The Order of the Eastern Star is a

Masonic Freemasonry or Masonry refers to fraternal organisations that trace their origins to the local guilds of stonemasons that, from the end of the 13th century, regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities ...

appendant body open to both men and women. It was established in by lawyer and educator Rob Morris, a noted Freemason, and adopted and approved as an appendant body of the Masonic Fraternity in 1873. The order is based on some teachings from the

Bible The Bible (from Koine Greek , , 'the books') is a collection of religious texts or scriptures that are held to be sacred in Christianity Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus ...

, and is open to people of all religious beliefs. It has approximately 10,000 chapters in twenty countries and approximately 500,000 members under its General Grand Chapter. Members of the Order of the Eastern Star are aged 18 and older; men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships with Masons. Originally, a woman would have to be the daughter, widow, wife, sister, or mother of a Master Mason. The Order now allows other relatives as well as allowing

Job's Daughters Job's Daughters International is a Masonic affiliated youth organization for girls and young women aged 10 to 20. The organization is commonly referred to as simply Job's Daughters or Jobies, and sometimes abbreviated as JDI (or IOJD, referring to ...

Rainbow Girls The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) is a Masonic youth service organization that teaches leadership training through community service. Young women learn about the value of charity and service through their work and involveme ...

, Members of the Organization of Triangles (NY only) and members of the Constellation of Junior Stars (NY only) to become members when of age.

History

The Order was created by Rob Morris in 1850 when he was teaching at the

Eureka Masonic College Eureka Masonic College, also known as The Little Red Schoolhouse (originally the Richland Literary Institute) in Richland, Holmes County, Mississippi, is widely known as the birthplace of the Order of the Eastern Star, created by Robert Morris. ...

in Richland, Mississippi. While confined by illness, he set down the principles of the order in his ''Rosary of the Eastern Star''. By 1855, he had organized a "Supreme Constellation" in New York, which chartered chapters throughout the United States. In 1866, Dr. Morris started working with

Robert Macoy Robert Macoy (October 4, 1815 – January 9, 1895) was born in Armagh, Ulster County, Ireland. He moved to the United States at the age of 4 months. He was a prominent Freemason, and was instrumental in the founding of the Order of the Eastern S ...

, and handed the Order over to him while Morris was traveling in the Holy Land. Macoy organized the current system of Chapters, and modified Dr. Morris' ''Rosary'' into a ''Ritual''. On December 1, 1874, Queen Esther Chapter No. 1 became the first Prince Hall Affiliate chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star when it was established in Washington, D.C. by Thornton Andrew Jackson. The "General Grand Chapter" was formed in

Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis (), colloquially known as Indy, is the state capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the consolidated population of Indianapolis and Mar ...

on November 6, 1876. Committees formed at that time created the ''Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star'' in more or less its current form.

Emblem and heroines

The emblem of the Order is a five-pointed star with the white ray of the star pointing downwards towards the manger. The meaning of the letters FATAL surrounding the center pentagon in the emblem is only revealed to members of the Order. In the Chapter room, the downward-pointing white ray points to the West. The character-building lessons taught in the Order are stories inspired by Biblical figures: * Adah (

Jephthah's daughter Jephthah's daughter, sometimes later referred to as Seila or as Iphis, is a figure in the Hebrew Bible, whose story is recounted in Judges 11. The judge Jephthah had just won a battle over the Ammonites, and vowed that he would offer the first t ...

, from the

Book of Judges The Book of Judges (, ') is the seventh book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. In the narrative of the Hebrew Bible, it covers the time between the conquest described in the Book of Joshua and the establishment of a kingdo ...

). In Eastern Star, Adah is represented by the color blue and a sword and veil. Adah represents the virtue of obedience to duty. * Ruth, the widow from the

Book of Ruth The Book of Ruth ( he, מגילת רות, ''Megilath Ruth'', "the Scroll of Ruth", one of the Five Megillot) is included in the third division, or the Writings (Ketuvim), of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of th ...

. In Eastern Star, Ruth is represented by the color yellow and a sheaf of barley. Ruth represents the virtue of religious principles. *

Esther Esther is the eponymous heroine of the Book of Esther. In the Achaemenid Empire, the Persian king Ahasuerus seeks a new wife after his queen, Vashti, is deposed for disobeying him. Hadassah, a Jewess who goes by the name of Esther, is chosen ...

, the wife from the

Book of Esther The Book of Esther ( he, מְגִלַּת אֶסְתֵּר, Megillat Esther), also known in Hebrew as "the Scroll" ("the Megillah"), is a book in the third section (, "Writings") of the Jewish '' Tanakh'' (the Hebrew Bible). It is one of the ...

