About Us
Who We Are
The Order of the Eastern Star, while a separate organization, is part of the Family of Freemasonry. We are the largest fraternal Order in the family of Freemasonry that admits both men and women to membership.
Each member of the Order commits themselves to self-improvement and to trying to live by the virtues of our Order, which are
The Order of the Eastern Star, while a separate organization, is part of the Family of Freemasonry. We are the largest fraternal Order in the family of Freemasonry that admits both men and women to membership.
Each member of the Order commits themselves to self-improvement and to trying to live by the virtues of our Order, which are illustrated and explained to each new member at the time of his or her initiation through the stories of our five Biblical heroines.
Because we are part of the Family of Freemasonry, the Order does have certain membership requirements. Men wishing to join the Order must be affiliated Master Masons in good standing. Women wishing to join must be:
1. Related to a Master Mason ,
2. Be a majority member of Job's Daughters International or the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls , OR
3. Be sponsored by two Masons.
In addition, we require that each candidate believe in a positive Supreme Being (regardless of religion), be at least 18 years old and a resident of California, adhere to the laws of our Country, and not have been convicted of a felony. If you are interested in joining us, please click the Find Out More box on the right side of our Home Page.
Our Values
Members of the Order of the Eastern Star strive to live our lives by the enduring beliefs of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, along with certain core values:
Friendship: We are the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men can belong. With Chapters in almost all 50 states and in 27 countries around the w
Members of the Order of the Eastern Star strive to live our lives by the enduring beliefs of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, along with certain core values:
Friendship: We are the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men can belong. With Chapters in almost all 50 states and in 27 countries around the world, members can go anywhere and know that they can find friends and a helpful hand when they’re in need.
Community Service: We encourage our members not only to help one another, but also to reach out to their communities. Members are active in many community-based projects for those requiring assistance.
Diversity: The members of our Order reflect the social, cultural, educational, ethnic, and religious diversity of the community around them. We value each other’s strengths and opinions.
Charity: As an organization, we raise funds to aid our members in need and to make a difference in our communities with research funds and scholarships for students regardless of age or membership status, as well as other charities. We fund and operate a Senior Living Community for our older members who belong to California Chapters. And we were the first statewide non-profit sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Patriotism: We encourage our members to value their citizenship and to honor the Flag of their country. We support our servicemen and women overseas through our We Care program, sending packages to our troops overseas to lighten the burden of their deployment.
Vision Statement
Vision Statement
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization of men and women committed to providing an environment of friendship and fellowship, regardless of age, by implementing innovative ideas, facilitating positive change and planning for the future, while working cohesively with our Masonic Family.
Our Goals
Mutual Respect: To demon
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization of men and women committed to providing an environment of friendship and fellowship, regardless of age, by implementing innovative ideas, facilitating positive change and planning for the future, while working cohesively with our Masonic Family.
Our Goals
Mutual Respect: To demonstrate mutual respect for each other, while recognizing the strengths and diversities of our members.
Service: To make the name of Eastern Star synonymous with service to our communities and service and assistance to our members.
Membership: To engage and revitalize our existing membership and appeal to prospective members through creative programs and activities.sion of your organization.
Our Beginnings
Our Beginnings
Vision Statement
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 t
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.
Dr. Morris and his wife Charlotte worked on this idea of a Masonic fraternal Order for Master Masons and their female relatives for many years. In 1850, Dr. Morris selected the Biblical heroines and the lessons and values of the Order. He established the signs and passes, colors and emblems of the Order and defined the fundamental principles which have remained unchanged throughout the years. 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 Grand Chapter of California was organized in 1868 and celebrated 125 years of the Order in California in 1993. We will celebrate 150 years of the Order in California in 2018.
Our Grand Chapter began having annual sessions in 1873. At the time of the launching of this web site in 2013, the Order was preparing for the 140th Session of the Grand Chapter of California.
Who Else?
Our Beginnings
Who Else?
Other groups that meet at Old West Masonic Center
- Old West Lodge #813 (link)
- ??? Prince Hall Lodge #? (link)
- Cinema Grotto (link)
- Bethel #249, Job's Daughter International (cajdi.org)
- Old West Chapter, DeMolay International (scjdemolay.org)
Dues
Our Beginnings
Who Else?
Annual Dues are $50, plus the variable Grand Chapter Per Capita each year.
Initiation Fee is $35, plus $15 assessment for the Eastern Star Home Endowment Fund, plus $5 International Temple Fund. (Total $55)
Affiliation fee is $17.50, plus $15 assessment for the Eastern Star Home Endowment Fund for out of state affiliates. (Total $32.50)