QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE ORDER OF THE
EASTERN STAR


1.   WHAT IS THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR?

The Order of the Eastern Star is a social, charitable and Fraternal organization
with approximately 71,000 members throughout the State of New York.  It is
comprised of 550 Chapters and is divided into 40 regional Districts within the
State.

2. WILL I BE ASKED TO JOIN?

Yes, you may be asked to join but you shouldn't wait to be asked.  If you know
nothing of the Order, or wish to learn more, ask someone whom you know is a
member or write to the address on the back of this pamphlet.

3.   WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP?

Membership in the Order of the Eastern Star is open to women eighteen years of
age and older, as well as Master Masons in good standing in their Lodges.  A
candidate may make application through Masonic Relationship or by being
sponsored by a member of the Masonic Fraternity, who is also a member of the
Order of the Eastern Star.  A belief in a Supreme Being is also required.  A
candidate for membership is first recommended by a member of the Chapter she
or he wishes to join.  The application, or petition, is read at a meeting and
referred to a Committee composed of three members who interview the candidate,
normally in the candidate's home so that the family may become familiar with our
organization and its activities.  The Committee reports back to the Chapter and the
petition is voted on by a ballot of the members and, if accepted, the process of
becoming a member begins.

4.  WHAT  HAPPENS  AT   THE   INITIATION?

There are five degrees of the Order which are conferred during the initiation. 
This solemn process is an enlightening and interesting experience for the
candidate, with no embarrassing moments.  The Eastern Star ritual dramatizes its
philosophy of the importance of living a moral life.  It uses the symbolism of
Biblical characters to exemplify the moral quality of character that members should
strive to possess.

5.   HOW DID THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR BEGIN?

The Chapter system of the Order of the Eastern Star was inspired by the French
Adoptive Masonry of the early Eighteenth century, brought to the United States
of America by General LaFayette.  Much of the history of the Order revolves
around two Freemasons: Dr, Rob Morris and Mr. Robert Macoy.  Robert Macoy 
became associated with Dr, Rob Morris in New York City in the 1860's.  He later
created a ritual for use of the Chapters in the State of New York.  Under this
Chapter system organized by Robert Macoy, Alpha Chapter #1 in New York City
became the first Eastern Star organization.  Alpha Chapter #1 is still in existence
today, tracing its beginning to 1867.

6.    WHAT DO MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR DO?

Members of the Order try to live in accordance with high moral principles and join
together in Chapters in a spirit of charity, truth and loving kindness, The Order
of the Eastern Star upholds the belief that we are all a part of the brotherhood
of man, sisterhood of women, under a Fatherhood of God,

7.   IS THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR A SECRET ORGANIZATION?

No, this is a mistaken notion.  The activities of the Order are widespread and well
known.  It is true that there are modes of recognition and ceremonies for some
meetings, but the Order is not otherwise secret.

8.   WHAT HAPPENS AT CHAPTER MEETINGS?

An Eastern Star Chapter meets once or twice a month to conduct its business and
to confer Eastern Star degrees.  If no initiatory work is being performed, the
meeting will include a program of interest or entertainment.  Refreshments are
almost always served.

9.   HOW DOES THE ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR HELP PEOPLE?

A basic teaching of the Order of the Eastern Star is charity.  The tradition of its
members helping one another, and humankind in general is practiced extensively. 
Among the programs are Emergency Relief, Social Service, Cheer Fund, volunteer
service and contributions to the Veterans' Hospitals, Educational Assistance (grants
to members and children of members) and Pediatric Cardiology (assisting children
with heart problems).Within recent years the Order has completed construction of
a three wing facility on the grounds of the Eastern Star Home at Oriskany, N.Y.,
at an approximate cost of four million dollars, where care is provided for fifty-
four infirmary patients and twenty-eight residents.  The new building provides
dedicated and thoughtful care of the membership in a beautiful atmosphere.  Also
completed is the renovation of an existing building into nineteen two-room
apartments and twenty-eight single room apartments which are available to the
membership under an independent living program.  In July 1986 the Order entered
into a new program providing care to forty-four children in its new Day Care
Center on its grounds at Oriskany, This promises to be a very exciting program
for the residents of the Home as well as for the youngsters.  An after-school
Latch Key program is also presently being developed.


ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
71 West 23rd Street
New York, N.Y. 10010
(212) 675-O890


(Hiram's Oasis Sysop's note.  The Grand chapters of NY and NJ are not holden
under the General Grand Chapter, OES.  They use the Macoy ritual, the
General Grand Chapter uses the Morris ritual.  The rituals are similar.
Requirements are more strict under the General Grand Chapter where
daughters, widows, wives, sisters, mothers and grand daughters of
Freemasons are elegiable.  NY and NJ  add neices and other family
relations.  Recogniation and visitation between the Morris and Macoy grand
chapters are acceptable, with the limitation of Masonic relation extending
beyond the General Grand Chapter's requirements.  IE, NY & NJ lady members
who joined under their uncle are NOT acceptable to visit a chapter holden
under the General Grand Chapter.  IMHO, nitpicky.
Preston Burner, PP,  MD and VA)

