The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonically-related
fraternity of women and men dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness. Although not
a part of the Masonic fraternity, membership is based on a Masonic affiliation or
relationship, a belief in God, and a desire to acquire additional knowledge and for self
improvement.
The degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star
teach lessons of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith and love. These degrees are presented
in a beautiful ritualistic ceremony designed to not only teach the lessons, but also to
provide insight for future study and understanding.
Local Eastern Star Chapters select their own charities and places of service
in their own communities. Some statewide projects include scholarships for ministerial
students, other general scholarships for youth, and supporting a home for aged members.
Each year special charities are selected for that year`s emphasis and might include
volunteer programs in elementary schools or volunteers in literacy programs and specific
community outreach.
Eastern Star proudly support young women`s organizations such as Rainbow for
Girls and Job`s Daughters. Many Chapters actively support DeMolay for Boys.
The Eastern Star is also a social organization with frequent formal events and
ceremonies. Being a member is a wonderful and a fulfilling way of life. Please ask an
Eastern Star to tell you more about it!
The Order of the Eastern Star was conceived, written and taught by a Master Mason to
provide a place where both men and women could work and serve side by side. It
is now the largest Fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women belong.
Master Masons in good standing, the wives, mothers, daughters, legally adopted
daughters, widows, sisters, half-sisters, step daughters and step-sisters of Master Masons
in good standing at the time of death are eligible for membership.
The fraternal order is comprised of people with deep religious
convictions and spiritual values open to all faiths except no faith.
The lessons of the Order are spiritual and teach to have a
deep love for God, country and family.
The Order of the Eastern Star is benevolent and charitable in
its actions, raising millions of dollars annually, throughout the world for projects that
benefit all human kind.
Local charities have support as project of the presiding
officer of the Chapters across the State.
The Order is proud and happy to sponsor and support the youth
through the rainbow for Girls, Job's Daughters, and the Order of DeMolay for young men.
The membership is admonished to aid, comfort and protect each
other by sharing the joys and sorrows of life. The rewards are many as members work
and play together in love and charity and become life long friends, sisters and brothers.
The Order of the Eastern Star is composed of three
bodies:
| (1) General Grand Chapter with headquarters in
Washington, D.C., |
| (2) Grand Chapter with offices in the each state.
|
| (3) and Sub-ordinate or local chapters located
world-wide. |
The Order is governed by a set of rules and
regulations from General grand Chapter and Grand Chapter, and by a set of by-laws of each
subordinate chapter.
To be a member of the Order is a wonderful and fulfilling way
of life, a life of love, and through this fraternal service to humanity, a better life is
built for all.
Those who desire membership must petition to do so. The
petitions are carefully investigated for eligibility then the petition is voted on by the
members of the Chapter receiving the petition. The order wants persons with high moral and
spiritual qualities who will work together to perform its objectives.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star, contact someone who is in a local chapter or write to the Grand Secretary,
to obtain a petition.