-
Posted by Sister Andreya Allen
January 22, 2013 -
#Order of the Eastern Star
#Freemasonry
#fraternal organizations
Greetings! I am extending to you this special invitation to join the Order of the Eastern Star, and become a founding member in forming a new Chapter in San Francisco, CA. My name is Sister Andreya Allen and I am a twenty-four year member of Queen Adah Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Inc. adopted by the Most Worshipful Sons of Light Grand Lodge, AF&AM, Jurisdiction of California and Oregon, founded in 1943.
A “Meet and Greet” meeting will take place sometime in mid-February or early March 2013, to answer questions about the Order and to begin the organizational groundwork for building our new Chapter. Please RSVP your interest and when a sufficient number of ladies have responded, the meeting date, time and place will be announced. You’re welcome to contact me (415) 580-7545; email: amallen45@gmail.com. The following is a brief introduction about the Order. I look forward to hearing from and working with you very soon. Wishing you Peace and Blessings!
WHAT IS THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR?
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization of men and women committed to providing an environment of friendship and fellowship, by implementing innovative ideas, facilitating positive change and planning for the future, while working cohesively with our Masonic Family. Dr. Rob Morris established the Order of the Eastern Star in 1850. A lawyer and educator by trade, Morris had been an official within the Freemasons and believed women had the right to participate and be awarded for community service. The Order of the Eastern Star is the adoptive order of Freemasonry. The organization was created so that women could partake of the degrees. Both men and women dedicated to charity and kindness can join the Order of the Eastern Star.
It is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith, just a belief in a Supreme Being. 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. 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.
The emblem of the Eastern Star is a five-point star representing five strong women in the Bible. The white ray of the star points downward or to the west. The principles of the Order are fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith and love. 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. The Order of the 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.
Members of the Order believe that everyone has an inner drive to enact positive change in the lives of others, but not everyone knows where to begin. The Order seeks to organize this desire and provide it an outlet. The Order is also a place to serve other members, acting as a living resource and support system.
The only requirement for joining and becoming a full member is that the candidate for membership believes in a Supreme Being; therefore, any religious affiliation is acceptable. Only men who are already Master Masons can join the Eastern Star order and become full members. Only women with some kind of Masonic association and/or by invitation from an Eastern Star member may become full members. Masonic association means wives, daughters, stepdaughters, aunts, nieces and granddaughters of a Master Mason, over the age of 18 years.
-
