| What It Is: The
Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the
world to which both men and women 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 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.
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