General

On the outskirts of Lubbock in Woodrow, Texas, a dream of many Eastern Star members is coming to life! For the members of the Order of the Eastern Star, this isn’t just another construction project – it’s the culmination of years of dedication, fundraising, and a shared vision for a community building that will serve as a hub for fellowship, support, and service. We are ready to construct and build our home away from home.

This is a big construction project that requires an experienced demolition and excavation contractor. After careful consideration and a competitive bidding process receiving quotes from multiple excavating companies, we decided to go with Lubbock Demolition Pros due to many reasons including (a) their extensive experience with selective interior demolition, (b) their state of the art demolition equipment and heavy-duty machinery including excavators, backhoes, and skid steer loaders, (c) their reasonable price provided after an on-site consultation, and  (d) their deep understanding of our demolition and excavation project needs to kickoff the redevelopment of the existing construction site. The owner also had a deep understanding of the importance the community center means to us, as he is a man of faith as well. Full construction timeline is expected to take 1.5 years to build the community building of our collective dreams.

“We were impressed not only by Lubbock Demolition Pros professionalism but also by the team’s genuine enthusiasm for our project,” shared a member of the Order.  “It was clear that they understood the significance of this building to our community.” Jasper Bryan, the owner of Lubbock Demolition Pros, expressed his own enthusiasm for the project.  “While not a member of the Masonic community, I am very deeply entrenched in my church and know firsthand the importance of having a safe space for community gatherings and how impactful it is to have a trusted place to raise our next generation,” Bryan explained, “I’m particularly proud to be involved in this endeavor. The Eastern Star’s commitment to charity and community service aligns perfectly with our team’s own values, and we’re honored to play a role in making their vision a reality.”

We’ve already obtained all the necessary city and county permits for building, demolition and redevelopment. Now, with construction underway, the excitement is palpable. The initial phase is site preparation and excavation. For the excavation, the team will be digging many feet into the ground. The construction timeline is carefully planned, with each phase meticulously managed.  The initial site work, handled expertly by Lubbock Demolition Pros, is expected to be completed within the next few weeks, weather permitting. As demolition and excavation experts, we’re leaning on their teams expertise to guide us. From there, the foundation will be laid, followed by the framing, roofing, and interior finish work. The entire project is anticipated to be completed within the next year and a half. It’s crucial to stay on track for an opening in time to host the broader Masonic community for a grand opening scheduled in two summers.

Here in Lubbock, the members have poured their hearts and souls into a project that will leave a lasting impact on their community. The journey to this point has been one of perseverance and collaboration. Raising the necessary funds for a project of this scale requires significant effort, and the Eastern Star members have demonstrated unwavering commitment.  From bake sales and raffles to larger fundraising events like social dances and car washing events, their tireless efforts have made this dream a reality.

What will this new community building mean for the Order of the Eastern Star and the wider Lubbock community?  The possibilities are vast. The space will serve as a central meeting place for the Order’s bi-monthly meetings, fostering fellowship and strengthening the bonds between members. It will also provide a venue for their charitable activities, allowing them to host fundraising events, workshops, and community outreach programs. Imagine the possibilities, we can host educational seminars for local residents, support groups for those in need, and perhaps even a space for youth organizations to meet. The building will be more than just bricks and mortar – it will be a hub of activity, a place where people can come together to learn, connect, and support one another.

The members of the Eastern Star are brimming with anticipation. Stay tuned as we continue to post construction updates.

The Order of the Eastern Star, a fraternal organization for men and women, traces its roots to the mid-19th century and Dr. Rob Morris, a Freemason and Poet Laureate of Masonry. Morris sought to extend the principles of Masonry to women, collaborating with his wife, Charlotte, to develop the foundation for the Order.

While some believe the concept of “female Masonry” or “Androgynous Degrees” may have originated in France as early as 1703, with the development of “side degrees” for women, these early forms lacked lasting impact. Morris felt that Masonry should be a family affair, but the ancient Masonic order excluded women. Unable to alter these established rules, he aimed to create a parallel structure that would offer women similar inspiration to that which motivated Masons.

The Order’s foundation draws upon inspiring Biblical figures and moral values, emphasizing Charity, Truth, and Loving Kindness. Members strive to embody these principles in their personal lives and community service.

The Order’s history is typically divided into three eras. The first, from 1850 to 1866, was under Dr. Morris’s leadership. During this time, he selected the Biblical heroines who would represent the Order’s values and, while recovering from an accident in 1850, he formalized the degrees, symbolism, floor plan, officer roles, signs, passes, colors, emblems, and core principles. These fundamental elements have remained largely consistent throughout the Order’s existence. Initially, these “mysteries” were shared openly with Master Masons and their families, with Morris and other Masons lecturing and conferring degrees. His work, “The Rosary of the Eastern Star,” served as the first ceremony book.

The second era (1866-1876) saw Robert Macoy assume leadership. He collaborated with Morris and, using the “Rosary” as a basis, published a ritual in 1867 and 1868. This marked the beginning of organized Eastern Star Chapters, both in the United States and internationally. The first Grand Chapter was established in Michigan in 1867.

The third era began in 1876 with the establishment of the General Grand Chapter, which continues to this day. While the Order has evolved, its core tenets, ceremonies, and principles have remained remarkably consistent. Today, the Order of the Eastern Star is a thriving global fraternal organization dedicated to charitable service and making a positive impact on communities worldwide.

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.