What It Is: The Order of the Eastern
Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which
both women and men may belong. Worldwide, there are
approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter
Eastern Star is a social order comprised of
persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. Its
appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and
character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in
its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its
members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and
brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified
in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other.
While this is an Order composed of people of
deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no
faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of
those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to
help another member whenever we can.
Purposes: The stated purposes of the
organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and
Scientific; but there is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob
Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using
the beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples of heroic conduct
and moral values. These portray the noble principles which
should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members.
Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting
and elevating associations of love and service, and through
precept and example build an Order which is truly dedicated to
charity, truth and loving kindness.
Projects: Concrete evidence of the
charitable nature of the organization as it affects others is
the millions of dollars which have been raised within the
membership to support national, jurisdictional, and local
charities. Many Grand Jurisdictions have homes for their senior
members.
Information credited from
http://www.easternstar.org/aboutoes.htm