Thank you for your interest in our organization. The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong.
Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other.
While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.
The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, and Fraternal; but there is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using the beautiful and inspiring Biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.
Eastern Star Membership
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
great nieces
mothers-in-law
sisters-in-law
And 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 (3) 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 (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.
To inquire about membership, contact our Wyoming Grand Secretary, Sheralyn Farnham, grchapwyo@bresnan.net and she will have a member in your area contact you as soon as possible! Or if you know a current member, talk with them and they will happily get you a petition. 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 the Order patriotic and democratic?
A. Yes. Members are taught an allegiance to preserve the good of their country.
