What is the Order of the Eastern Star?

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 one million members.

The Order of the 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 with 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.

What is the purpose of the Order of the Eastern Star?

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 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 examples, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

Is the Order of the Eastern Star a secret society?

No. Secret societies are underground and hard to find. We are easily found within the community, but we enjoy a distinctive means of identifying each other. What we teach is not a secret, but how we teach it is.

Who is eligible to join the Order of the Eastern Star?

Men must be Master Masons in good standing and at least 21 years of age to affiliate with a chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Women at least 18 years of age, with specific Masonic affiliation, may be members. These affiliations include the following relationships to Master Masons in good standing, or to men who were Master Masons in good standing at the time of their death:

• Wives
• Widows
• Mothers
• Daughters (Biological and Legally Adopted) 
• Sisters
• Granddaughters
• Grandmothers

In addition, women who are active members of the Order of the Eastern Star may also become members of the following concordant bodies in our jurisdiction:

Rosetta Hudgins Grand Court, Heroines of Jericho; Bernice H. Stevens Grand Court, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection; Rosa B. Wilson Grand Guild, Heroines of the Templars Crusade; Sir. Michael E. Steele No. 2, Princess York Cross of Honour; R. T. Butler Council of Assemblies, and the Order of the Golden Circle.

Can I afford membership in the Order of the Eastern Star?

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

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

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

Is the Order of the Eastern Star time consuming?

After your initiation into our Order, you may attend as your time permits.

Is there any memory work?

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

How do I join?

To inquire about membership, talk to a current member or preferably the Honored Grand Secretary of Excelsior Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Tennessee Jurisdiction, Prince Hall Affiliation, at the following email hgs@tnoespha.org.