Welcome New Member
To
Chapter #
Order of the Eastern Star
Welcome to our New Member(s)
We are so happy to have you in this
organization. Each Chapter’s meetings are
interesting and fun. In order to get the
most out of your membership, we
encourage you to attend meetings, enjoy
the social events and assist with projects.
Get to know your Sisters and Brothers and
stay involved. If you give to the order your
best, it will come back to you ten fold!
Our meetings are held on the
of each month at
.
We hope that this orientation booklet will
help you to understand what is going on
and what is being discussed at these
meetings.
Star love,
Members of
Chapter #
Table of Contents
What is the Order of Eastern Star ................................................................ 1
What do I need to know to attend a meeting? ............................................... 3
Chapter Dues Card ........................................................................................ 3
The Dress Code ............................................................................................. 4
Upon arrival at your local Chapter ................................................................ 5
Gavel ............................................................................................................. 5
Signs of Star Point Officers ......................................................................... 5
The Reverent Attitude ................................................................................... 6
Respect for the Bible .................................................................................... 6
Attitude of Prayer .......................................................................................... 6
Flag Presentation ........................................................................................... 7
Grand Honors ................................................................................................ 7
Business ........................................................................................................ 7
Sickness and Cheer ....................................................................................... 7
Balloting ....................................................................................................... 8
Farewell ......................................................................................................... 9
Entering or leaving the Chapter ................................................................... 9
The Officers in a Chapter ............................................................................ 10
Chapter Courtesies ..................................................................................... 10
Grand Chapter & General Grand Chapter ................................................. 16
Past Grand Matrons & Past Grand Patrons ................................................ 16
What is Grand Visitation or OV? ............................................................... 17
What is ESTARL? ..................................................................................... 17
What are Educational Scholarships? .......................................................... 17
What are the Youth Groups? ...................................................................... 17
Where to learn more: .................................................................................. 17
The Ritual ................................................................................................... 14
The Constitution and By Laws Book ......................................................... 14
The Secret Work ......................................................................................... 14
The Worthy Matron’s Ode Card ................................................................ 15
Your Mentor ................................................................................................ 15
Visiting another Chapter ............................................................................ 15
What is Proficiency ..................................................................................... 15
Introduction to Symbolism in OES ............................................................. 18
Star Point Scriptures ................................................................................... 21
WHAT IS THE
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR?
Someone may ask no matter who you are
What is the Order of the Eastern Star?
If you’ve been a member for a while or so,
There are just a few facts you may want to know.
We belong to an Order, the largest of its kind,
A fraternity in which men and women you will find
.
Its members are found in every corner of the globe,
And each is part of the great Masonic fold.
Our purpose is to inspire good; it’s that simple and plain;
The tenets of truth, charity, loyalty and kindness we train.
Charitable and benevolent projects are the things we do
To help friends in need and to see their troubles through.
Our principles are based on Biblical days
But in no way conflict with our religious ways.
We have lots of fun, too, as everyone should,
Meeting and traveling and working for good.
And because of our goals, we develop a bond
For each member, one to another, we become very fond.
This is an Order like no other you will find,
A chance to do good for your fellow mankind.
--Author Unknown—
1
Star Point Info & Scriptures
Adah Judges 11.30-31, 34-35
Color is blue and symbolizes Fidelity
Emblem: Sword and Veil united
Flower: Violet * Open Bible
Ruth Ruth 2:16-17; 2:1-2.5
Color is yellow and symbolizes Constancy
Emblem: Sheaf
Flower: yellow Jessamine * Lily of the Valley
Esther Esther 2:17, 20; 5:1-3
Color is white and symbolizes Light, Purity, and Joy
Emblem: Crown and Scepter united
Flower: White Lily * the Sun
Martha St John 1:3-4, 20,22-26
Color is green and symbolizes Hope & Immortality
Emblem: the Broken Column
Flower: Fern * the Lamb
Electa I John 4:7-8, 17-21; II John 1:1-5
Color is red and symbolizes Fervency
Emblem: The Cup
Flower: Red Rose * the Lion
GIVE TO THE ORDER THE BEST YOU HAVE,
AND THE BEST WILL COME BACK TO YOU!
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Welcome Sisters and Brothers
to the Wonderful World of Eastern Star
You have been initiated into your Chapter with the
beautiful stories of the heroines of our order. A friend in
whom you trusted walked beside you to let you know that
in this Chapter you will have friends to stand by you in
your journey of life.
