The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. Only men who are Masons are eligible, and only women with specific Masonic affiliation may be members. Those desiring membership must petition to do so. Petitions are carefully read, eligibility investigated, and election to membership must be by unanimous vote. The Order strives to selects people who will work together in harmony to perform its objectives.

The Eastern Star is a way of life. It is a social Order comprised of persons with spiritual convictions and values. However, it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and characterbuilding lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members, and the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our daily lives which makes us near and dear to each other. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all Stars, and it is considered a privilege to help one whenever we can. It is a social order of members with sincere and purposeful objectives.

The members of the Order of the Eastern Star are dedicated women and men who sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and the desire to work together for good. It gives them the opportunity to give a part of their time to many projects to benefit mankind.  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 Scholarships, Cancer Research Projects, Arthritis Foundation, Heart Fund, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Shriners’ Hospitals, and many other charities within each Grand Jurisdiction.

Dr. Robert Morris, the poet laureate of Masonry, founded this Order using 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, elevating associations of love and service and through precept and example, build an order which truly dedicated to charity, truth, and loving kindness.

We are proud of our Order’s heritage. Our members have contributed their time, energy, and wisdom in unselfish service to our Order and for the good of the world. It is through this fraternal service to humanity that together we build a better life for all.  The heart of the Eastern Star is in the Subordinate or local Chapter. For proper administration, these

Chapters join to form a larger province or state organization, the Grand Chapter. To facilitate uniformity and coordination of effort, these jurisdictions work together under a General Grand Chapter. In some countries and states, there are too few Chapters to form a Grand Chapter. The General Grand Chapter has jurisdiction over these Subordinate Chapters. There are eight thousand Subordinate Chapters with a membership of approximately 900,000 which serves this Order. The membership encompasses fifteen countries which have active Chapters, and others have expressed an interest in becoming associated with the beneficial work of the Order.

Eastern Star gives support to young people who are members of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and the Order of DeMolay. The Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic fraternity are highly rewarded for their support and interest in these youth organizations.

The awe-inspiring International Temple, located at 1618 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, is the headquarters for all the Chapters and Grand Chapters throughout the world that are under the General Grand Chapter. All members are always welcome to visit. 

The International Peace Garden is located on the boundary of North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada. The members of the Order of the Eastern Star donated a lovely Chapel to the Peace Garden and provide for its maintenance.