Laureate Mu inspired by Helen Steiner Rice

Members of Laureate Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at the home of Gloria Stutes on Nov. 5.

Stutes presented a program on the inspirational writer, Helen Steiner Rice, who is referred to as the poet laureate of inspirational verse. Rice rose beyond tragedy and disappointment to inspire millions through the poems and prayers that she has written. Because she was so successful and her outlook so cheerful, she became known as “Gibson’s Ambassador of Sunshine” by her colleagues at Gibson Greeting Card Company, where she worked for more than 40 years.

After a verse Rice wrote, “The Praying Hands,” was read on the Lawrence Welk Show in the 1960s, Rice was thrown into the national limelight. “The Praying Hands” became one of the most popular greeting cards ever produced. Concluding her program, Stutes read selections written by the author. 

Shirley Griffin reported that she had received the pins for the Torch Bearer degree. The ritual to confer the degree will be scheduled at the next meeting. Members Shirley Griffin, Gloria Stutes, Nancy Tislow and Elsie Rowell are eligible to receive the degree. 

Service Chairman Nancy Tislow collected spray bleach from members to deliver to Miss Helen’s Soup Kitchen. 

As a  cultural outing  members agreed to attend the play, Southern Hospitality, at the Rice Theater on Saturday evening. 

The annual Christmas luncheon will be held at the home of Brenella Joubert at the December meeting.  The menu was planned with each member volunteering to contribute a dish. Members were reminded to bring  gifts  for their secret sisters. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the hostess served delicious refreshments to members Gloria Cart, Shirley Griffin, Brenella Joubert, Jane Love, Elsie Rowell and Nancy Tislow.