What is the Order of the Eastern Star?
You are now a member of the largest fraternal
organization in the world for both women and men. Its
members are comprised of men who are Master Masons
and women with specific Masonic relationships. It encircles
the earth with over 10,000 chapters in the United States,
Canada and 18 other countries. Several chapters form a
state organization - a Grand Chapter. Most Grand Chapters
are under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter.
A deep fraternal bond exists between the members.
It is brought about through high principles exemplified in
our daily lives, which make us near and dear to each other.
Eastern Star is a social Order comprised of persons
with religious convictions and spiritual values, but it is
NOT a religion and is neither secret nor political. Our
spiritual symbol is the “Star of Bethlehem.” Thus, the five-
pointed Star is our accepted emblem. Our initiation is
symbolic of the road of life. You have heard the words of
our teachings, Obligation, and laws. However, it will be
beneficial to you to hear them again, with explanation, in
order to thoroughly understand our ritualistic work.
2
While this is an Order composed of people of
spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths. The personal
welfare of our members is vital to all our Stars and it is
considered a privilege to help one another whenever we
can. It is a social order of members with sincere and
purposeful objectives. As a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star, you will join dedicated men and women who
sincerely reflect the spirit of fraternal love and desire to
work together on the many projects that benefit mankind
throughout the world.
Millions of dollars are raised annually within our
membership for numerous projects. Many national and
local charities are among the projects supported by our
members. Through this fraternal service to humanity, our
members strive to build a better, more fulfilling way of life
for all.
The following is a guide to assist YOU, as a new
and devoted member of our Order of the Eastern Star.
What do I need to know to attend a meeting?
Chapter Dues Card
You were presented with a dues card at your initiation.
Dues cards are issued when a member pays dues. Please
SIGN your dues card when you receive it. It is best if you
carry it with you at all times, as you may be asked to show
it at special meetings or when visiting another chapter.
Dues are payable in advance and are due before December
31
st
of each year. If you are to be an officer, your dues
must be paid before you can be installed.
3
The circling of the Star Points during initiation
symbolizes the maze of life in which one can become
helpless and lost, without the guidance of The Divine
Architect of the Universe. By passing the Altar each time
we pass the Bible, the source of wisdom and light, the
friend who walks beside the candidate symbolizes the
Divine Friend who walks beside us, and teaches us that
each Sister and Brother is ready at all times to comfort
and sustain those who need them.
We stand while the Officers make the entering
march, and remain standing until seated by the Worthy
Matron, because the entrance of our Officers symbolizes
the opening of our Chapter for the honor of God, for our
instruction and for the good of our fellow-man.
The five flowers represent the five outstanding virtues of
womanhood
¨ The Violet of Adah Modesty and Chastity
¨ The Yellow Jasmine of Ruth Sweetness
¨ The White Lily of Esther Humility
¨ The Fern of Martha Godliness
¨ The Red Rose of Electa Courage to right wrongs
You can purchase books and literature
on symbolism from the Grand Chapter
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The Conductress steps back between Ruth and
Esther and after the prayer the Chaplain stands between
Esther and Martha. The Altar, as a pivotal point makes a
complete circle between the Star Points. A circle is a sign
of unending life. If they did not step back into their
positions the circle would be incomplete, and broken.
In Revelation 21:16, John tells of seeing “The City
Four-Square” the New Jerusalem. The Chapter
Room shall be “Four-square”, as a symbol of
integrity and fair dealing. We turn square corners in
marching as a symbol of living four square with God
and man.
A triangle is made between the Associate
Conductress, Conductress, and the Worthy Matron. A
triangle is also made between the Conductress, Associate
Conductress and the Associate Matron.
Clasping the closed Bible during initiation is a
symbol of secrecy.
It is proper when possible, for the Chapter Room to
face East and West. This is a symbol from Masonry,
because the Temple at Jerusalem, built by King Solomon,
faced the East. East is always a symbol of light. North,
from the earliest time of man, has always been considered
a place of darkness, lighted only by the North Star.
The Associate Conductress corresponds to John the
Baptist; she prepares the way of the Lord. Since
candidates must declare their belief in a Supreme Being,
and the way must be prepared for the Candidate to get the
most out of the initiation. The Conductress symbolizes
the Divine Friend who walks besides us through the
perilous journey of life.
