Order of the Eastern Star

[PrinceHall]

I hail from:
Eureka Lodge #16 F&AM-PHA
Flint,MI
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan/Jurisdiciton


I've seen some real interesting comments in this intresting thread.
for aspirants of the Order of Eastern Star: for every OES chapter and grand chapter of each state/jurisdiction,there's a lodge and grand lodge for each one..well...there's suppose to be. No OES grand or local chapter can "work" or conduct business without being under a properly chartered lodge or Grand Lodge;Eastern Stars can't conduct meetings or anything w/o a mason(s) present. The OES is actually a unisex group,because men that are masons in good standing can be apart of the OES;they just have to take their degrees as well. You must be 18 to join,you must have a "bloodline",and fit other qualifications of getting voted in. Like someone mentioned on here before,there are some state/jurisdictions that have what we call an "open bloodline" session(i.e. Georgia has an "open bloodline" session two months out of the year);some states/jurisdictions have "open bloodline" period now (i.e. Texas..from what I was told).



Eventhough Masonry is bigger than affiliation(dont just look at it affiliation wise),there are three types of masonry in the U.S.,you have:
Predominately white 'Mainstream' Masons (F&AM/AF&AM) and OES,Prince Hall Affiliation Masons (F&AM) and OES,and Prince Hall Origin-National Compact (F&AAYM) and OES. P.H.O. is still working on being officially recognized from what I was told...I only know little bit about them. 'Mainstream' (or predominately white)Masonry was brought to the U.S. in the early 1700's,under the authority of the United Grand Lodge of England. Prince Hall (or Predominately black) Masonry was established in the U.S. in Boston,MS in 1775 and chartered in 1784. The first lodge for African-Americans is African lodge #459 a year after Prince Hall and fourteen other black men (the "immortal 15") were raised in a white military lodge in boston named Irish Lodge #441...you go read the rest. And find research the history of OES...when it was establised,why,etc..


ALL of the properly chartered,"regular", and/or recognized Grand and Local Lodges/OES chapters of the U.S. work under the United Grand Lodge of England. but all in all, do more research on the order;find out who Prince Hall was why/when Prince Hall Masonry was establised in the U.S....everything. Don't just go to any ol' lodge or OES chapter,because you might "come up short"...don't think that everything you see is real.


And with Masonry being the biggest Fraternity in the world,there's Masons and Eastern stars in other countries;They have their own Grand and Local lodges as well.

OES is also known to be "the Mother of ALL"...
Which founders from AKA,DST,ZPB,and SGR where members of the OES before they found those 4 beautiful BGLO's? I don't know...I'm still trying to find info on that.

I'm through for now...

[whiteandblack]

hey PrinceHall! there you go, bringing that knowledge...

[icebrAKA]

PrinceHall----You said it!! Do your research!!! Prince Hall couldn't have said it better. You have to find a chapter that fits YOU! You may not find the answers that you're looking for, but we believe in the phrase "2 B 1 Ask 1"! Please note: If we can't answer some questions asked then don't take it personal. Do searches for the different affiliations.

Through the research of other Stars and or Sorors, I was informed that Ethel Hedgeman Lyle was a member. But that's what I was told and some of those things weren't documented. I heard of other founders of other orgs, but I don't know for sure and don't want to step on any toes.

[IOTA-4A'88F]

Applauds to PrinceHall for the great information and proper instruction to seek Light.

[PrinceHall]

TECHNICALLY,there's no such thing as different affiliations with Masonry when it comes to the U.S. There are only two legit/properly-chartered U.S. Masonic Affiliations and they are 'Mainstream'(or predominately white) and Prince Hall Affiliation(or Origin);Prince Hall Masonry is the predominately black group of Masons that was establised in the late 1700's(I'll let y'all go do research). But anything else here in the U.S. that is not of those groups(PH or 'Mainstream'),then they are....just go to http://www.bogusmasonry.org or http://www.masonicinfo.com/morephonies.htm

....it'll explain alot...

oh yes,there's fake so called "Masons" and "Eastern Stars" around you....I consider what they're in a renegade...

[whiteandblack]

PrinceHall,

what do you do in your lodge as far as volunteer work?

[PrinceHall]

Originally Posted by whiteandblack

PrinceHall,

what do you do in your lodge as far as volunteer work?

as of now,nothing.Annually,our (my lodge and the OES chapter under my lodge) big season as far as volunteer work is around the fall and winter time. We keep the fundraisers going all year-aound.Me personally, I haven't been doing any volunteer work with the lodge right now(this summer),because of my internship with the county and my regular job,but you'll always see me at the business and work meetings,except when I'm in school,and you'll STILL see me at a meeting or two because of spring break,holiday break and fall break,plus I stay in my books.See,I was initiated at a lodge in my Hometown (flint,MI) but I go to school in Nashville,TN. at Tennessee State Univ.;I fellowship with the bruhs down in nashville as other bruhs that go to TSU that's from another jurisdiction,that about it for now. I'm going to start "working" with the lodges in Nashville while I'm still in school.

