[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E290-E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO LAVINIA M.C. HARTFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2002

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to 
Mrs. Lavinia M.C. Hartfield upon her retirement from the International 
Free and Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the Eastern Star. Mrs. 
Hartfield will be honored at the National Midwest District Convention 
to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 9.
  For the past 51 years Mrs. Hartfield has faithfully served this 
organization in a wide variety of positions. As one of the original 
founding members of the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons 
Mrs. Hartfield has remained a dynamic force in moving the organization 
forward. She is the first national district Grand Matron for the 
National Midwest District. The district consists of the states of 
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. 
She serves on the First Supreme Board of Directors, the Corporate 
Secretary, the Grand Matron of the Edith Sampson Grand Chapter Order of 
the Eastern Star for the State of Michigan for the past four years and 
Secretary of the Exalted Degree Department of the organization. She was 
elected Supreme Recording Secretary at the first International Masons 
and Order of the Eastern Star Supreme Convention in Canton, Ohio and is 
still serving in that position.
  Lavinia Hartfield has carried the principles of the International 
Free and Accepted Modern Masons of charity, benevolence and education 
into other areas of her life. As a member of the NAACP, The Urban 
League, and the Greater Flint Council of Churches she has worked to 
bring charitable service to everyone she meets. Honored by her peers, 
she was honored in 1975 by the Zeta Phi Beta Fraternal Sorority as the 
``Zeta Woman of the Year.''
  Rooted in the Bible and Christian doctrine, Mrs. Hartfield has 
returned her God-given musical talent to the Lord's service at 
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Since her early childhood, Lavinia 
has provided musical inspiration to the congregation. Working 
tirelessly as the choir director, music coordinator, and gospel soloist 
she is presently carrying on the Lord's work as the assistant choir 
director.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring Mrs. Lavinia Hartfield as she retires from active service with 
the International Free and Accepted Modern Masons and Order of the 
Eastern Star. Along with her husband of 47 years, Dr. Turner S. 
Hartfield, Lavinia Hartfield has served God, her community, her church 
and her family with zeal, compassion, and courage.

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