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WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Matron, the supreme title of the Deborah Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was bestowed upon Judith Ann Abel Henry on Wednesday, July 16, 2003.
WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Matron Henry, resident of/and native of southern Philadelphia, is the youngest child of the late Albert Joseph Abel, Sr., Past Master of John S. Watson Lodge No. 23 and Margaret Veronica (Ferguson) Abel whose other children are Margaret Lucille Abel Cole, Past Worthy Matron of Union Chapter 46, and the late Albert Joseph Abel, Jr.
WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Matron Henry was initiated into Union Chapter No. 46 on Friday, November 17, 1972 under Worthy Matron Henriette Strong and Worthy Patron Albert Joseph Abel, Sr. when the Masonic Temple was located at 1632 W. Diamond St.
WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Matron Henry's first appointment in 1973 as Christian Flag Bearer was the first step in upholding the five Heronies of Eastern Star. Over the years, her book length commissions and service to the Deborah Grand Chapter and the First Order of Eastern Star exemplify her steadfast commitment to Eastern Star Prince Hall Affiliation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which includes being the first woman to be elected to the board of the Absalom Jones Foundation.
WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Matron Henry, was employed as Court Clerk for 38 years until her retirement from the City of Philadelphia in the Department of the Clerk of Quarter Sessions, which was preceded by her education in the Philadelphia Public School System and at Temple University.
WHEREAS, Grand Worthy Matron Henry continues her education as a student of American Sign Language at the Community College of Philadelphia and maintains her Prince Hall family memberships in Daughters of Isis, Pyramid Court No. 17 (July 15, 1972); Order of the Golden Circle, Philadelphia Assembly No. 5 (April 2, 1974); Order of Cyrene, Palestine Royal Court No. 7 (April 4, 1992); Ladies of The Circle of Perfection, King Solomon, Court No. 15 (May 27, 1992; and, Heroines of Jericho, Inc., Truth Court No. 35 (June 18, 1974).
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Pittsburgh joins with the Deborah Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to honor the selfless work of Grand Worthy Matron Judith Ann Abel Henry.