In the summer of 1974, Sis. Pearlie Richardson, P.M., a former Texan residing in Little Rock, Arkansas called together a group of women at her home for the purpose of organizing an Eastern Star Chapter. She expressed her desire to the late M.W. C.L. Woods, G.M., G.P. of United Most Worshipful Scottish Rite Grand Lodge A.F &A.M. of Texas, Inc. Bro. Woods, accompanied by the late Bro. H.L. Bostick, then the Grand Deputy of the state of Texas, journeyed to Little Rock.  On October 14, 1974, Sis. Richardson's desire was made a reality by the organization of Electa Chapter #59. The first officers of Electa Chapter #59 was Worthy Matron: Sis. Pearlie Richardson, Associate Matron Sis. Evora Wilson, Treasurer-Sis. Lillie M. Adams, Secretary: Sis. Doris Harrison (Sheppard), Conductress: Sis. Mildred Bates, Assoc. Conductress: Sis. Lonzora Gregory, Warder: Sis. Lucy Walker, Adah: Sis. Juanita Johnson, Ruth: Sis. Margo West, Esther: Sis. Rosie Jones, Martha:Sis. Viola Woolfolk, Electa: Sis. Naomi Nobles, and Recorder: Sis. Mary Bryant. Since there was no lodge, the sisters were instructed to operate directly under the supervision of UMW Scottish Rite Grand Lodge.

  Electa Chapter #59 began its work. Unfortunately, in December of 1974, Sis. Richardson passed-away. However, this infant chapter courageously stayed together with Sis. Evora Wilson, Assoc. Matron serving as Worthy Matron. In March 1975, Sis. Mildred Bates became Worthy Matron. On December 17, 1975, Sis. Doris Harrison(Sheppard) was elected Worthy Matron for Electa Chapter #59 which started a tenure that spanned the next 17 years.

 

   Meanwhile, interest in organizing an Arkansas lodge was garnered and finally in the summer of 1975, Pride of Arkansas Lodge #144 was organized at the home of Rev. H.A. Bates who was elected Worshipful Master.

   The destiny of this lodge and chapter was struck with more misfortune. Rev. Bates was called to pastor in another city. He and Sis. Bates left Little Rock. After their departure, interest waned but hope sprang eternal and the lodge was reorganized in October, 1981 and Bro. Carl E. Lewis, 32° was elected Worshipful Master.

   Bro. Lewis was appointed District Deputy by M.W.: H.L. Bostick, 33° G.M. of UMW Scottish Rite Grand Lodge of Texas, Inc. Bro. Bostick, along with Bro. John W. Williams, 330 Grand Secretary, obtained authorization to do business in Arkansas from the Secretary of State, and named Bro. Lewis and Sis. Harrison (Sheppard) as registered agents for UMW Scottish Rite Grand Lodge of Texas, Inc. and Queen of Sheba Grand Chapter, O.E.S. of Texas, Inc., respectively. This was done on April 6, 1982.

 

    From Pride of Arkansas Lodge #144 and Electa Chapter #59 other lodges and chapters evolved:

1) Pillars of Harmony Lodge #145, Bro. Randy Kinsey, 32°, W.M.

2) Solomon's Temple Lodge #147, Bro. Willie Sheppard, 32°, W.M.

3) Friendship Lodge #148, Bro. Harmon Ealy, 32°, W.M.

4) Unity Lodge #149, Bro. Harmon Ealy, 32° W.M.

5) King David Lodge #225, Bro. Ralph Calhoun, 32°, W.M.                      

6) Pillars of Harmony Chapter #244, Sis. Ollie Jackson, W.M.

7) Friendship Chapter #276, Sis. Robin Y. Ealy, W.M.,

8) Queen Esther Chapter #299, Sis. Bettye J. Tappin, W.M.

9) Unity Chapter #327, Sis. Robin Y. Ealy, W.M.

The Masonic lodges and O.E.S. chapters were experiencing so much growth, subsequently, M.W. L.H. Bostick appointed Bro. Randy Kinsey as District Deputy. Later, Bro. Willie Sheppard, Jr. was appointed District Deputy, District 5C.