Home City #258

What It Is:  The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter. Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our 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 of those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.

Purposes: Eastern Star strives to take good people and, through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

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 national, jurisdictional and local charities.

Source: General Grand Chapter OES

Who may join: Only men who are Masons are eligible and only women with specific Masonic affiliation may be members. These affiliations include:

• Wives and widows;
• Daughters, legally adopted daughters, step-daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters and great granddaughters;
• Mothers, step-mothers, mothers-in-law and grandmothers;
• Sisters, half-sisters, step-sisters and sisters-in-law;
• Nieces and great nieces; or
• Members of the Intl. Order of Job's Daughters or Intl. Order of Rainbow Girls whom have been active for at least three years and are at least 18 years old.

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.  Is my religious faith allowed in the Order of the Eastern Star?
A.  Yes. Members of all religions may belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. We only require a belief in a Supreme Being.

Q.  Is the Order of the Eastern Star time consuming?
A.  After your initiation into our Order, you may attend as your time permits.

Q.  Is there any memory work?
A.  There is no mandatory memory work except the means of making yourself known if you wish to visit a Chapter or if you become an officer.

Q.  Is the Order patriotic and democratic?
A.  Yes. Members are taught an allegiance to preserve the good of their country.

Source: General Grand Chapter OES