Mrs. Margaret Kofoed- Past Supreme Worthy Advisor

Mrs. KofoedIn 1952, Mrs. Margaret Kofoed was appointed Supreme Deputy in Nevada, after the resignation of Mervylle Payne Ross, who was preparing to advance through the chairs in Grand Chapter. A short time after Mrs. Kofoed’s appointment, the Rev. Sexson passed away, however, Mrs. Kofoed always noted she felt fortunate to have known this great man.

Mrs. Kofoed’s beloved husband Ernie was her constant companion, dedicated to Nevada Rainbow and its members. Being a skilled pilot, he, Mrs. Kofoed, and the Grand Worthy Advisor would pack up, board his airplane, and off they would go. In the early days of Nevada Grand Assembly, only the GWA traveled to Official Visits with the Supreme Deputy as her chaperone. Flying from town to town, this tradition continued for many years.

In 1958, Mrs. Kofoed was elected Associate Grand Conductress of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. She was installed Worthy Grand Matron in Nevada in 1961. Mrs. Maxine Anderson was appointed Acting Supreme Deputy for 1961 and 1962 while Mrs. Kofoed assumed her obligation as the chief officer of Nevada Grand Chapter- Worthy Grand Matron. 

In 1984, at the 50th anniversary of Rainbow, Mrs. Kofoed resigned her position as our Supreme Inspector, after 32 years of faithful service to the many girls who knew and loved her as “Margaret.”  She was fortunate to have many dedicated men and women to assist her in the tremendous task of “running” Nevada Rainbow. 

Positions Held

Mrs. Kofoed Mementos
Curio Cabinet holding Mrs. Kofoed's items. Located at the Supreme Temple.

Mother Advisor- Winnemucca #10

1961-1962- Worthy Grand Matron in Nevada, OES
(Maxine Anderson subbed as SD while she was away)

April 16, 1964- announcement of Mrs. Kofoed's election into the House of Gold was made. As a result, she becomes Supreme Inspector in Nevada. A surprise reception is held for her after an OV in Fallon.

June 15, 1969- Surprise announcement during Formal Escort at Grand Assembly that she had been named Supreme Drill Leader. A reception was held at the Coliseum Gold Room where she was pesented with an orchid and secretly taped messages from Past Grand Worthy Advisors. She received a new tape recorder and their messages.


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That year she also presented the Altar Cloth and hand-sewn Pot of Gold cover to Nevada Grand Assembly.

Spring 1972- During trip for Battle Mountain OV- the SI, SGD, and GD Kay Williams had gone shopping. Mrs. Kofoed lost her keys, Polly Norton locked hers in the trunk. They had to call a locksmith to finish their journey. When giving her apologies for arriving late, Mrs. Kofoed stood in the East and with a very straight face, stated that Mrs. Allison was the one who had lost the keys!! Everyone had a good laugh, and completed the OV with an outdoor Bar-B-Que.

Oct. 3, 1978- Ernie passed away.

Mrs. Kofoed at Grand Assembly 19961985- Elected to office of Supreme Faith. An emotional Farewell speech was given. Betty Buxton becomes Supreme Deputy in Nevada.

1987- Supreme Hope

1989- Supreme Charity

1991- Supreme Worthy Associate

1993- Supreme Worthy (Presided over the "Soar in '94" Supreme Sessions in Baltimore)

1995- Jr. Past Supreme Worthy Advisor

1998- she was recognized for 75 years of service to OES & IORG from 1934-1998.

1999- Memorial Service was held at Nevada Grand Assembly.

On Monday afternoon each year at Grand Assembly, Nevada members and all guests pay a special tribute to Mrs. Kofoed by dancing the infamous "Chicken Dance" in her honor.

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