. In Eastern Star, Esther is represented by the color white and a crown and scepter. Esther represents the virtue of loyalty. *

Martha Martha (Hebrew: מָרְתָא‎) is a biblical figure described in the Gospels of Luke and John. Together with her siblings Lazarus and Mary of Bethany, she is described as living in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. She was witness ...

, sister of

Mary Mary may refer to: People * Mary (name), a feminine given name (includes a list of people with the name) Religious contexts * New Testament people named Mary, overview article linking to many of those below * Mary, mother of Jesus, also calle ...

and Lazarus, from the

Gospel of Luke The Gospel of Luke), or simply Luke (which is also its most common form of abbreviation). tells of the origins, Nativity of Jesus, birth, Ministry of Jesus, ministry, Crucifixion of Jesus, death, Resurrection of Jesus, resurrection, and Ascensi ...

and the

Gospel of John The Gospel of John ( grc, Εὐαγγέλιον κατὰ Ἰωάννην, translit=Euangélion katà Iōánnēn) is the fourth of the four canonical gospels. It contains a highly schematic account of the ministry of Jesus, with seven "sig ...

. In Eastern Star, Martha is represented by the color green and a broken column. Martha represents the virtue of endurance in trial. * Electa (the "elect lady" from II John), the mother. In Eastern Star, Electa is represented by the color red and a chalice. Electa represents the virtue of endurance of persecution.

Officers

There are 18 main officers in a full chapter: * Worthy Matron – presiding officer * Worthy Patron – a Master Mason who provides general supervision * Associate Matron – assumes the duties of the Worthy Matron in the absence of that officer * Associate Patron – assumes the duties of the Worthy Patron in the absence of that officer * Secretary – takes care of all correspondence and minutes * Treasurer – takes care of monies of the Chapter * Conductress – Leads visitors and initiations. * Associate Conductress – Prepares candidates for initiation, assists the conductress with introductions and handles the ballot box. * Chaplain – leads the Chapter in prayer * Marshal – presents the Flag and leads in all ceremonies * Organist – provides music for the meetings * Adah – Shares the lesson of Duty of Obedience to the will of God * Ruth – Shares the lesson of Honor and Justice * Esther – Shares the lesson of Loyalty to Family and Friends * Martha – Shares the lesson of Faith and Trust in God and Everlasting Life * Electa – Shares the lesson of Charity and Hospitality * Warder – Sits next to the door inside the meeting room, to make sure those that enter the chapter room are members of the Order. * Sentinel – Sits next to the door outside the chapter room, to ensure people who wish to enter are members of the Order. Traditionally, a woman who is elected Associate Conductress will be elected to Conductress the following year, then the next year Associate Matron, and the next year Worthy Matron. A man elected Associate Patron will usually be elected Worthy Patron the following year. Usually the woman who is elected to become Associate Matron will let it be known who she wishes to be her Associate Patron, so the next year they will both go to the East together as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. There is no male counterpart to the Conductress and Associate Conductress. Only women are allowed to be Matrons, Conductresses, and the Star Points (Adah, Ruth, etc.) and only men can be Patrons. Once a member has served a term as Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron, they may use the post-nominal letters, PM or PP respectively.

Headquarters

The General Grand Chapter headquarters, the

International Temple The Perry Belmont House, sometimes referred to as the International Temple of the Order of the Eastern Star, though there are no ritual or ceremonial spaces in the building, is the world headquarters of the General Grand Chapter of the Order of ...

, is located in the

Dupont Circle Dupont Circle (or DuPont Circle) is a traffic circle, park, neighborhood and historic district in Northwest Washington, D.C. The Dupont Circle neighborhood is bounded approximately by 16th Street NW to the east, 22nd Street NW t ...

neighborhood of Washington, D.C., in the Perry Belmont Mansion. The mansion was built in 1909 for the purpose of entertaining the guests of Perry Belmont. They included Britain's

Prince of Wales Prince of Wales ( cy, Tywysog Cymru, ; la, Princeps Cambriae/Walliae) is a title traditionally given to the heir apparent to the English and later British throne. Prior to the conquest by Edward I in the 13th century, it was used by the rule ...

in 1919. General Grand Chapter purchased the building in 1935. The secretary of General Grand Chapter lives there while serving his or her term of office. The mansion features works of art from around the world, most of which were given as gifts from various international Eastern Star chapters.

