KISBEY - Upon entering the Kisbey Recreation Centre, the aroma greeted customers at the door.
The Fern Rebekah Lodge held their annual barbecued burger luncheon on April 20. Originally it was slated for the week prior, but due to the winter conditions, it made sense to delay it for one week.
It proved to be successful, serving over 80 hungry customers between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Over the years, their menu has changed. They started with a beef stew luncheon, but it proved to be a great deal of work. Once again, the lodge changed it up, but this time to soup and sandwiches. This too, was very time consuming, so in 2011 they started the barbecue burger luncheon, and it has been a success ever since.
The burgers were a welcome change, and the lunch also included homemade coleslaw, classic beans and a table full of homemade desserts.
Originally the Rebekah Lodge all began with the Good Fellows organization in England. They would help people in distress. Years later, it was deemed important to allow women to also have a group. This futurity became established in 1914 and is one of few such lodges remaining in Saskatchewan.
Due to a lack of membership to fill executive positions, lodges have closed down. Remaining members joined other futurities in the area.
According to Charlotte Hookenson, a member since 1988, the lodge is based on three principles: friendship, love and truth.
Regular meetings commence the first and third Thursday of every month. Meetings held at the Kisbey Recreation Centre are led by Carol Arndt, the noble grand.
Arndt said the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Telemiracle and the Alzheimer’s Society have received donations from the lodge. The noble grand will also at times select a charity to donate to.
They have often helped at local events such as weddings, auction sales and at the school. They support the mentorship program at the Arcola School. Jennifer Karlunchuk is the contact person for this program.
Kathy Nankivell, another member of the Kisbey lodge, is also the assembly president of Saskatchewan. It is usually a one-year term, but due to the last two years, she has remained in the position.
In June, a Rebekah Lodge assemble meeting is scheduled for Regina for the first time in two years. Members from three Prairie provinces will attend, along with a member from the United States.
With 14 members, it keeps the group of active members busy. Hookenson commented that they hope young people will join.
“It’s difficult in today’s world, as people are always so busy,” said Hookenson.
Men may also join this lodge when a men’s club is not available.
At the age of 18, one can become a member. If you are interested in joining, contact any member and they will gladly help you.
