Our chapter is rich in history. Beginning with a special meeting that was held in Bardstown on December 3, 1938, the purpose of this meeting was to institute a chapter to be known as My Old Kentucky Home Chapter, under dispensation of the Grand Chapter. Dr. Merle C. Newlon , WGP, was the instituting Officer.

There were forty-nine people that signed the petition for dispensation and given the obligation. The institution was completed, and the officers were installed. Meetings were to be held on the Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month at 222 ½ N. 3rd Street. The School of Instructions would be held at Bloomfield and all were urged to attend. The chapter purchased a piano for $20.

Looking at how the economy has changed over the years, the dues were set at $1.50. Five dollars ($5) was donated to the Red Cross and $2.50 was donated to the Orphans Home. Flowers sent to members seriously ill or shut in to be no more than $ .50. The limit set on Christmas presents to be exchanged by the Chapter members was $ .10.

Though times seemed hard, the Chapter donated 1331 hours of work during the years of 1942 -1943 and $119.50 to Charity. During the years of 1947-1948, these years were also trying times. Many and varied means were used to raise money. Some methods were: serving Masonic banquets, serving meals to soldiers, convalescing, serving local commercial clubs, Chamber of Commerce Banquet Optimist Club, had Stanley parties, sold and bought products, served luncheon at my Old Kentucky Home State Park, had rummage sales, food sales, sold shampoo, pie pans, etc., had costume party and box suppers, took free will offerings among members, and sold dinners or lunches at sales.

The history of the Eastern Star tells how a group of members working together became a strong and dedicated chapter; they never forgot to donate money, give hours of service, and many items to the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star while still supporting organizations such as Cancer Research, the Bloodmobile, the Masonic Home, the Old Masons’ Home, the Flaget Hospital Building Fund, Crusade for Children, and the Rob Morris Home, just to name a few.

We continue to this day to believe that our mission in life is to help each other; we all receive blessings, whether great or small; we hope future generations will say about us what we now say about our past in this OES Chapter 436 - “A JOB WELL DONE!”.