The Birth of Excelsior

Early in the year 1880, Electa Chapter#1 was organized in Nashville, Tennessee. In April, 1880 (5) five young women, accompanied by Bro. D.J. Hodges, left Memphis bound for Nashville, Tennessee to be initiated into the light and knowledge of the Order of O.E.S. in Electa Chapter #1. These persons returned to Memphis and began working, and on June 14, 1880 Adah #2 was organized. Later in 1880 Queen Esther Chapter #3 was organized in Knoxville, Tennessee. Beautiful Star #4 was organized in 1880 also in Memphis. The leaders of these four chapters were: Elect#1—Sis. A. P. Wood, WM Bro. J.H. Adams, WP.