In opening the Bible we open it to any book and
chapter generally near the center of the book.
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The Dress Code
Female Officers may wear long dresses of the same
type and or color at the request of the Worthy Matron.
Male officers usually wear dark suits or Tuxedos. Officers
may dress more formally for special meetings such as
official visits, initiations and installation of Officers. Other
Female members who are not officers may wear dresses of
appropriate length, or skirt and blouse. Pants are only worn
at casual functions and practices (preferably no jeans).
Men should wear a dark suit when the ladies are in
formals. When it isn’t a formal meeting, a sport’s coat and
slacks are fine. In warmer weather more casual dress may
be allowed. The incoming WM will advise on what she
prefers.
These are suggested attire. Should you be unable to
conform, do not hesitate to attend the meetings of your
chapter. Perhaps after work, time will not permit you to go
home and change. Your
chapter would prefer that you attend
in your “work clothes” rather than stay away because of
suggestions about attire.
Members are not permitted to wear hats or gloves.
In Eastern Star, a hat is considered symbolically as
something between the member and God. A glove is
considered something preventing a warm, friendly contact
with another member’s hand. In the congenial warmth of
the chapter, wraps are considered unnecessary; therefore,
overcoats, furs, and wraps are not worn.
All of the Dress code mentioned above is a matter of
custom. However, should a member show up in pants or
need a wrap or headdress, it would be an act of unkindness,
and therefore a violation of our obligation, to speak of this
custom at such a time. Only the Worthy Matron should
address the issue with the member.
4
Upon arrival at your local Chapter
You should sign the guest register located just
outside the Chapter room, in what we call the Anteroom.
You should also sign the WM guest book. If you are
carrying a cellular phone or pager, you should make them
silent. You may sit in a chair along the sidelines in the
chapter room. As a new member, it is permissible for you
to follow along in your ritual while officers perform their
work. However, only the designated prompter prompts
the officers when needed. When you become an officer,
you will want to memorize your work.
Gavel
Three raps calls up the entire Chapter
Two raps calls up the officers
One rap
v Calls the Chapter to order
v Seats Chapter when standing
v Completes Opening and Closing
v Completes each order of business
Remain standing after the chapter is declared open,
even though the gavel is rapped once.
Remember stand at three blows and sit down at one
blow.
Signs of Star Point Officers
Listen to the Secret Work. Study it with your Mentor.
Respond by giving the Pass of the Degree when requested
by the Worthy Matron.
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Introduction to Symbolism in OES
(Excerpts from “Symbolism of the
Order of the Eastern Star”
Compiled by Mary Katharine Smith, PGM of CA)
*The Dove and the Olive Branch a “Symbol” of Peace
*The Lion a “Symbol” of Courage
*The Eagle a “Symbol” of Freedom
*Our American Flag a “Symbol” of Liberty
*The Cross a “Symbol” of God’s love for mankind, in
giving His only begotten Son that “Whosoever Believeth in
Him Should Not Perish, But Have Everlasting Life.”
*The Altar with the Open Bible is a symbol of God’s
presence, and the dispensing of His Light. As the sun, our
greatest source of light, rises in the East, so shall the
Worthy Matron preside in the East as a dispenser of God’s
light.
A Brother sits at her left, signifying the relationship
between the Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic
Brotherhood, Symbolizing the fact that Masonry stands
ready to protect those who are worthy of Masonic
protection.
We do not pass between the Altar and the East, because the
light dispensed from the Holy Bible is broken in so doing,
and the Worthy Matron is separated from her source of
Divine Light and guidance.
The Sign of Salutation is made to the Open Bible as a
signification of the Light of the Word being spread to all
Sisters and Brothers present
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What is Grand Visitation or OV?
The Grand Visitation is the Official Visit made to
the Chapter by the Worthy Grand Matron (WGM) and
sometimes the Worthy Grand Patron (WGP). The WGM &
WGP are the ones elected to represent the statewide
membership.
What is ESTARL?
This is the name of the scholarships given to the students
seeking religious service. It means Eastern Star Training
Awards for Religious Leadership.
What are Educational Scholarships?
Students who are attending college in Oregon can apply for
OES scholarships through the Grand Chapter’s various
Scholarship Committees.
What are the Youth Groups?
These groups are the International Order of the Rainbow for
Girls, Job’s Daughters International (Bethel) and the Order
of DeMolay for Boys.
