The Order of the Eastern Star

Who we are: The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic-related fraternal organization of women and men dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness. This order is comprised of people with deep religious convictions and spiritual values, open to all faiths except no faith. Although not a part of the Masonic fraternity, membership is based on a Masonic affiliation or relationship, a belief in God and a desire to acquire additional knowledge and for self improvement. The degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star teach lessons of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith and love. These degrees are presented in a beautiful ritualistic ceremony designed to not only teach the lessons, but also to provide insight for future study and understanding. The organization was founded in the mid to late 1800s by our founder, Dr. Rob Morris, for the expressed purpose of offering support and affiliation to the wives, mothers, daughters, grandchildren, etc. of Free Masons. The organization is open to both male and female.

Local Eastern Star chapters select their own charities and places of service in their own communities. Some statewide projects include scholarships for ministerial students, other general scholarships for youth, and supporting a home for aged members. Each year special charities are selected for that year's emphasis and might include volunteer programs in elementary schools or volunteers in literacy programs and specific community outreach.

Eastern Star proudly supports young women's organizations such as Rainbow for Girls and Job's Daughters. For the young men, we support DeMolay.

 Dr. Morris was a learned man, a writer, a lecturer. He was the Poet Laureate of Masonry. He traveled extensively and taught. He was well versed in Masonry. And he first foresaw the need of an organization such as this -- one that was based on the same fundamental precepts as Masonry itself -- such things as Fidelity, Loyalty, Love, God & Country (all the good things that Masonry itself stands for). Yet, one that was open to both male and female members.

Today the organization spans into almost each continent and many countries across the world. OES exists in every State in the United States, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, and currently is expanding into many countries in South America.

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

     

  • Affiliated Master Masons in good standing,
  • the wives
  • daughters
  • legally adopted daughters
  • mothers
  • widows
  • sisters
  • half sisters
  • granddaughters
  • stepmothers
  • stepdaughters


  • stepsisters
  • daughters-in-law
  • grandmothers
  • great granddaughters
  • nieces
  • great nieces
  • mothers-in-law
  • sisters-in-law
  • Rainbow Girls (active member for 3 years or reached majority)
  • Job's Daughters (active member for 3 years)

and daughters of sisters or brothers of affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased were in good standing at the time of their death; each of whom shall have attained to at least the age of eighteen (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.

How to join: To inquire about membership, talk to a current member, or contact a local chapter. To find chapters in your area send an email to requesting information. Petitions are carefully read, eligibility investigated and election to membership must be by unanimous vote. The Order strives to select persons of mental, moral and spiritual quality who will work together in harmony to perform its objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

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, 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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