Charities

The Order has a charitable foundation and from 1986 to 2001 contributed $513,147 to

Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. It is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As ...

research, juvenile

diabetes Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level ( hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased ...

research, and juvenile

asthma Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, co ...

research. It also provides bursaries to students of

theology Theology is the systematic study of the nature of the divine and, more broadly, of religious belief. It is taught as an academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itself with the unique content of analyzing th ...

and

religious Religion is usually defined as a social- cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that generally relates humanity to supernatur ...

music Music is generally defined as the art of arranging sound to create some combination of form, harmony, melody, rhythm or otherwise expressive content. Exact definitions of music vary considerably around the world, though it is an aspe ...

, as well as other scholarships that differ by jurisdiction. In 2000 over $83,000 was donated. Many jurisdictions support a Masonic and/or Eastern Star retirement center or nursing home for older members; some homes are also open to the public. The Elizabeth Bentley OES Scholarship Fund was started in 1947.

Notable members

Kate M. Ainey Catherine "Kate" M. Ainey (August 8, 1865 - December 29, 1948) was the President of the Portia Club and the chairman of the Home Economics Committee of the Idaho State Grange. Early life Ainey was born near Des Moines, Iowa, on August 8, 1865, the ...

Clara Barton Clarissa Harlowe Barton (December 25, 1821 – April 12, 1912) was an American nurse who founded the American Red Cross. She was a hospital nurse in the American Civil War, a teacher, and a patent clerk. Since nursing education was not then very ...

Clara Nettie Bates Clara Nettie Bates (December 25, 1876 – November 27, 1966) was an American editor, writer, and clubwoman. She was associated with the Audubon movement in Michigan and Florida, and with the International Sunshine Society. She favored suffrage ...

Cora M. Beach Cora May Brown Beach (August 3, 1878 - March 30, 1968) was an American genealogist and historian, author of ''Women of Wyoming'' (1927). Biography Cora May Brown was born on August 3, 1878, in West Oxford, Ontario, the daughter of James Emerson B ...

Ollie Josephine Prescott Baird Bennett Ollie Josephine Prescott Baird Bennett (March 27, 1874 – February 4, 1957)Interment Control Forms, 1928–1962. Interment Control Forms, A1 2110-B. Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General, 1774–1985, Record Group 92. The National Ar ...

Beatrice Gjertsen Bessesen Beatrice Gjertsen Bessesen (1886 – September 7, 1935) was an American operatic soprano. She was the president of the Twin City Music and Dramatic Club. Bessesen sang with the St. Olaf Choir and toured with it in Norway. She made successful conce ...

Ella A. Bigelow Ella A. Bigelow (May 21, 1849 – October 23, 1917) was an American author and clubwoman. Among her publications were ''Prize Quotations'' (Marlboro, 1887), ''Venice'' (Marlboro, 1890), ''Old Masters of Art'' (Buffalo, 1888), and ''Letters upon Gre ...

Georgiana M. Blankenship Georgiana Mitchell Smith Blankenship (1861 - January 9, 1936) wrote "Early History of Thurston County, Washington: Together with Biographies and Reminiscences of Those Identified with Pioneer Days". Biography Georgiana Mitchell was born in 1861 i ...

* Harriet Bossnot *

Emma Eliza Bower Emma E. Bower (1852 – October 11, 1937) was an American physician, and a newspaper owner, publisher, and editor. She was also an active clubwoman. Bower practiced medicine in Detroit, Michigan before returning to Ann Arbor, Michigan where, fr ...

Gene Bradford Gene L. Bradford (1909 – August 17, 1937) was an American politician who served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives in 1937. She represented Washington's Washington's 39th legislative district as a Democrat. Bradford was ...

Ella Frances Braman Ella Frances Braman (March 23, 1850 – ?) was an American lawyer and business woman. She trained as a lawyer assisting her husband that she was recognised as a commissioner for different states so that she could deputise for her husband. After t ...

Bernice Cameron Laura Bernice Cameron (July 30, 1883 – January 19, 1959) was the manager of the Postal Telegraph-Cable Company of Medford, Oregon, and a World War I veteran. Early life Laura Bernice Cameron was born in Jacksonville, Oregon, on July 30, 1883, t ...

Edith Daley Edith Daley (January 1, 1876 - 1948) was the city librarian of San Jose and poet whose verse are in various anthologies. Early life Edith Daley was born in Fostoria, Ohio, on January 1, 1876. Career Edith Daley was the city librarian of San ...

Nannie C. Dunsmoor Nannie C. Straus Dunsmoor (November 17, 1860 – July 18, 1941) was an American medical doctor and one of the first woman to be a medical doctor in California. She continued to practice into her 80s. She was the oldest active member in the Unit ...

