Who we are...


The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong.  Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter.


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 make us near and dear to each other.


The Order is proud and happy to sponsor and support the youth through the Rainbow for Girls, Job’s Daughters, and the Order of DeMolay for young men.


Concrete evidence of the charitable nature of the organization as it affects others is the millions of dollars which have been raised within the membership to support our philanthropic projects; Oregon raised almost a quarter of a million dollars in 2005 – 2006 for our projects – Cancer Research, Heart Fund, ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Training), Home Endowment, etc.


Brief History


The Order was created by Rob Morris in 1850 when, while confined by illness, he set down the principles of the order in his Rosary of the Eastern Star. By 1855, he had organized a "Supreme Constellation" in New York, which chartered chapters throughout the United States.

In 1866, Dr. Morris started working with Robert Macoy, and handed the Order over to him while Morris was traveling in the Holy Land. Macoy organized the current system of Chapters, and modified Dr. Morris' Rosary into a Ritual.

On December 1, 1874, Queen Esther Chapter No. 1 became the first Prince Hall Affiliate chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star when it was established in Washington, D.C. by Thornton Andrew Jackson.

The "General Grand Chapter" was formed in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 6, 1876. Committees formed at that time created the Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star in more or less its current form.

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