| What is the Order of the Eastern Star? Founded by Dr. Robert Morris in 1850, The Order of the Eastern Star is one of the largest Fraternal Organizations in the world to which both men and women can be long, yet it is not a sorority. The Order is not a religion, however, we are religious in character and founded upon 5 Heroines of the Bible. These Heroines were Jeptha's Daughter, named Adah, who represents Fidelity, Ruth, who represents Constancy, Esther, who represents Loyalty, Martha, who represents Faith, and Electa, who represents Love. Can any woman or man join? No. A woman must be the wife, daughter (biological or adopted), sister, mother, or widow of a Master Mason to be eligible for membership. Some chapters also accept grandaughters, sister-in-laws, mother-in-laws, step-mothers, step-sisters, half-sisters, and neices of Master Masons. (Please check with your local chapter for their requirements.) She must be at least 18 years old, be of good moral character, be free of mental illness, have a belief in a Supreme Being, be willing to assume the obligation of The Order, be able to participate in the initiation ceremony, not have any felony convictions, and be a resident of her state for at least 12 months. A man must be a Master Mason in good standing to be eligible for membership. May I use the affiliation of a Master Mason who has died? Yes. Provided the Master Mason was a member in good standing at the time of his death. A letter of verification from the man's Lodge will be required before the Degrees of the Order of The Eastern Star may be given. The Master Mason does not have to be an OES member for his relative to join. I heard that the OES is a cult and has a Satanic Origin...is that true? Absolutely not! We are in no way associated with any cult, Satanic or otherwise. Nor do we support Satanic rituals or organizations. We are a Christian-based organization, however, you do not have to be of the Christian faith to join. Is this a "secret society"? No. A secret society is hard to find and usually underground. That is not The Order of the Eastern Star. We are very easily located throughout the entire world. In most cases, where there is a Masonic Lodge, there is an Eastern Star Chapter. The only thing secret about us is the way we identify our sisters and brothers. What do the Eastern Stars do? We do a lot of charity work and are involved in our community. We donate to the needy, attend events at churches, have numerous fun activities, as well as fundraisers. This is an 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 What does the Eastern Star have to offer that other organizations do not? Each of us has an inner need to do something for others. Sometimes it is difficult to determine just how to begin. The Order of the Eastern Star offers that guidance and provides an outlet as well as serving as a resource center and support group. Is there any Fraternal friendship? Indeed, there is. Both women and men join a Fraternal Order to make friends and enjoy the fellowship that is displayed. Members and their families can enjoy interacting with others who share their beliefs. The Order of the Eastern Star provides us with a means of compassion and concern - not only for our fellow Sisters and Brothers in the Order, 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. Is there any social involvement? Yes. The Chapter has numerous fun activities for all members and their family and friends as well as events open to the public. I belong to a Greek/Social Organization already...can I still join the OES? Of course! A lot of Eastern Star members belong to fraternities, sororities, and other social organizations. You may belong to this order before or after you join another organization. As long as the organization does not promote hate, evil, or satanic beliefs. Is my religious faith allowed in the Order of the Eastern Star? Yes. Members of all religions may belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. We only require a belief in a Supreme Being. Do you have to rich to join? Not at all. If you can spare about $5.00 a month (for most Chapters), you can afford to join The Order of the Eastern Star. How may I express a desire to join the Order of the Eastern Star? To be one, ask one. What procedure should I follow when I have decided that I would like to join a chapter? The Chapter you intend to join will provide you with a Petition which you must fill out completely. It should be returned to the Chapter Secretary, as soon as possible, with the appropriate fees. What happens after I submit my petition? Your petition will be submitted to an Investigation Committee composed of members of the Chapter that you wish to join. Shortly thereafter the members of the Investigation Committee will contact you individually to set up a time and place for a meeting. This is done (1) To ask a few very simple questions, (2) To provide you an opportunity to meet some of the Chapter members, (3) To provide you an opportunity to ask and receive answers to any additional questions that you might have, and (4) To verify your Masonic affiliation. The information that the Investigation Committee receives will be reported to the Worthy Matron. What will be the next step? If all of the information is in order, the report of the Investigation Committee will be submitted to the Chapter members at a stated meeting and a vote will be taken. If favorable, you will have been elected to receive the Degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star. The Secretary will notify you of the results of the election and arrange for you to be initiated into the Order. HOME |
 |
 |
   |