Where to learn more:
The Grand Chapter has a web site:
www.oregonoes.org
The Eastern Star Journal is published by General Grand
Chapter 4 times a year and has many interesting
articles.
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Respect for the Bible
Stand, in an attitude of reverence, when the Bible
bearer with Bible enters the Chapter room before opening.
Face the Altar as the Bible is carried into the Labyrinth.*
When the Bible is open on the Altar, it creates a
Holy area between it and the East, and no one is permitted
to walk between them except during the initiation
ceremony.
No pictures are to be taken during the ritualistic
work. We do not applaud for ritualistic work. We do not
applaud when people are in the Labyrinth.*
*The Labyrinth is the pentagon shaped area around
the Star Points with the Altar in the center.
The Reverent Attitude
This position is assumed during devotionals in
Opening and Closing, all Obligations, and when
Conductress or Chaplain enters the Labyrinth. Continue
holding until all leave the Labyrinth. It is assumed by
Clasping your hands loosely left palm up, the right palm
down and laid over the left and hold your hands at waist
level.
Attitude of Prayer
You need to assume the Reverent Attitude and face the
Altar when the Chaplain enters the Labyrinth. Bow your
head as the Chaplain kneels or if unable to kneel at the
Altar, Bow as the Chaplain begins the prayer. Hold the
reverent attitude during prayer. Give prayer response, “so
may it ever be” after ritualistic prayer. Respond with
‘Amen” when responding to a prayer given from the heart.
You drop your hands to your sides when Chaplain and
Conductress both leave the Labyrinth.
6
Flag Presentation
Salute the Flag when the Associate Patron takes it out of the
stand and hold as long as Flag is in motion. You should
follow the Flag with the body as it moves. Hold the Salute
for the Pledge and the National Anthem.
Grand Honors
Is extended to the Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand
Patron, Past Grand Matron, and Past Grand Patron. Grand
Honors are given only when the guest is standing in the
East. You should face East to West or North to South
(never at an angle) when the Worthy Matron says, “Sisters
and Brothers…” give in one motion by crossing the arms
over the breast, the left over the right, with hands open and
with a slight bow. Applause may be given during the
introductions and when a guest is being escorted to the
East. Applause may be given as the guest is leaving the
Labyrinth, and following Grand Honors.
Sickness and Cheer
You should report any illness or distress of any member or
yourself. Be sure to share your celebrations as well.
Business
Please feel free to participate in the affairs of the chapter by
asking questions or requesting clarification on any point
that is not clear to you. You should stand if you wish to
speak; wait until you are acknowledged, then say, “Worthy
Matron…”
Voting is done “by the usual sign of the Order,” which is
raising the right hand. To vote by acclamation means to
vote by “voice”.
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Common Abbreviations Used in our Order
OES Order of Eastern Star
WGM Worthy Grand Matron
WGP Worthy Grand Patron
PGM Past Grand Matron
PGP Past Grand Patron
WM Worthy Matron
WP Worthy Patron
GGC General Grand Chapter
Grand Chapter and General Grand Chapter?
The state organization is referred to as the Grand
Chapter of Oregon and they meet once a year in June.
At that time all the business is reported, changes are
discussed and voted upon and an election is held to elect
the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron,
along with a slate of other Grand Chapter Officers. These
officers serve for one year. All members have Voting
privileges. The incoming officers are installed on the
final afternoon in a beautiful and meaningful program.
General Grand Chapter, is the organization which
represents the worldwide membership and they meet
every three years.
Past Grands, Past Matrons and Past Patrons?
Past Grand Matrons & Past Grand Patrons have held
the top offices in Grand Chapter (state) and are introduced
at all meetings. Past Matrons and Past Patrons have held
the top offices in local chapters. One may be a PM (Past
Matron) or PP (Past Patron) more than one time.
16
What is Proficiency?
Each year, some Chapters have their members attend
Proficiency (study) classes where you can learn more about
Eastern Star and its meaning. This is also when you may
learn our Secret Work.
The Worthy Matron’s ODE CARD
An ode card will include the Worthy Matron’s
selections such as Theme, Colors, Flower, Scripture, etc. It
will include an events calendar.
Your Mentor
You were assigned a Mentor and this is someone
you can go to at any time to learn more about the order.