Addie C. Strong Engle Addie C. Strong Engle (, Strong; after first marriage, Bario; after second marriage, Engle; pen name, Addie C. S. Engle; August 11, 1845 – June 27, 1926) was an American author and publisher. She was one of the oldest Past Grand Matrons, Order o ...

J. Howell Flournoy ''J. The Jewish News of Northern California'', formerly known as ''Jweekly'', is a weekly print newspaper in Northern California, with its online edition updated daily. It is owned and operated by San Francisco Jewish Community Publications In ...

Laura J. Frakes Laura J. Frakes was an American educator and civic worker, and the grand secretary of the Native Daughters of the Golden West. Early life Laura J. Frakes was a native of California. Career Laura J. Frakes was a very active civic worker and educato ...

Thora B. Gardiner Thora B. Gardiner (March 17, 1884 - November 13, 1953) was an America club woman. Early life Thora B. Gardiner was born in Holum, Iceland, on March 17, 1884, the daughter of Benedict Johnson and Thorbjorg Arnadottir. The family moved to the United ...

Bertha Lund Glaeser Bertha Lund Glaeser (, Lund; September 28, 1862 – May 5, 1939) was an American physician. She served as Professor of Pediatrics at the Woman's Medical College of Cincinnati. Early life and education Bertha Lund was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, S ...

Sabra R. Greenhalgh Sabra Ann Rickey Greenhalgh (August 26, 1877 – October 13, 1969) was an educator, the first woman to hold a County elective position in Amador County, California. Early life Sabra Ann Rickey was born on August 26, 1877, on a farm near Plymouth, C ...

Harriet A. Haas Harriet T. Averill Haas (born October 17, 1874, died after 1951) was an American attorney and member of Piedmont Board of Education in the city of Piedmont, California. She was one of the most highly regarded members of the Alameda County, Califor ...

Sallie Foster Harshbarger Sallie Foster Harshbarger (February 23, 1874 – April 17, 1958) was California State Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Early life Sallie Foster was born in Reno, Nevada, on February 23, 1874, the daughter of Asa Eastman Foster ...

Jane Denio Hutchison Jane Denio Smith Hutchinson (May 23, 1871 - January 29, 1942) was the president of the Tri County Federation of Women's Clubs. Early life Jane Denio Smith was born in Vallejo, California, on May 23, 1871, the daughter of J. Duncan Smith and Janett ...

Vernettie O. Ivy Vernettie Oscar Greene Ivy (January 1, 1876 – July 15, 1967) was for six years a member of the Arizona House of Representatives. Early life Vernettie Oscar Greene was born on January 1, 1876, in Blackburn, Missouri. She attended Tempe Norma ...

Kate Wetzel Jameson Kate Wetzel Jameson (October 15, 1870 - 1967) was a professor at several colleges and Dean of Women at Montana State University, the University of Arizona and then Oregon State College. Early life Kate Wetzel Jameson was born on October 15, 1870, ...

Nannie S. Brown Kramer Nannie S. Brown Kramer (1883-1953) was active in club and civic affairs. She was interested in P. T. A. work. Early life Nannie S. Brown was born in 1883 in St. Peter, Minnesota, the daughter of Alexander Brown. Career She was active in cl ...

Jeanette Lawrence Jeanette Carolyn Heintzen Lawrence (May 3, 1869 - July 6, 1960) was an American writer and lecturer. Biography Jeanette Carolyn Heintzen was born on May 3, 1869 in Sierra County, California, the daughter of Charles Heintzen, Jr and Sarah V. Busch ...

Mab Copland Lineman Mab Copland Lineman (October 2, 1892 – December 26, 1957), LL.B., was an American attorney, noted for her work with business and protective law, commonly known as "Law of Common Things". Early life Mab Copland Lineman was born in Aberdeens ...

Edith Bolte MacCracken Edith Maude Marie Bolte MacCracken (February 16, 1869 – April 1946) was an American club woman and civic leader. Early life Edith Maude Marie Bolte was born on February 16, 1869, in Chicago, the daughter of William Henry Bolte and Jane Usher Bak ...

Eva McGown Eva McGown (née Montgomery) (1883–1972), the "hostess of Fairbanks," was best known for her three decades helping newcomers, military wives, construction workers, students, and visitors to find shelter in Fairbanks, Alaska during periods of ti ...

