The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is a

Masonic Freemasonry (sometimes spelled Free-Masonry) consists of fraternal groups that trace their origins to the medieval guilds of stonemasons. Freemasonry is the oldest secular fraternity in the world and among the oldest still-existing organizati ...

appendant

body Body may refer to: In science * Physical body, an object in physics that represents a large amount, has mass or takes up space * Body (biology), the physical material of an organism * Body plan, the physical features shared by a group of anim ...

open to both men and women. It was established in 1850 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 is a collection of religious texts that are central to Christianity and Judaism, and esteemed in other Abrahamic religions such as Islam. The Bible is an anthology (a compilation of texts of a variety of forms) originally writt ...

and is open to people of all religious beliefs. It has approximately 10,000 chapters in 18 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 used to need to have specific relationships with Masons, however this was changed at General Grand Chapter in 2024. 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, Rainbow Girls and Members of the Organization of Triangles (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 ...

, 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''. Similarly to

Freemasonry Freemasonry (sometimes spelled Free-Masonry) consists of fraternal groups that trace their origins to the medieval guilds of stonemasons. Freemasonry is the oldest secular fraternity in the world and among the oldest still-existing organizati ...

, the Order of Eastern Star was not open to African Americans.

Prince Hall Freemasonry Prince Hall Freemasonry is a branch of North American Freemasonry created for African Americans, founded by Prince Hall on September 29, 1784. Prince Hall Freemasonry is the oldest and largest (300,000+ initiated members) predominantly African-A ...

was formed in 1784 and the first

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 crea ...

chapter was founded on December 1, 1874, titled, Queen Esther Chapter, No. 1, and established in

Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River, across from Virginia, and shares land borders with ...

by Thornton Andrew Jackson. The "General Grand Chapter" was formed in

Indianapolis, Indiana Indianapolis ( ), colloquially known as Indy, is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Indiana, most populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana, Marion ...

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 he would give the first thing ...

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 kingdom in the ...

. In Eastern Star, Adah is represented by the color blue and a sword and veil. Adah represents the virtue of obedience. *

Ruth Ruth (or its variants) may refer to: Places France * Château de Ruthie, castle in the commune of Aussurucq in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département of France Switzerland * Ruth, a hamlet in Cologny United States * Ruth, Alabama * Ruth, Ark ...

, the widow from the

Book of Ruth The Book of Ruth (, ''Megillath 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 the historical books ...

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

Esther Esther (; ), originally Hadassah (; ), is the eponymous heroine of the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible. According to the biblical narrative, which is set in the Achaemenid Empire, the Persian king Ahasuerus falls in love with Esther and ma ...

, the wife from the

Book of Esther The Book of Esther (; ; ), also known in Hebrew language, Hebrew as "the Scroll" ("the wikt:מגילה, Megillah"), is a book in the third section (, "Writings") of the Hebrew Bible. It is one of the Five Megillot, Five Scrolls () in the Hebr ...

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

Martha Martha (Aramaic language, Aramaic: מָרְתָא‎) is a Bible, biblical figure described in the Gospels of Gospel of Luke, Luke and Gospel of John, John. Together with her siblings Lazarus of Bethany, Lazarus and Mary of Bethany, she is descr ...

, sister of

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

and

Lazarus Lazarus may refer to: People *Lazarus (name), a surname and a given name * Lazarus of Bethany, a Biblical figure described as being raised from the dead by Jesus * Lazarus, a Biblical figure from the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus * Lazar ...

, from the

Gospel of Luke The Gospel of Luke is the third of the New Testament's four canonical Gospels. It tells of the origins, Nativity of Jesus, birth, Ministry of Jesus, ministry, Crucifixion of Jesus, death, Resurrection of Jesus, resurrection, and Ascension of ...

and the

Gospel of John The Gospel of John () is the fourth of the New Testament's four canonical Gospels. It contains a highly schematic account of the ministry of Jesus, with seven "Book of Signs, signs" culminating in the raising of Lazarus (foreshadowing the ...

. 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. 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 is a historic roundabout park and Neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., neighborhood of Washington, D.C., located in Northwest (Washington, D.C.), Northwest D.C. The Dupont Circle neighborhood is bounded approximately by 16th St ...

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 (, ; ) is a title traditionally given to the male heir apparent to the History of the English monarchy, English, and later, the British throne. The title originated with the Welsh rulers of Kingdom of Gwynedd, Gwynedd who, from ...

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 and the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems wit ...

research, juvenile

diabetes Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a group of common endocrine diseases characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the cells of th ...

research, and juvenile

asthma Asthma is a common 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 wh ...

research. It also provides bursaries to students of

theology Theology is the study of religious belief from a Religion, religious perspective, with a focus on the nature of divinity. It is taught as an Discipline (academia), academic discipline, typically in universities and seminaries. It occupies itse ...

and

religious music Religious music (also sacred music) is a type of music that is performed or composed for Religion, religious use or through religious influence. It may overlap with ritual music, which is music, sacred or not, performed or composed for or as a ri ...

, 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 *

Eliza Allen Eliza Allen (January 27, 1826 – after 1851) was an American writer from Maine who, in 1851, published a memoir called ''The Female Volunteer; Or the Life and Wonderful Adventures of Miss Eliza Allen, A Young Lady of Eastport, Maine''. In the boo ...

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 (ISS). She favored suffra ...

* Cora M. Beach * Ollie Josephine Prescott Baird Bennett * Beatrice Gjertsen Bessesen * Ella A. Bigelow * Dorcas Reilly * Georgiana M. Blankenship *

Harriet Bossnot Harriet Bossnot was a social and civic worker, and the first vice president of the Montana Federation of Women's Clubs. Early life Harriet Bossnot was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of E. Markle. Career She was active social and civic ...

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, fro ...

* Gene Bradford * Ella Frances Braman * Bernice Cameron * Edith Daley * Nannie C. Dunsmoor *

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 ...

* Laura J. Frakes *

Thora B. Gardiner Thora B. Gardiner (March 17, 1884 – November 13, 1953) was an American 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 Unit ...

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, Se ...

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 *

Sarah C. Hall Sarah C. Hall (1832–1926) was an American pioneer woman physician. She held leadership positions in various women's suffrage organizations. She was also associated with the Order of the Eastern Star, the Woman's Relief Corps (WRC), and the Dau ...

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 Janette ...

* Vernettie O. Ivy * Nannie S. Brown Kramer *

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. Bu ...

* Ingrid Lewis-Martin *

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. G ...

* Kate Pier * Lorraine J. Pitkin *

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 P ...

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 ...

* Lois Randolph * * Mayme Schweble * M. Elizabeth Shellabarger * Caroline Estes Smith * Lura Eugenie Brown Smith *

Lee Emmett Thomas Lee Emmett Thomas (23 September 1866 – 16 February 1935) was an American politician who served in the Louisiana House of Representatives and its Speaker as a member of the Democratic party. He also served as the Mayor of Shreveport from 1922 ...

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 ...

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. ...

Laura Ingalls Wilder Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957) was an American writer, teacher, and journalist. She is best known as the author of the children's book series ''Little House on the Prairie'', published between 1932 and 1 ...

Prince Hall OES

The

is a predominantly African-American version of OES, associated with

.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

{{Freemasonry footer 1850 establishments in the United States Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Organizations established in 1850 Women's organizations based in the United States