From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Alpha Chapter #90, O.E.S., P. H. A. (Midway, KY)
The following was written by Mrs. Mollie M. Bradley. According to the charter given by Cecelia Dunlap Grand Chapter, O.E.S., P.H.A., Alpha Chapter was organized in Midway, Kentucky, August 3, 1922. The charter members were Janie Gaines, Virginia Green, Sarah Craig, Bettie Sanders, Helena Smith, Rachel G. Christy, Phoebe C. Thomas, Mary Ella Thomas, Annie Lewis, Ida Smith, and Carrie A. James. The first officers were Elisha Green, worthy patron; Janie Gaines, worthy matron; and Virginia Green, associate matron. These names are listed on the charter. The charter was signed by the grand officers of the grand chapter. They were James L. Dunlap, grand worthy patron; Mollie Williams, grand worthy matron; and Bessie H. Ballard, grand secretary.The chapter struggled for years to exist. The membership decreased, but four ladies continued to meet: Sarah C. Bradley, Rachel C. Christy, Phoebe C. Thomas, and Elizabeth Williams. The first three ladies were sisters. They are to be commended for their endurance and patience. In 1956, several ladies from Versailles joined and the membership increased. An Eastern Star Chapter (PHA) did not exist in Versailles. The chapter was renamed to Alpha Chapter #90, O.E.S., P.H.A., Midway - Versailles by the grand chapter. The Chapter was fortunate to produce several grand officers: Walter T. Bradley, Jr., grand worthy patron (1973-75); Mollie M. Bradley, grand worthy matron (1985-87); Josephine Smith and Daisy Higgins were appointed district deputies. Walter T. Bradley, [Jr.] served as worthy patron during the tenures of his mother, Sarah C. Bradley, worthy matron, (1956-58) and his wife, Mollie M. Bradley, (1978-80).
In 1990, the chapter voted to disperse due to a decrease in membership. The grand chapter granted demits to those who desired to join other chapters. Mollie M. Bradley served for ten years as secretary of Alpha Chapter #90, O.E.S. The original charter of Alpha Chapter #90, O.E.S., P.H.A. and a copy of the History of Prince Hall Freemasonry in Kentucky by Dr. William Henry Ballard, Sr. 33 Degree, are in the archives of Mollie M. Bradley, Midway, Kentucky.