We are one of the largest fraternal organizations that both men and women can belong. Dr. Robert Morris, the poet laureate of Masonry, founded this Order 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 build an environment for our members and our Order which is truly dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving Kindness by uplifting each other and through service in our communities. The Order of the Eastern Star was founded by Dr. Rob Morris in the late 1800’s. As a Master Mason, Dr. Morris had the idea that it would be nice to have a way for female relatives of Master Masons to share the benefits of knowledge and self-improvement that Freemasonry made available to men and to have a place in the Masonic Family that would allow men and women to participate together. In 1850, Dr. Morris selected the Biblical heroines and the lessons and values of the Order. The first ceremony book for the Order was compiled and published under the title of “The Rosary of the Eastern Star.”
In 1866, Dr. Morris became associated with Mr. Robert Macoy, who took over the planning and organization of the Order of the Eastern Star. In 1867 and 1868, Mr. Macoy compiled and published a Ritual, using Dr. Morris’ Rosary as a guide. This was the beginning of the organization of Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star in the United States as well as internationally. He immediately attempted to make the work more systematic and succeeded in adapting it to organized Chapters in such a way as to assure their success. The first Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized in Michigan in 1867. The first chapter in Arizona, Golden Rule #1 in Prescott, was founded by Morris Goldwater and chartered in 1882. In 1900, the first eight chapters in Arizona came together to form the Grand Chapter of Arizona. Currently, there are 35 Chapter in the state of Arizona.