Rebecca B. Mellors Rebecca B. Mellors (November 7, 1899 - 1989) was an educator. Early life Rebecca B. Mellors was born in Weir, Kansas, on November 7, 1899, the daughter of Thomas Mellors and Annie Willey. Career Rebecca B. Mellors was an educator. In 1927 she was ...

Sara E. Morse Sara Evans Morse (October 22, 1871 – January 10, 1933) was an American public official in Montana. Morse was the executive secretary of the Montana Tuberculosis Association for three terms. Early life Morse was born on October 22, 1871, in West ...

Vesta C. Muehleisen Vesta C. Gates Muehleisen (August 7, 1889 - October 19, 1973) was an American educator and founder of the San Diego State College Alumni Association. Early life Vesta C. Gates was born on August 7, 1889, in Tabor, Iowa, the daughter of Henry E. ...

Kate Pier Kate Pier (June 22, 1845 – June 25, 1925) was an American court commissioner and the first woman in the United States to be conferred with judicial powers. Early life Kate Hamilton was born in St. Albans (town), Vermont, on June 22, 1845. ...

Lorraine J. Pitkin Lorraine J. Pitkin (July 15, 1845 - 1922) was an American women's activist and political postmaster. She served as Most Worthy Grand Matron (1880–86) and Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S.). Early years and e ...

Grace Gimmini Potts Grace Gimmini Potts (1886-1956) was an author and director of pageants. Early life Grace Giminni was born in San Francisco, California, in 1886, the daughter of Hugo Gimmini (1859-1905) and Magdalene Gimmini (1861-1935). Career Grace Gimmini Po ...

Jennie Phelps Purvis Jennie Phelps Purvis (, Phelps; pen name, Hagar; February 23, 1831 – November 16, 1924) was an American writer, suffragist, temperance reformer, and a California pioneer. She was well-known in literary circles in her early life -counting Bret H ...

Lois Randolph Helen Lois Randolph (1889-1949) was the Superintendent of the New Mexico State Department of Education. Biography Helen Lois Randolph was born in 1889 in Washington, Arkansas, the daughter of John Newton Randolph (1859–1902) and Nancy Beane Van ...

M. Elizabeth Shellabarger Mary Elizabeth Shellabarger (October 16, 1879 – June 25, 1967) was a Registered Nurse, army nurse overseas during World War I, and director of American Red Cross Nursing Service in Albania and Montenegro. Early life M. Elizabeth Shellabarger w ...

Caroline Estes Smith Caroline M. Estes Smith (November 29, 1877 - April 18, 1970) was the first woman to manage the Philharmonic Orchestra of Los Angeles. Early life Caroline M. Estes was born on November 29, 1877, in Winn, Maine, the daughter of Willie A. Estes and ...

James Peyton Smith James is a common English language surname and given name: *James (name), the typically masculine first name James * James (surname), various people with the last name James James or James City may also refer to: People * King James (disambiguat ...

Lura Eugenie Brown Smith Lura Eugenie Brown Smith (June 23, 1854/64 – April 11, 1935) was an American journalist, newspaper editor, and author. She wrote short stories, poems, and miscellany, and did editorial work in newspapers. She was the author of ''Victory's Divor ...

Lee Emmett Thomas Lee may refer to: Name Given name * Lee (given name), a given name in English Surname * Chinese surnames romanized as Li or Lee: ** Li (surname 李) or Lee (Hanzi ), a common Chinese surname ** Li (surname 利) or Lee (Hanzi ), a Chinese ...

Violet Richardson Ward Violet Richardson Ward (August 27, 1888 - August 1979), B. A., M. A., was the founding president of Soroptimist International and a pioneer in American physical education for schoolchildren. Early life Violet Richardson was born in New Jersey on ...

Nellie A. White Nellie A. White (died September 16, 1952) was the founder of "The Chrysanthemum Fete" flower show, the originator of the peach tree theme used by the annual Peach Blossom Festival and the organizer of the Greater Arcadia Beautification Committee. E ...

Laura Ingalls Wilder Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957) was an American writer, mostly known for the '' Little House on the Prairie'' series of children's books, published between 1932 and 1943, which were based on her childhood ...

African-American Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star

The

Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star The Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic appendant body affiliated with Prince Hall Freemasonry. It functions as a predominantly African-American equivalent of the mainstream Order of the Eastern Star. History The idea for the creat ...

is the predominantly African-American equivalent of the Order of the Eastern Star.Schmidt, Alvin J. ''Fraternal Organizations'' Westport, CT; Greenwood Press p.100

References

External links

* *
Pride of the North Chapter Number 61, Order of the Eastern Star Archival Collection
located a

{{Authority control 1850 establishments in the United States Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Organizations established in 1850