What is the Order of Eastern Star?
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization
in the world to which both men and women may belong. Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values
but it is not a religion. While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all
faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star and it is considered
a privilege to help another member whenever we can.
What is the purpose of the Order of Eastern Star?
The stated purposes of
the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific; but there is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob Morris,
the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using beautiful and inspiring biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral
values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members.
What are the Projects that we support?
The charitable projects of the organization is used within the membership to support national, jurisdictional,
and local charities. Many Grand Jurisdictions have homes for their senior members. Eastern Star Chapters donate funds to a
wide variety of worthy charities. Some examples are: Cancer Research Project, Arthritis Fund, Heart Fund, Knights Templar,
Eye Foundation, Shriners' Hospital for Crippled Children, orphanages and many other charities within each Grand Jurisdiction.
In the United States alone, Masonic organizations give $1.5 million a year to charity.
Membership
Who may join?
Only men who are Masons are eligible and only women with specific
Masonic affiliation may be members. These affiliations include: wives, daughters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, sisters,
half sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters, stepsisters, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, great granddaughters,
nieces, great nieces, mothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law of Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased were in good standing
at the time of their death; as well as members - either active for three (3) years or majority - of the International Order
of the Rainbow for Girls or of the International Order of Job's daughters, each of whom having attained to at least the age
of eighteen (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.
How to join?
To inquire about membership,
talk to a current member, or contact a local chapter. Petitions are carefully read, eligibility investigated and election
to membership must be by unanimous vote. The Order strives to select persons of mental, moral and spiritual quality who will
work together in harmony to perform its objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the Order of the Eastern Star a secret society?
A. No. Secret societies are underground and hard to find. We are easily found within the community
but we enjoy a distinctive means of identifying each other. Only members are allowed in a closed meeting.
Q. Can I afford membership In the Order of the Eastern Star?
A. Yes. Financial position is not considered in the Order. Members come from all economic
stations of life.
Q. Are all religious faiths allowed In the Order of the Eastern Star?
A. Yes. BUT YOU MUST BELIEVE IN GOD.
Q. Is the Order patriotic and democratic?
A.
Yes. Members are taught an allegiance to preserve the good of their country.
