Joining the Order of the Eastern Star
Who is eligible to join:
Only men who are Affiliated Master Masons in good standing and women with specific Masonic affiliation (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)
Also, daughters of sisters or brothers of affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased in good standing at the time of their death; as well as members – either active for three years or majority – of the International Order of Job’s Daughters or of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, each of whom having attained at least the age of eighteen 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 the Worthy Matron or Secretary of the chapter in your area. Petitions are carefully read, eligibility investigated and election to membership must be by a vote of the Chapter. 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.
Q. Do you offer scholarships?
A. Yes. ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership) is a scholarship fund for those who are going to school for the purpose of religious training. Each chapter administers their own ESTARL program. Those wishing to apply for an ESTARL Scholarship should contact the Secretary of the chapter for information about applying for the ESTARL scholarship. Golden Heart #6 awards a scholarship, Marie Kavorkian Trust Scholarship, to deserving undergraduate students in at least their second year of study in any medical related field. Matanuska Valley #14 and the Past Matrons and Past Patrons Club together award an $1000 scholarship to a local graduating high school senior. Denali #16 awards a $500 scholarship to graduating high school senior who are members of Masonic Youth Organizations or first generation children of Masonic Order members.