's operation.
The Caledonia Chapter No 293 closed 15 April 2023.
1927: Caledonian Hall, Ghuznee Street
1928: Wellington Antipodean Hall, Lower Cuba Street
1928-1929: New Century Hall, Kent Terrace
1929-1943: Empire Hall, Arthur Street
1943-1944: Oddfellows Hall, Clyde Quay
1944: RAOB Hall, Herbert Street [now Victoria Street]
1944-1950: IOOF Hall, Allen Street
1951:Trades Hall, Vivian Street
1952-1971: Thistle Hall, Arthur Street
1971-1973: English Speaking Union, 96 Courtney Place
1975-1990: Loaves & Fishes, Hill Street
1990-2023: Petone Masonic Hall, Udy Street, Petone
Order of the Eastern Star, Caledonia Chapter No 293. Archives Online, accessed 30/04/2026, https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/nodes/view/939146