Credit: https://issuu.com/apmgraphics/docs/freemason_nsw_act_other_orders

The Order Of The Eastern Star is Freemasonry for Women and is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and Master Masons may belong. The Order was developed in 1850 by WM Bro Dr. Robert Morris, a lawyer, Masonic Lecturer, and Poet Laureate of Freemasonry. The Order was established in Australia in Queensland in 1912, in New South Wales in 1913, and then progressively through other states.

There are three governing bodies:
1: The United Grand Chapter of Australia established in 1985 administers Chapters in all States and Australian Capital Territory;
2: The Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland and;
3: General Grand Chapter in the United States of America

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The Symbolism of the Order

Each of the five Points of the Star Represents a significant female role in our lives
– Wife, widow, mother, sister, daughter – and has been allocated not only a color and a symbol but also a guiding virtue – fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith, and love.
The lessons are designed to make a positive, profound, and lasting impression upon all to whom they are addressed. The Holy Book in the center of the Star reminds us of the existence of a Supreme Being. The Order of the Eastern Star is non-denominational and non-sectarian.

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The Vision of the Order

To encourage members to work for the benefit of the community, extend generous support for charitable purposes; extend fraternal regard’ and friendship to others’ support in the practicalities of day-to-day living, and promote the ideals of the Order.

What does the order have to offer?

The Order offers opportunities for women and men to meet new friends and enjoy the special fellowship a fraternal order provides. Our virtues inspire members to be better family members, friends and contribute to the community.

Membership

Although originally created for female relatives of Freemasons, the Order is open to ANY woman over the age of 18 who has a belief in the existence of a ‘supreme being’ and men who are Master Masons.

To get the most out of membership in the Order you need to enjoy being part of a historic and inspiring organization and have the desire to help others. Meetings are designed to reinforce the lessons of the Order, and social functions, aside from raising charity money, re-confirm friend-ships old and new.

what do members wear to meetings?

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• For Women: Long white outfit, not including slacks

• For Men: Black dinner suit or kilt and a white long-sleeve shirt. Regalia is supplied

Fees: The joining fee is $35 and yearly fees vary from $30 to $100 depending on the jurisdiction.


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Note: In some jurisdictions a Fez cap is worn. This is not common regalia, however, does exist in some jurisdictions within the USA.

Charitable Support

In addition to fulfilling the aims and objectives for which the Order was established, the members support local, state, national and international charitable appeals. From 1997 to 2010 the Order donated over $5 Million dollars to national charitable causes.

Members of the Order, particularly in NSW and Queensland, proudly support aged care facilities which they have established and operate. Support is also given to Government and Community Aged Care facilities.

For more information or if you would like to join, please visit the following URLs:
https://www.oesaustralia.org.au/
https://easternstar.org/
https://www.bangormasonic.org/masonic-groups/eastern-star/
https://oescal.org/
https://www.kansasgrandchapteroes.com/
https://grandlodge.ph/general-grand-chapter-order-eastern-star
https://mnoes.com/

Or, go to the MASONIC LODGE LIST and select the appropriate lodge in your jurisdiction.