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Q. What is the Order of the Eastern Star?
A. The Order of the Eastern Star is a social, charitable and Fraternal Organization to which both women and men can belong.
In South Carolina, the Order of the Eastern Star is comprised of 127 Chapters across our state and is divided into 24 regional Districts.
The regional Districts are usually comprised of one or more counties.
Q. What are the requirements for membership?
A. Membership in the Order of the Eastern Star is open to women 18 years of age or older
that have specific affiliations (listed on the 'About Us' page), as well as Master Masons in good
standing in their lodge.
Q. When was the Order of the Eastern Star formed?
A. Brother Rob Morris and Brother Robert McCoy conceived the Order in 1850.
Q. What is the basis of the Order of Eastern Star?
A. Brother Morris and Brother McCoy created the Degrees of the Eastern Star around the lives of five Biblical women.
They were Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa. (More information on the website, click on 'Star Point' link. The reason
was that each of these Biblical examples stands for one of the tenets of the Order. They are Fidelity, Constancy, Loyalty, Faith and Love.
Q. Is the Order of the Eastern Star a
religion?
A. No. 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. Our members do come from all
denominations.
Q. What are the purposes and goals of the Order?
A. To provide an organization where women and men with high moral and social character, can join together and contribute
time, energy and wisdom to our Order with Charity, Truth and Loving-kindness for the good of all mankind throughout the world.
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. A short proficiency examination is strictly voluntary, but
encouraged.
Q. Is the Order patriotic and democratic?
A. Yes. Members are taught an allegiance to
preserve the good of their country. We strongly support the government of the
United States of America.
Why should I want to join the Order of The Eastern Star?
Q. What does the Eastern Star have to offer that other organizations do not?
A. Each of us has an inner need to do something for others and 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.
Q. Is there any social involvement?
A. Yes. The Chapter has numerous fun activities for all members and their family and friends. Usually, the Worthy Matron (head of the chapter)
has a number of social events to supplement her planned activities.
Q. Just what is Fraternal Life?
A. 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
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.
Q. Is there any fraternal friendship?
A. 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.
Q. Will I become a better person?
A. Yes. The Order of the Eastern Star takes a good citizens and makes them even better. We continue to be central in the development of the American
promise of human opportunity and personal fulfillment.
Youth Groups and Charities
Q. Does the Order of the Eastern Star support affiliated youth groups?
A. Yes! The Order of the Eastern Star provides support to members of all the Masonic youth groups: DeMolay for Boys, Rainbow for Girls & Job's Daughters.
The purpose of these youth groups is to train these fine young citizens to be leaders in the community and to be future members and leaders in the Masons and the Order
of the Eastern Star.
Q. Does the Order of the Eastern Star have any special projects?
A. Yes. The Order of the Eastern Star membership in South Carolina supports many charitable organizations and programs. One such program is our ESTARL
(Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious
Leadership) program in which we give scholarships to
deserving men and women who are majoring in various religious fields. Other
charities benefit from our organization including but not limited to: Heart
Fund, Hospice, Cancer Research.
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