Order of the Eastern Star

[Hope]

I have a question to those of you who are members of OES. I have always heard that masonic organizations teach democratic and patriotic principles. I would like to know how can a conscious Black person in American be a member of such organizations. How do you separate our experiences in this country and the order? I'm not trying to be rude, but I would like to know. Thanx in advance.

[This message has been edited by Hope (edited July 21, 2000).]

[Sterling]

Hope,
The majority of the OES principles are spiritual. While it is reasonable to focus on the evils done to our people for over 400 years. It is better to work diligently now that the doors of 'exclusion' have been knocked down. For example, I still enter government buildings even though the flag is flying at full mast out front. Why, because there is a reason for me to enter in. I always vote, even though I know that the candidates have promised one thing and will do another, why, because so many of our people have been maimed, injured or killed to have the right to vote. Are you feeling me???

Salience(my sister),
It is our job as members of the Order to bring the necessary visions to the new Millenium. If we rededicate our chapters to benevolence and community service, we will begin to show others that our 'light' does truly shine. Honestly, there is a new 'face'to the OES, and of course, since the faces are getting younger and younger, we must be 'out' in a positive way. As AC in my chapter also, I empathize with you, for we provide the critical first impressions to a new member.

[This message has been edited by Sterling (edited July 21, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Sterling (edited July 21, 2000).]

How would one go about expressing interest in OES when the only members that you know are "sometimesy" if you will. One minute they are nice and speak and come by your room, the next see you don't speak and if you do they look at you like you dropped off of jupiter or something. I have family that are members but I don't kow them that well and do not feel comfortable talking to them about something like that since I barely know them. Also I heard that if you have a mason in your family that he could sponsor you is that true? please email me at aisha131@hotmail.com

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and like that...she was GONE

[Sterling]

It is true that many members of the Order are rather tightlipped. However, that is a learned behavior from tradition.
One thing you must remember is that OES women are human first. If they are not very outgoing or friendly, the Order is not going to drastically change that. That sentiment has been expressed over and over on this forum as well.( A Delta is a human being and has good days and bad days also.)As with any group that has a formal process for membership, there are times when you really may not feeling like answering interest questions. I'm sorry that you don't feel comfortable discussing your interest with your family members. Oh and yes, a Mason from your family can sponsor you. In many jurisdictions, it is possible to vouch for a 'worthy' woman without being related to her.

[This message has been edited by Sterling (edited July 24, 2000).]

[Salience]

Originally posted by Sterling:
It is true that many members of the Order are rather tightlipped. However, that is a learned behavior from tradition.
One thing you must remember is that OES women are human first. If they are not very outgoing or friendly, the Order is not going to drastically change that. That sentiment has been expressed over and over on this forum as well.
[This message has been edited by Sterling (edited July 24, 2000).]

Hey, Sister!!

You are telling it like it T-I- IZ!! We are human! I used to be secretive about OES, but my sponsor is so "out" she has business cards, and hella websites!! I thought, shoot, I'm an officer now, I'm getting my gear on! LOL

As for membership, REALITY, a call to a relative you haven't spoken to in a while may be the icebreaker that you need. If they're really active, they will be pleased at a younger person's interest.


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@~~^~~~~
The most beautiful thing in the world is, precisely, the conjunction of learning and inspiration.
-- Wanda Landowska

Thanks for the clarification about Mason's. Just one thing though...the problem was not talking about OES to the girls it was just about them acting funny period. I have never mentioned anything about OES to them because of what I said before one minute they are cool and the next they act like they are doing you a favor by even looking at you. I don't even talk to them because of that....Speak or don't speak..either you like me or you don't... don't straddle the fence. Anyway my brother, grandfather, and uncle are all Masons they are not here with me they are back home in Michigan so they couldn't help me here....could they?

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and like that...she was GONE

[Holly1973]

This post was right on time. The informaiton you all have shared has been very helpful. Sterling, I'll be sending you an e-mail shortly. Everyone have a Blessed Day!

[Sterling]

REALITYBLACK,
Sounds like a silly clique(you know how catty women can be)...
It actually does not matter that they don't live near you or even in the same state, they can still be referenced on your petition for membership.

Thank you very much for the information.

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and like that...she was GONE

[Sterling]

No problem.....

"look to the east..."

[mothergoose]

Originally posted by prettygyrl:
HEY, 411 I have been looking for info on The Order Of the Eastern Star, and it does not seem as accesible as info on bglos. I was just wondering would you know of any web pages or books that i could read to find out more about this org. I would really appreciate it.

Hey the best thing is to find someone who is a part of the OES and then go from there. This is a very secretive organization. You juts can't just surf on the internet and find out information.
Mother Goose DST Sp99

[NicoleRey]

Originally posted by Sterling:
No problem.....

"look to the east..."

Eastward looking..............I am sooo excited and I just had to share with everyone. I am being "healed" by a new chapter on August 15, 2000! I have been a member of the Order since February 1998, but I had decided a few months ago to move on to International Affiliation. (I was initiated by Reform Universal Affiliation...Scottish Rite)

I have finally found a chapter into which I fit perfectly! I was voted in last night and will not haveto be re-initiated...but I will take the oath again with the new initiates. I am bubbling with the thought of more service and sisters in my chapter who are in my age group. The sisters in my original chapter were and still are like History books...I love to hear them talk about the Order and I always learn new things from them...They are my Mothers.
But it will be nice to work with sisters who are a little younger. It makes a difference in the commroderie(sp?) of the chapter.
I am just so excited! (I know I've said that already, but it's true!)
And oh my goodness...The chapter is a virtual Pan-Hel!

Okay., I've talked enough.....Thanks for listening.

Yolanda Nicole (Rey)

[Sterling]

NicoleRey:
Great News!

It is so important to find a chapter in which you feel most comfortable. A younger chapter tends to have fresh ideas and a certain 'energy' about them. I like to hear older sisters too. They are sooooo D-E-E-P!
I hope all goes well as you travel.....

[aspiration]

Congratulations NicoleRey !

[carebear]

From Research I have obtained this information which I'm sure will be helpful to all of you from http://www.easternstar.com

Who may join: Only men who are Masons are eligible and only women with specific Masonic affiliation may be members. These affiliations include:

Affiliated Master Masons in good standing,
the wives
daughters
legally adopted daughters
mothers
widows
sisters
half sisters
granddaughters
stepmothers
stepdaughters
stepsisters
daughters-in-law
grandmothers
great granddaughters
nieces
mothers-in-law
sisters-in-law

and daughters of sisters or brothers of affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased were in good standing at the time of their death; each of whom shall have attained to at least the age of eighteen (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.

How to join: To inquire about membership, talk to a current member, or contact a local chapter. To find chapters in your area, contact the Grand Secretary of that state or province. Petitions are carefully read, eligibility investigated and election to membership must be by unanimous vote. The Order strives to select persons of mental, moral and spiritual quality who will work together in harmony to perform its objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Is the Order of the Eastern Star a secret society?
A. 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. Only members are allowed in a closed meeting.

Q. Can I afford membership In the Order of the Eastern Star?
A. Yes. Financial position is not considered in the Order. Members come from all economic stations of life.

Q. Is my religious faith allowed In the Order of the Eastern Star?
A. Yes. Members of all religions may belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. We only require a belief in a Supreme Being.

Q. Is the Order of' the Eastern Star time consuming?
A. After your Initiation into our Order, you may attend as your time permits.

Q. Is there any memory work?
A. 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.

Q. Is the Order patriotic and democratic?
A. Yes. Members are taught an allegiance to preserve the good of their country.