A History and an Inspiration.
Here is the story of a Round Table Chapter that served well the reason for its existence. It is now "a thing of the past," as the secretary records, but it is past only in the fact that it no longer meets. Its memories and its benefits live after it, and will long continue to do so.
Dear Friends,—Of course the Knights and Ladies of our Order are interested in the various Chapters which have been formed, and the items of news from them are often very good morsels. The Lancelot Chapter, of Newtonville, Mass., No. 572, has never had very much to say to the public, but in a quiet way it has prospered. But now the Lancelot Chapter is a thing of the past. It was composed of nine girls, who for several years were to be separated. Most of them had just graduated from high-school and were going to begin a life-work, and for various reasons it seemed advisable to dissolve our Chapter.
But on such a sad occasion we did our best to enjoy ourselves and make our last meeting a memorable one. Perhaps the account of our meeting may suggest a pleasant evening for the other Chapters. Each member was given a part, and we allowed plenty of time for preparation. The Chapter invited all of its former members, and also its honorary members, and one evening in July we assembled at our secretary's home. The first thing on the programme was a welcome from one of the girls, our treasurer. Our president read the club prophecy, our secretary read the club history, and the club statistics, poem, and oration were given by three other girls. Our musical member took charge of the music, which was introduced between the papers. The club song, in which we all joined, was written by our president, and sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne."
Refreshments, consisting of ice-cream, and cake, made by the girls, were served in the dining-room. Our editor was toast-mistress, and she called upon each member to respond to a toast. We drank to the Round Table, to Good Will Farm, to the Lancelot Chapter, its officers and honorary members, and to our guests. The meeting was considered a grand success. The papers read were original and full of wit and humor. The cake and cream were delicious, and the Lancelot Chapter passed out of existence amid the roar of the elements, for a thunder-storm raged out-doors, and amid the laughter and jollity which prevailed in-doors.
The Chapter is dissolved, but the friendships fostered and cherished in its circle will never dissolve. The girls have learned to know each other better, and have become broader by contact. One and all we say we are glad we have been a club. Now, though we are separated, we still try to live up to our motto:
"Do all the good you can; by all the means you can; in all the ways you can; in all the places you can; at all the times you can; to all the people you can; just as long as you can."—John Wesley.
Wishing success to all our friends in other Chapters, we sign ourselves for the last time,
The Lancelot Chapter, K.L.O.R.T.
Marion Drew Bassett, Secretary, R.T.F.
Newtonville, Mass.