Mike Berry

As someone who attended Eastern Star meetings before I was actually IN this world, it shouldn’t surprise me when people say, “We always knew you’d consider taking this step.” Well, I guess I was the only person who didn’t know it because I only to remain serving as Right Worthy Grand Treasurer and assisting in the business of the General Grand Chapter as long as I was eligible and elected. The possibility of being a future Most Worthy Grand Patron was never on my “bucket list.”

 

Then a funny thing happened when a VERY persistent Arizona Desert Star named Billie Bradfield refused to take no for an answer. For nearly a year, we negotiated and in September of last year, I didn’t just say, “Why not?”...but I enthusiastically said, “I’d be honored to be your partner in service to the Order of the Eastern Star!”

As most of the OES world knows, I am fortunate to have a long heritage in the Masonic Family. My father was a charter member of my lodge in Louisville, my sisters served as Grand Officers of Kentucky Rainbow and my mother is a Past Grands Matron and former GGC Appointed Officer. Whether serving DeMolay as State Master Councilor, Worthy Grand Patron, Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee for General Grand Chapter, Right Worthy Grand Trustee for 9 years or Right Worthy Grand Treasurer since 2012, I always wanted to “give back.”  That’s why I’m so excited about the possibility of serving in an even greater role for the next 9 years. Billie and I may bear leadership titles but we all know “it takes a village” to be successful.  Come and join us as one of the Eastern Star Village People!

 

A huge thanks to my family and friends in Kentucky who love me (even when they think I’m crazy for doing this). To Kentucky Grand Chapter, Fairdale Chapter #153 and the Winner’s Circle club: your support is a treasure you have always been willing to share with me. Now we are going to take this show on the road!

 

My grandmother used to remind me, “To whom much is given, much is required.” I look forward to serving you and serving with you in the exciting days ahead as we race toward the Finish Line in 2027