Eastern Star

My great-grandmother was in the Eastern Star organization. I don't know too much about it other than the existance of the organization. Where would I find more info about Eastern Star?

One more question, are they a secretive society (i.e. secret rituals, etc. like sororities and fraternities)?

[tinydancer]

Try this:

www.easternstar.org

It has lots of good info.

I am an Eastern Star and I'll be glad to answer any specific questions, if you'll pm me.

[WhiteDaisy128]

I'm not sure as to the level of secrecry. My grandmother was also an Eastern Star and at her funeral, the local chapter came to do a ritual. In this ritual, they explained the meaning behind their colored star symbol. I know for Delta Gamma, the meaning behind our crest is told at initiation...so it might just be an open meaning or just different than what I'm used to.

Thanks ya'll!

[pirate00]

If you know of any Master Masons in your family (doesn't have to be immediate family), you can always ask them to get you a petition for OES membership as well.

[AlphaSigOU]

Originally posted by WhiteDaisy128
I'm not sure as to the level of secrecry. My grandmother was also an Eastern Star and at her funeral, the local chapter came to do a ritual. In this ritual, they explained the meaning behind their colored star symbol. I know for Delta Gamma, the meaning behind our crest is told at initiation...so it might just be an open meaning or just different than what I'm used to.

The funeral service for Eastern Star is public; only the initiation ceremony and modes of recognition are considered secret. The five points and colors of the Star are representative of Biblical heroines:

Adah (blue)
Ruth (yellow)
Esther (white)
Martha (green)
Electa (red)

I currently serve as Associate Patron of Plano Chapter #703, OES in Plano, Texas, while tinydancer is Associate Conductress of South Fort Worth Chapter #835 OES in Fort Worth. Please feel free to ask either of us any questions about Eastern Star.

[NewBee]

I am confused, who is Electa? I have never read of that person in the Bible.

[AlphaSigOU]

Biblical verses in which the five heroines of the Order of the Eastern Star are cited:

Adah - Judges 11:34-35
Ruth - Ruth 2:4-6
Esther - Esther 5:2-3
Martha - John 11:21-26
Electa - 2 John 1:3-6; 1 John 4:7,10-11

Electa is not specifically referred to by name, but as the 'elect lady' who chose to defend the Christian religion instead of trampling on the Cross and renouncing it.

Hope this helps.

[trojangal]

I am also an Eastern Star! My grandfather was a Master Mason and my grandmother is OES. I went in at age 20, but have not moved my membership to a chapter where I live now. I am still based in my home chapter in Florida.

[Glitter650]

I am a lifetime member of Eastern Star ! I honestly am not extremely active member of my chapter... but I hope to someday go up the line and be Matron. My mom and I joined together when I was 18 so it was pretty cool to be initiated with her.

[DSTinguished1]

My Grandmother, was also an Eastern Star. And from her words she said that many Greek Sororities/Fraternities followed after the Eastern Stars and Masons. Not sure how true this is...but thats my .13 cents on it.