REACH FOR THE STAR

A fraternal organization helping to build a better world, dedicated to family values, philanthropic purposes and love of one another.

WHAT IS IT?

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong.

Eastern Star is a social Order comprised of persons with religious convictions and spiritual values, but 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 among its members. It is the wholesome relationship of brotherly and sisterly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our daily lives, which make us near and dear to each other.

While this is an Order composed of people of spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all Stars and it is considered a privilege to help one whenever we can. It is a social order of members with sincere and purposeful objectives.

Affiliated Master Masons in good standing, the wives, daughters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, widows, sisters, half sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters, stepsisters, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, great-granddaughters, nieces and great-nieces of affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased were in good standing at the time of their death and Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters with proof of membership for three years or certificate of majority membership, each of whom shall have attained the age of 18, are eligible to membership in the Order of Eastern Star.

Those desiring membership must petition to do so. A petition may be obtained from any member of the Eastern Star. Petitions are careful read, eligibility investigated and election to membership must be by unanimous vote.

The heart of the Eastern Star is in the local Chapter. For proper administration, these Chapters join to form a larger Province or State organization, the Grand Chapter. To facilitate uniformity and coordination of effort, these jurisdictions work together under the General Grand Chapter. There are more than 13,00- local chapters with a membership in excess of two million, which serve this Order. The membership encompasses 15 countries, which have active Chapters, In Vermont there are over 50 Chapters with a membership in excess of 4,000.

Dr. Robert Morris, the poet laureate of Masonry, funded this Order in 1855 using 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, to build an Order which is truly dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness.

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 E.S.T.A.R.L. (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership), Cancer Research, Arthritis Fund, Heart Fund, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Shriners’ Hospitals, orphanages, and many other charities within each Grand Jurisdiction.

In Vermont each year, the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron select a special project for their charitable contributions. The Grand Chapter of Vermont, as well as many of the local Chapters sponsor scholarships.

We are fortunate in Vermont to have a substantial Benevolence Fund which donates thousands annually to needy members, nonmembers and other Vermont charities.

Eastern Star gives support to young people who are members of Rainbow for Girls and the Order of DeMolay for Boys, and in some states, Job’s Daughters. These fine young people who are training themselves to be leaders are likely prospects to become valued Eastern Star members. The Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic fraternity are highly rewarded by their support of and interest in these youth organizations.

A. Yes. Financial position is not considered In the Order. Members come from all economic stations of life. 

Q. Is my religious faith allowed in the Order of the Eastern Star? 

A. Members of all religions may belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. We only require a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being. 

Q. Is the Order of the Eastern Star time consuming? 

A. After your Initiation Into our Order, you may attend as your time permits. 

Q. Is there any memory work? 

A. There is no mandatory memory work except the means of making yourself known if you wish to visit a Chapter or if you become and office. 

Q. Is the Order patriotic and democratic? 

A. Yes. Members are taught an allegiance to preserve the good order of their country. 

MEANING OF MEMBERSHIP 

As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, you will join dedicated men and women who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together on the many projects that benefit mankind throughout the world.

The Eastern Star Chapters meet in at least ten times a year and their meetings are interesting and important. Activities of the chapters are fun! We have social hours, fund raising events, participate in local parades and town functions. Every year we enjoy fun trips out of state and in August, we have a camp out and picnic celebrating the founder of our Order. We have our state conference in June. By all this, we constantly meet new people

We are proud of our Order’s heritage. Thousands of our members have contributed their time, energy and wisdom in unselfish service to our Order and for the good of the world. It is through this fraternal service to humanity that together we build a better life for all.

For more information please contact:Jerri Riegler