[beverysure]

Originally Posted by hellomoto

I recently found out that my grandfather was a mason. I have read basic info about masonry like the history and different affiliations. But I don't personally know anyone who is an Eastern Star, or a mason for that matter. My question is, how would I begin to pursue this?

My grandfather was a prince hall mason. Do your research because masonry is a hot mess. It is the most segragated society on the planet.
Black masons look down own so called bogus masons and many white masons look down on prince hall mason as bogus. Crazy

Check these sites out before you start giving up that cash and signing your life away.

www.ephesians5-11.org www.fish4masons.org

[PrinceHall]

Originally Posted by beverysure

My grandfather was a prince hall mason. Do your research because masonry is a hot mess. It is the most segragated society on the planet.
Black masons look down own so called bogus masons and many white masons look down on prince hall mason as bogus. Crazy

Check these sites out before you start giving up that cash and signing your life away.

www.ephesians5-11.org www.fish4masons.org

To ALL non-masons and aspirants,

Don't pay attention to people who make statements like this^^ when it comes to Masonry;besides,I know who the person is that made the post I am replying to. YES, do your research. Please know that ALL organizations get stereotyped,talked about,etc..,especially the biggest organizations out here(e.g. Masonry). Masonry is the biggest influence on ALL Greek-Lettered Fraternities and sororities; And in particular with predominately black Masonry here in the U.S. (known as Prince Hall Masons and OES,etc.) is why the B.G.L.O.'s exsist today. YES,there are fake,"bogus" people out here that CLAIM to be Masons and OES...particularly in the Black community...all of them were started by expelled Prince Hall Masons(go research on this as well).White masons in the south( more than half of them) dont recognize any black mason (whether fake or legit)because of racism,but things are changing and getting better and technically,PRince Hall Masons and OES is recognized as "regular" and legit all over the world(we do have lodges and other houses in other countries and on military bases);what matters is...are you a 'mainstream'(white) or Prince Hall Mason or OES. YES, you have to pay dues if you become a member...JUST LIKE ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION (i.e. church,synagouge,mousk,boy scouts,girls scouts,etc..). And last but not least...you're NOT signing your life way...lol.Oh,and Masonry is NOT a relgion..


...that's why it's important to do research and speak with a Mason or Eastern Star in general.

[PHA_luv]

Originally Posted by PrinceHall

To ALL non-masons and aspirants,

Don't pay attention to people who make statements like this^^ when it comes to Masonry;besides,I know who the person is that made the post I am replying to. YES, do your research. Please know that ALL organizations get stereotyped,talked about,etc..,especially the biggest organizations out here(e.g. Masonry). Masonry is the biggest influence on ALL Greek-Lettered Fraternities and sororities; And in particular with predominately black Masonry here in the U.S. (known as Prince Hall Masons and OES,etc.) is why the B.G.L.O.'s exsist today. YES,there are fake,"bogus" people out here that CLAIM to be Masons and OES...particularly in the Black community...all of them were started by expelled Prince Hall Masons(go research on this as well).White masons in the south( more than half of them) dont recognize any black mason (whether fake or legit)because of racism,but things are changing and getting better and technically,PRince Hall Masons and OES is recognized as "regular" and legit all over the world(we do have lodges and other houses in other countries and on military bases);what matters is...are you a 'mainstream'(white) or Prince Hall Mason or OES. YES, you have to pay dues if you become a member...JUST LIKE ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION (i.e. church,synagouge,mousk,boy scouts,girls scouts,etc..). And last but not least...you're NOT signing your life way...lol.Oh,and Masonry is NOT a relgion..


...that's why it's important to do research and speak with a Mason or Eastern Star in general.

Great way to address this comment. I would like to add that with any organization there are certain cultural issues such as race that is changing in this nation, yes it is a slow some times painfully change, but these changes have been filtering down into all of our organizations.

In the chapter that I was initiated into, which is Prince Hall Affiliated (predominantly black), I had a white sister that I love dearly that was initiated with me as well as a mixed (mexican/black) sister, and a mexican sister that I was initiated with as well.

Also in the MD jurisdiction the predominantly black Prince Hall Masons and the Predominantly white Masons had it formally passed that they will recognize each other and have co-sponosored events where they bring in new masons, black and white, together in a joint effort to formally show that it's about the organization and the things we do for our communities as a whole, not about our race.

