The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic-related fraternity of women and men dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness. Although not a part of the Masonic fraternity, membership is based on a Masonic affiliation or relationship, a belief in God, and a desire to acquire additional knowledge and for self improvement. The degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star teach lessons of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith and love. These degrees are presented in a beautiful ritualistic ceremony designed to not only teach the lessons, but also to provide insight for future study and understanding. Local Eastern Star Chapters select their own charities and places of service in their own communities. Some statewide projects include scholarships for students, other general scholarships for youth, and supporting a home for aged members. Each year special charities are selected for that year's emphasis and might include volunteer programs in elementary schools or volunteers in literacy programs and specific community outreach. Being a member is a wonderful and a fulfilling way of life. Please ask an Eastern Star to tell you more about it! The Order of the Eastern Star was conceived, written and taught by a Master Mason to provide a place where both men and women could work and serve side by side. It is now the largest Fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women belong. Master Masons in good standing, the wives, mothers, daughters, legally adopted daughters, widows, sisters, half-sisters, step daughters and step-sisters of Master Masons in good standing at the time of death are eligible for membership. The fraternal order is comprised of people with deep religious convictions and spiritual values open to all faiths except no faith. The lessons of the Order are spiritual and teach to have a deep love for God, country and family. The Order of the Eastern Star is benevolent and charitable in its actions, raising millions of dollars annually, throughout the world for projects that benefit all human kind. The membership is admonished to aid, comfort and protect each other by sharing the joys and sorrows of life. The rewards are many as members work and play together in love and charity and become life long friends, sisters and brothers. The Order is governed by a set of rules and regulations from Eureka Grand Chapter, and by a set of by-laws of each subordinate chapter. To be a member of the Order is a wonderful and fulfilling way of life, a life of love, and through this fraternal service to humanity, a better life is built for all. Those who desire membership must petition to do so. The petitions are carefully investigated for eligibility then the petition is voted on by the members of the Chapter receiving the petition. The order wants persons with high moral and spiritual qualities who will work together to perform its objectives.
