History:  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.

What It Is:  The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong.  Worldwide, there are over 500,000 members under the General Grand Chapter. Members of the Order of the Eastern Star are aged 18 and older.  Men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships with Masons. Originally a woman have to be the daughter, widow, wife, sister or mother of a master Mason, but the Order now allows other relatives as well as allowing Job's Daughters and Rainbow Girls to become members when of age.

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. 

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.