Eastern Star was formed over 100 years ago and when it was formed it was with the purpose of supporting the Daughters, Widows, Wives, Sisters and Mothers of the Master Masons (Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, also known as Freemasons). There is a lot more to the story, but that is the primary purpose.
As an organization, Order of the Eastern Star has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Guide Dogs in Saskatchewan... therefore we are required to conduct a regular business meeting, such as any other non-profit.
We meet once a month for a 'business meeting' and once a month for a 'social meeting'. Lots of food happens at both, there is always an abundance of sweetbreads and cookies and pies it seems!
The business meetings have to be taken with a grain of salt, for the donations and fundraisers don't just HAPPEN. These business meetings create structure for all the business we do - without the help and the patience of every member these fundraisers would fail.
The social meetings are different entirely. We join together at a members' house, we take turns hosting each other, and we share time and space together.
These men and women have become a second family. They are Brothers and Sisters in every sense of the word.
We are NOT a religion, NOT a cult, nor a sect, nor any other conspiracy (sorry to disappoint).... that being said, the founder of Eastern Star found his inspiration for the five points of the star from five heroines in the bible.
Adah, the daughter.
Ruth, the widow.
Esther (also known as Hadassah), the wife.
Martha, the sister.
Electa, the mother.
Each of these women went through a trial that put them to the test, and they each represent a character trait that we are encouraged to emulate. Throughout their stories, they have shown loyalty, fidelity, constancy, trust and love.
As an organization, Order of the Eastern Star has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Guide Dogs in Saskatchewan... therefore we are required to conduct a regular business meeting, such as any other non-profit.
We meet once a month for a 'business meeting' and once a month for a 'social meeting'. Lots of food happens at both, there is always an abundance of sweetbreads and cookies and pies it seems!
The business meetings have to be taken with a grain of salt, for the donations and fundraisers don't just HAPPEN. These business meetings create structure for all the business we do - without the help and the patience of every member these fundraisers would fail.
The social meetings are different entirely. We join together at a members' house, we take turns hosting each other, and we share time and space together.
These men and women have become a second family. They are Brothers and Sisters in every sense of the word.
We are NOT a religion, NOT a cult, nor a sect, nor any other conspiracy (sorry to disappoint).... that being said, the founder of Eastern Star found his inspiration for the five points of the star from five heroines in the bible.
Adah, the daughter.
Ruth, the widow.
Esther (also known as Hadassah), the wife.
Martha, the sister.
Electa, the mother.
Each of these women went through a trial that put them to the test, and they each represent a character trait that we are encouraged to emulate. Throughout their stories, they have shown loyalty, fidelity, constancy, trust and love.
These affiliations include:
Affiliated Master Masons in good standing, the wives, daughters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, widow, aunts, sisters, half sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters,
stepsisters, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, great granddaughters, nieces, great nieces, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and daughters of sisters or brothers 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 - of the International Order of Job's Daughters or of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, each of whom having attained at least the age of eighteen (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.
Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry, was the founder of our organization. He felt that the female relatives of Master Masons should also share, in a small way, the benefits of this great fraternal Order. It was through his dedication that the ritual with its fundamental principles, was first published in 1849-50. In 1950, the 100th anniversary of the writing of the Order of the Eastern Star ritual was observed in Washington, D.C.
How to join: To inquire about membership, talk to a current member, or contact a local chapter. To find chapters in your area, contact the Grand Secretary of that state or province. Petitions are carefully read, eligibility investigated and election to membership must be by a vote of the Chapter. The Order strives to select persons of mental, moral, and spiritual quality who will work together in harmony to perform its objectives.
Will you become a member this year?
Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. 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.
The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific.
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.
The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific.
Order of the Eastern Star Links
General Grand Chapter
Grand Chapter of Alberta
Grand Chapter of Manitoba
Grand Chapter of Minnesota
Masonic Links
Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan
Royal Arch Masons of Saskatchewan
Wa Wa Shriners
General Grand Chapter
Grand Chapter of Alberta
Grand Chapter of Manitoba
Grand Chapter of Minnesota
Masonic Links
Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan
Royal Arch Masons of Saskatchewan
Wa Wa Shriners
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. 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.
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.