WHO WE ARE and WHAT WE DO

 

 

WHAT IS THE EASTERN STAR?                         
  

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization for men and women in the world. Started in the mid 1800's, today there are over five hundred thousand members world-wide, with approximately 3,220 members in British Columbia and Yukon.
 
Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry, was the founder of our organization. He felt that the female relatives of Master Masons should also share, in a small way, the benefits of this great fraternal Order. It was through his dedication that the ritual with its fundamental principles, was first published in 1849-50. In 1950, the 100th anniversary of the writing of the Order of the Eastern Star ritual was observed in Washington, D.C.
 
 
Here are a number of questions and concerns we will try to answer that have been voiced by people, such as yourself, who have an interest in the Order of the Eastern Star.
 
Is the Eastern Star a secret organization?
No.  As a fraternal organization we have signs and passes in our ritualistic work that are confidential.
 
Is the Eastern Star a religion?
No.  The Eastern Star is not a religion. It is a social order whose members have a belief in a Supreme Being. Our members come from different ethnic backgrounds and religions.
 
Who can belong?
Affiliated Master Masons in good standing and any female relatives who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption to Affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased were in good standing at the time of death; 
as well as to members - either active for three (3) years or majority - in the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls or in Job's Daughters International, each of whom having attained to at least the age of eighteen (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.
   
What is the age limit?
A woman petitioning to join the Eastern Star must be 18 years old before the petition is presented.
 
What does it cost to join?
Each Chapter regulates its own initiation fees and membership dues. An average petition fee is $30.00 and the average yearly membership fee can be anywhere from $25.00 to $60.00 - depending on which Chapter you join.
  
Is there a lot to memorize?
There is no memorizing needed to join. After joining, some memorization of the ritualistic work in required.
  
How many  nights a week do I have to go out?
Most Chapters meet one night a month.  There are several Chapters in British Columbia and Yukon that meet twice a month. Nearly all Chapter meetings start at 7:30 p.m., and end at around 9:30 p.m. After the meeting is usually a social hour. If you so desire, it is always enjoyable to visit other Chapters in your area.  
Like any other organization, we have social events and conduct fund-raising projects.
   
   
     
THE MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP
   
The members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated women and men who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good. The moral and social purposes of the Order are designed to build character, to promote friendship and harmony among the members, and to practice charity. The Order provides them the opportunity to give a part of their time to the many projects that benefit all mankind.
  
As Eastern Star members, we are proud of our Order's heritage. The Chapter meetings are interesting and important. Thousands of members have contributed their time, energy and wisdom in unselfish service of the Order of the Eastern Star. It is through this fraternal service to humanity that together we build a better life for all.
     
     
   
DOES EASTERN STAR SUPPORT CHARITIES?
We support several charitable projects and bursaries. These are selected by Grand Chapter, the Worthy Grand Matron and by the local Chapters each year. The most time and energy expended is in the making of dressings provided by the Eastern Star Chapters free of charge to all cancer patients who require them, at the request of their doctor. The participation by members in these projects is entirely optional but is greatly appreciated.

       
The Eastern Star also supports our youth groups - Job's Daughters and DeMolay - with time and financial help, as well as our encouragement. 
            
Where does the money come from for these charities?
Money is raised for these charities through individual donations, bazaars, bake-sales, Pub nights, garage sales and many other creative projects. Chapters' participation in these projects, too, is optional but very rewarding.
 
 
 
 

 

 

    

 

  

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