Reprinted from Eastern Star publications
WHAT IS EASTERN STAR?
The Order of Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong.
Where it started
. The organization was created in the United States in 1850 by Dr. Rob Morris, Past Grand Master of he Grand Lodge of Kentuckyb (1858-59) and "Poet Laureate of Freemasonry" Dr. Morris felt that all the good in Masonry should not be confined to men. Along with his wife, Charlotte, he developed the Order, based on selected iblical women who demonstrated heroic and moral integrity.
The Order of eastern Star continues todaywith more than 650,000 members.
Who May Join? The Order of Eastern Star is open to both men and women. As in Masonry, prospective members submit a petition tom the Eastern Star chapter that they wish to join. Male petitioners must be Masons who are in good standing with their lodge.
Females must be 18 years of age or older, and related to Masons in good standing. If the Masonic relative is deceased, he must have been in good standing at the time of his death. Approved Masonic relationships include:
Wives
Daughters
Legally adopted daughters
Mothers
Widows
Sisters
Half sisters
Granddaughters
Stepmothers
Stepdaughters
Stepsisters
Daughters-in-law
Grandmothers
Great Granddaughters
Nieces
Great Nieces
Mothers-in-law
Sisters-in-law
Aunts
First and second cousins
In addition, women who were/are active members of the International Order of Jobs Daughters or the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls may petition for membership. These petitioners must be at least 18 years of age and must have been active in their youth group for at least three (3) years or have reached "majority".