I think some of the main points that should be looked at here for any organization is to do your research, as to get as much of a good idea as possible about what you are getting your self into. Make sure that you are still putting your organization in the correct place on your life's priority list. Your higher source of spiritual guidence, your family, your career, etc. Don't neglect your life's responsibilities. Be a positive force in your organization. Ever heard of the saying "If you're not on the way, then you're in the way." -Unknown? Don't be in the way of the positive progress of your organization.

[beverysure]

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

[beverysure]

WHAT IS THE UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAN AND THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD ? AND HOW DOSE JESUS CHRIST THE ONLY WAY TO GOD FIT IN OR DOSE HE FIT IN TO THAT CONCEPT


http://www.fish4masons.org/issues/pd...FJ_fogbom.PDF?

[PrinceHall]

Originally Posted by PHA_luv

Great way to address this comment. I would like to add that with any organization there are certain cultural issues such as race that is changing in this nation, yes it is a slow some times painfully change, but these changes have been filtering down into all of our organizations.

In the chapter that I was initiated into, which is Prince Hall Affiliated (predominantly black), I had a white sister that I love dearly that was initiated with me as well as a mixed (mexican/black) sister, and a mexican sister that I was initiated with as well.

Also in the MD jurisdiction the predominantly black Prince Hall Masons and the Predominantly white Masons had it formally passed that they will recognize each other and have co-sponosored events where they bring in new masons, black and white, together in a joint effort to formally show that it's about the organization and the things we do for our communities as a whole, not about our race.

I think some of the main points that should be looked at here for any organization is to do your research, as to get as much of a good idea as possible about what you are getting your self into. Make sure that you are still putting your organization in the correct place on your life's priority list. Your higher source of spiritual guidence, your family, your career, etc. Don't neglect your life's responsibilities. Be a positive force in your organization. Ever heard of the saying "If you're not on the way, then you're in the way." -Unknown? Don't be in the way of the positive progress of your organization.

VERY well said, sis.

YES, everywhere except 10 states in the south recognizes Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars; Racism from the white bruhs down there insn't the main issue that much anymore. See,recognition works both ways meaning that the Prince Hall(predominately black) Masons have to recognize the 'Mainstream' (Predominately white) Masons and vise versa. For instance, in Tennessee and Alabama the White Bruhs actually requested recognition from the Prince Hall bruhs in those two states,but the Prince Hall bruhs turned THEM down...they basically said "we aight." So when you think about it,the black bruhs down there are racists as well....not all of them,and not all of the white bruhs are like that just quite a few too many are. But like I stated before,things are changing in a positive way,so...


P.S., that "Beverysure" guy be on alot of other greek/masonic websites false prophetizing as well,so don't pay any attnetion to him...we're all adults,so therefore do your research and make your own decisions...you will never know unless you go through...guessing and coming up with lies will only make you miserable...

[beverysure]

If you want the truth dont listen to these guys because they are bound to COCEAL THE REAL. www.fish4masons.org Now these ex masons will tell the truth they are bound by the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED

DID THE WORD OF GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH?

[PrinceHall]

Originally Posted by beverysure

If you want the truth dont listen to these guys because they are bound to COCEAL THE REAL. www.fish4masons.org Now these ex masons will tell the truth they are bound by the BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. WHO THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED

DID THE WORD OF GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH?

so since you're listening to some "ex-masons",you think you know it all now,huh?I have heard ex-Omegas,ex-AKA;s,etc.,talk bad about their "ex-organization," but I never look at the organization different.I hear about certain chapter's of XYZ frat when it comes to hazing,but I dont look at the organization as a whole in a bad way.People have left the fraternal order of Masonry as well as Greek-Lettered organizations and organizations in general(i.e. church),because they saw reason to do so whether it made sense to leave or not. People leave organizations for the typical reasons you hear all the time(and really,it's not an epidemic);because they been through a few bad experiences,or just because someone stopped them from doing what they wanted to do in the org.,or because that organization was just not for them,etc...I can go on and on. when it all boils down to it,people make the choice to do what they want to do;nobody can control that but that person....even GOD leaves it up to us to make choices whether right or wrong,but he will ALWAYS show us the right way and he will always speak to us;never leave or forsake us,period. ALL GLO's and Masons/Eastern Stars are taught to NEVER put the organization before GOD,family and other important priorities like your job,school,etc. Greek-Lettered organizations and Masonry are all christian-based organizations;none of them are a religion! In order to be a mason you have to be a believer in GOD;I can't speak for the Greeks on that,but with Masonry,yes....and they check that type of stuff. Most of the masons and eastern stars that I've met are christian's...strong believer's in GOD and christ jesus;Muslims and Jewish can join the Order as well,because they are believers as well.So I speak again,Masonry is NOT a religion,but has alot of religious character in it. Masonry is all through the Holy Bible,because it is symbolic of the Holy bible.See why it is important to do your research,and never dwell off of someone's comments?