History of Bethel #12

Bethel #12 was chartered on September 26, 1925. We meet at Craftsmen Masonic Hall in St. Louis. For a brief period in 1966, when America Temple was being remodeled, we met at South End Masonic Temple.

Bethel Guardians of Bethel #12 have included: Barbara Homan, Daisy Huffengton, Dollie Knoll, Idakatherine Schenk, Oralee Beffa, Sharon Roth, Lynne Stratmann (3 Times), Sandra Applegate, Beverly Knopfel, Kathleen Stringer,  Toni Underwood, Ramona May and Loretta Schmidt.

Associate Bethel Guardians of Bethel #12 have included: Arthur Miller, Paul Anthes, William E. Punt, Wilbert Schuchmann, Raymond Brand, Ashley Underwood (twice), Charles Hegel, Ralph Schmidt and Craig Stratmann.

Four Bethel Guardians of Bethel #12 have served as Grand Guardian. They were Dollie Knoll, Idakatherine Schenk, Oralee Beffa, and Lynne Stratmann. Toni Underwood is currently the Grand Guide.  Idakatherine Schenk also served as Supreme Guardian, and served as the Grand Guardian Council Parliamentarian for many years.  Toni Underwood is the current Vice Grand Guardian and Phyllis Boehme is the current Grand Marshal.

Three Associate Bethel Guardians of Bethel #12 have served as Associate Grand Guardian. They were Paul Anthes, William E. Punt and Ashley H. Underwood.   Ashley Underwood also served as  the Associate Supreme Bethel Guardian, and is currently the Supreme Inner Guard.  Ralph Schmidt is the current Vice Associate Grand Guardian.

Three  members of Bethel #12 have served as Grand Bethel Honored Queen. Marion Bliggenstorfer Richter served in 1955, Carol Trautwein Blazicek in 1967, and Kim Underwood is the current Grand Bethel Honored Queen.  Stephanie Boehme Schonaerts served as Miss Missouri Congeniality, as well as the SLALOC (St. Louis Area Line Officers club) Spirit Queen. Kim Underwood served as SLALOC Spirit Senior Princess.  SLALOC Presidents have included Carol Trautwein Blazicek, Debbie Pelant Younce, Mary Jane Moxley Kuhn, Judy Wilson Rollins, Betty Brand Landherr, Connie Matushek Johnson, and Laura Brown. SLALOC Sponsors have included Oralee Beffa, Lynne Stratmann, Betty Landherr (while serving as Bethel Guardian of Bethel #14), and Toni Underwood, while Ashley Underwood served as SLALOC Co-Sponsor.  Katie Underwood has served as the SLALOC Spirit Queen,  Moolah Shrine Youth Queen, and Scottish Rite Youth Ball Queen.  Susie Pillow is the current Scottish Rite Youth Ball Queen.

Since it’s inception, Bethel #12 has been blessed with a great group of Honored Queens.  The fun activities they've planned over the years have included hay rides, mini-golf, trips to the Muny Opera, mystery trips, dances, volleyball, and kidnap breakfasts. The Post Crispy Critters Yell has been heard at many Grand Session Breakfasts, while the Bethel #12 Spirit Song has been passed down though the years since Lynne Stratmann, Toni Pelak Underwood, and Mary Jane Moxley Kuhn adapted it from a Girl Scout theme.

Fund Raising activities through the years have included candy sales, booster clubs, Roast Beef & Pork Dinners, $2.00-A-Plate Dinners, and Homestyle Breakfasts. These activities not only support the Bethel, but also help the many charities in which the Bethel is involved.

On February 8, 2003, Bethel #3 was merged with Bethel #12.  All those associated with Bethel #12 look fondly upon their past, and with confidence to the future. As the only Bethel still within the St. Louis City Limits, we strive to provide a wholesome environment for our members. The girls are proud to be members of Bethel #12, THE St. Louis Bethel.

History of Bethel #3

Bethel #3 was chartered in 1923. They originally met in Southside Masonic Temple in St. Louis. They now meet in Gardenville Masonic Temple in Afton.  Other meeting places have included Zion Methodist Church.

The Bethel Guardians of Bethel #3 have included: Martha Gatzert, ?-1976, Arline Schmitt, 1976, Marjory Callmeyer, 1976-1981, Sandy Michaels, 1981-1984, Marjory Callmeyer, 1984-1988, Sandy Michaels, 1988-1990, Marjory Callmeyer, 1990-1991, Kathy Angelo, 1991-1993,  Irene Alexander,1993-1995, Marjory Callmeyer, 1995-97, Anne LaTragna, 1997-2000, and Sandra Dressel, present.

The Associate Bethel Guardians of Bethel #3 have included: Anthony Gatzert, Troy Moore, 1973-1975, Harley Davis, 1975-1985, John Brand, 1985-1987, Ed Kurmann, 1987-1993, Ron Crites, 1993-1999, and Frank LaTragna, present.

Four Bethel Guardians and/or Associate Bethel Guardians of Bethel #3 have served the Grand Council as Grand Guardian or Associate Grand Guardian. They were Martha Gatzert in 1949-1950, Arline Schmitt in 1975-1976, Marjory Callmeyer in 1989-1990 and Dad Ron Crites in 2000-2001.  Dad John Brand is currently the Grand Inner Guard

Patti Davis Brand served as Grand Bethel Honored Queen in 1983-1984, Grand Guardian in 1993-94, and Grand Bethel Guardian in 1996-97.  Marjorie Callmeyer also served as Grand Bethel Guardian in 1995-96. 

Angela Tripp served as Miss Missouri Job's Daughter in 1995-96.

Megan Yung is the current SLALOC Spirit Jr. Princess.

On February 8, 2003, after struggling valiantly for several years with declining membership, Bethel #3 was merged with Bethel #12.