Dr. Rob Morris, the poet laureate of Masonry, conceived the Order of the Eastern Star in 1850. It was created as a means to involve the wives, daughters, granddaughters, and sisters of Freemasons in the Fraternity. Dr. Morris created the Degrees of the Eastern Star around the lives of Biblical women; Adah, Ruth, Ester, Martha, and Electa. The reason was that each of these Biblical examples stands for one of the tenets of the Order; Fidelity, Loyalty, Faith, and Love.
The Order of the Eastern Star is not a religion, even though we are religious in character. It does not pretend to take the place of a religion, or serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members. Members come from all denominations.
The purpose of the organization where women and men with high moral and social character, can contribute much time, energy, and wisdom to our Order with Charity, Truth, and Loving-kindness for the good of all mankind throughout the world. The Order of the Eastern Star provides us with a means of compassion and concern, not only for our fellow Sisters adn Brothers in the Order of the Eastern Star, but to ourselves, our Country, and our faith. In addition, it enters us into a way of life that all of us inwardly want for ourselves and our families.
History of the Adoptive Rite Among Black Women
On August 10, 1874, Thornton Andrew Jackson received the several degrees of the Rite of the Adoption of the Order of the Eastern Star from the Brother C.B. Case, a Deputy and agent of Robert Macoy 33. In obedience to the authority granted by William H. Myers, Grand Master, Union Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, Bro. Jackson established the first Eastern Star Chapter among black women in the United States.
On December 1, 1874, Queen Esther Chapter No. 1, Order of the Eastern Star, was established at 708 - O Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. in the home of Mrs. Georgiana Thomas. The first Worthy Matron was Sister Martha Welch and the first Worthy Patron was Bro. Thornton A. Jackson.