About the Order of the Eastern Star
Who May Join?
The Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.) is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. Only men who are Masons are eligible, and only women with specific Masonic affiliation may be members. These affiliations include:
- affiliated Master Masons in good standing
- the wives
- daughters
- legally adopted daughters
- mothers
- widows
- sisters
- half sisters
- granddaughters
- stepmothers
- stepdaughters
- stepsisters
- daughters-in-law
- grandmothers
- great granddaughters
- nieces
- great nieces
- mothers-in-law
- sisters-in-law
- aunts
And first and second female cousins of affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased in good standing at the time of their death; as well as members – either active for three (3) years or majority – in the International Order of the Rainbow of Girls or in Job’s Daughters International, each of whom having attained at least the age of eighteen (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.
How Does One Belong?
Those desiring membership must petition to do so. 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 work together in harmony to perform it objectives. If you would like to join us in Eastern Star or just want more information, contact someone from one of the Eastern Star Chapters near you. Contact the webmaster for chapters in the Texas Hill Country.
Eastern Star – A Way of Life:
Eastern Star is a social Order comprised of persons with deep religious convictions and spiritual values, but is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of brotherly and sisterly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our daily lives which makes us near and dear to each other. While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is the wholesome relationship of brotherly and sisterly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our daily lives which makes us near and dear to each other. 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 Stars and it is considered a privilege to help one whenever we can. It is a social order of members with sincere and purposeful objectives.
Projects:
Concrete evidence of the charitable nature of the organization as it affects others is the millions of dollars which have been raised within the membership to support ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership), Cancer Research Project, Arthritis Fund, Heart Fund, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Shriners’ Hospital for Crippled Children, orphanages, local woman’s shelters, and many other charities within each Grand Jurisdiction.
Our History:
The Order of the Eastern Star was founded by Dr. Rob Morris in the late 1800’s. As a Master Mason, Dr. Morris had the idea that it would be nice to have a way for female relatives of Master Masons to share the benefits of knowledge and self-improvement that Freemasonry made available to men and to have a place in the Masonic Family that would allow men and women to participate together.
Dr. Morris and his wife Charlotte worked on this idea of a Masonic fraternal Order for Master Masons and their female relatives for many years. In 1850, Dr. Morris selected the Biblical heroines and the lessons and values of the Order. He established the signs and passes, colors and emblems of the Order and defined the fundamental principles which have remained unchanged throughout the years. The first ceremony book for the Order was compiled and published under the title of “The Rosary of the Eastern Star.”
In 1866, Dr. Morris became associated with Mr. Robert Macoy, who took over the planning and organization of the Order of the Eastern Star. In 1867 and 1868, Mr. Macoy compiled and published a Ritual, using Dr. Morris’ Rosary as a guide. This was the beginning of the organization of Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star in the United States as well as internationally. He immediately attempted to make the work more systematic and succeeded in adapting it to organized Chapters in such a way as to assure their success.
- The first Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized in Michigan in 1867.