Order of the Eastern Star

Order of the Eastern Star: A Legacy of Light, Service, and Sisterhood

The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is one of the largest and most prominent fraternal organizations open to both women and men. Rooted in the traditions of Freemasonry, the Eastern Star blends moral teachings, biblical allegory, and community service into a unique and enduring institution. With a mission centered on charity, truth, and loving-kindness, the Order has become a beacon of spiritual growth, civic engagement, and intergenerational fellowship.

Origins and Founding

The Order of the Eastern Star was established in 1850 by Dr. Rob Morris, a lawyer, educator, and Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. A passionate advocate for women’s inclusion in Masonic life, Morris envisioned an organization that would allow female relatives of Master Masons to participate in the moral and philosophical teachings of Freemasonry.

The Order was later systematized and expanded by Robert Macoy in the 1860s, who formalized its rituals, symbols, and organizational structure. Today, the OES operates under the authority of the General Grand Chapter, founded in 1876, and has chapters across the United States and in numerous countries worldwide.

Membership and Structure

Membership in the Order of the Eastern Star is open to:

• Women who are related to Master Masons (wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, etc.)

• Master Masons in good standing

Some jurisdictions have broadened eligibility to include women without Masonic relatives, provided they uphold the values of the Order.

The organization is structured into:

• Local Chapters, each with elected officers and regular meetings

• Grand Chapters, which oversee state or regional jurisdictions

• General Grand Chapter, the international governing body

Core Teachings and Symbolism

The Eastern Star is deeply symbolic, drawing from biblical stories and moral allegories to teach lessons of faith, sacrifice, loyalty, and virtue. Its emblem is a five-pointed star, each point representing a heroine from the Bible and a corresponding virtue:

These stories are dramatized in the Order’s ritual work, which is designed to inspire members to lead lives of compassion, integrity, and service.

Rituals and Regalia

Eastern Star meetings and ceremonies are conducted with dignity and symbolism. Members wear formal attire, and officers don specific regalia such as:

• Sashes and collars denoting office

• Jewels and pins representing their role or degree

• The Star emblem, often worn as a brooch or pendant

The ritual work includes initiations, degree conferrals, and memorial services, all of which emphasize spiritual reflection and moral instruction.

Philanthropy and Community Service

Service is at the heart of the Eastern Star’s mission. Chapters engage in a wide range of charitable activities, including:

• Scholarships for students

• Support for cancer research and children’s hospitals

• Aid to veterans and the elderly

• Disaster relief and community outreach

Many Grand Chapters also operate Eastern Star Homes, which provide housing and care for aging members and their families.

Cultural and Global Impact

The Order of the Eastern Star has played a vital role in expanding the influence of Freemasonry beyond its traditional male boundaries. It has empowered generations of women to lead, serve, and grow spiritually within a structured and supportive environment.

There are also Prince Hall Affiliated Eastern Star chapters, which serve African American communities and share the same foundational values while honoring the legacy of Prince Hall Freemasonry.

A Lifelong Journey

For many members, the Order of the Eastern Star is more than a fraternal organization—it is a lifelong path of personal development, spiritual enrichment, and meaningful service. Through its rituals, teachings, and fellowship, the OES continues to illuminate lives and communities with the enduring light of faith, hope, and charity.