Many Chapters have special meetings to practice. Also, a
practice is often scheduled before an Installation of
Officers. We are all Sisters and Brothers. We all make
mistakes! Please don’t feel embarrassed if you make one
too. Really, the sky won’t fall and we’ll still love you.
Visiting Another Chapter
Be prepared to show your dues receipt. See if there
is a sister or brother there that has sat with you in a chapter
meeting and ask them to vouch for you. If not, you will be
examined by the examining committee. Be prepared to
give the signs and passes of Star Points and required Secret
Work. Sign the register under the visitor section.
15
Balloting
A prospective member should only be rejected if
she/he is not of good moral character or would be a
destructive source in the Chapter. If a member has such
knowledge, he/she should tell the Worthy Matron when the
petition is read in the chapter.
The Ballot is secret and inviolable. No one
discusses the ballot in the presence of those who are not
members of the Order. Only the Secretary discloses the
results of the ballot to the new applicants for membership.
Only members of the Chapter to which application is made
may vote on the application.
Usually the ballot box is placed on the altar.
Members on the south ballot first after the officers have
balloted. Do not carry anything in your hands or have any
wrap draped loosely over your shoulders. Observe how the
officers form a triangle prior to entering the Labyrinth
between Ruth and Esther; you will pause at those points.
After the person in front of you completes the balloting,
approach the Altar and make the Salutation Sign to the
open Bible, drop your hands to your sides, then you may
take one step to the left and ballot with either hand. Vote
for the Good of the Order: white balls are favorable; black
cubes reject. NEVER cast a black cube unless you know of
some good reason the applicant would not make a good
member. Using a black cube for personal dislike is not
good. It is not good for the Star; it is not good for
Christianity. After you ballot, drop your arms to your side
before taking two steps backward if possible; turn left
toward Martha; leave between Esther and Martha, returning
to your seat by the marching line.
8
Farewell
At the close of each meeting, the Worthy Matron
addresses the Chapter with a farewell. Each member’s
response to the Worthy Matron is “Farewell” with a slight
bow. The Worthy Matron may ask another member to give
the Farewell. The response from the members is the same.
Members may be asked to give the Mizpah Benediction.
It is as follows:
May the Lord watch between me and thee while we are
absent one from the other
Entering or leaving the chapter while
the meeting is in session.
If you are late in arriving, or need to leave while the
Chapter is in session, remember no one is allowed to enter
or leave during Opening or Closing ceremonies, nor during
balloting. When entering is permitted, the Sentinel will
give the alarm (rap on the door). When allowed in you will
need to put wraps and purses on sideline. Then advance to
the west line with hands empty, in front of the Associate
Matron and the Associate Patron, Face the East (podium)
and give the Salutation Sign (remember the way you held
the Bible?). Please wait for the response from the presiding
officer. If entering, take your seat; if retiring, wait for the
Warder to open the door. (Only the Warder is allowed to
open the door). If you are ill or have an emergency, you
may leave without giving the Salutation Sign.
9
After attending a few chapter meetings, you may
wish to explore the following resources. The chapter
secretary should be able to make these available to you.
1. Ritual (you may have been given this at Initiation)
2. Chapter By-Laws (you were given this at Initiation)
3. Grand Chapter Constitution and By-Laws
(Available on line or from the secretary)
4. Roster of your Chapter Members.
The Ritual
You were presented with a ritual at your initiation.
It gives information about our founder Rob Morris, and
explains things like - how to ballot, what the raps mean,
Grand Honors, Jewels of the Officers. Lastly, you will find
instructions on opening, closing, initiations and
installations.
The Constitution & By-Laws Book
This is a book you may purchase from the Chapter
Secretary or download from our website for free. It
contains the Constitution, Rules, Regulations, Code of
Justice, miscellaneous instructions, ceremonies, diagrams
and forms that pertain to the Grand Chapter and the local
chapters. This book is very informative and if you do not
understand something, you can usually find the answer in
this book
The Secret Work
Each Chapter may have four copies of the Secret
Work. The top officers have these copies and they are
passed down each year to the new top officers. However,
any member may view and study a copy of the Secret
Work. The Secret Work should be memorized any of the
top officers can help you or any member who has their
proficiency can help you with the memorization work.
14
13
The Officers in a Chapter
Elections are held once a year in May. The eight
elected officers are Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron,
Associate Matron, Associate Patron, Secretary, Treasurer,
Conductress, and Associate Conductress. The remaining 10
officers are appointed by the incoming Worthy Matron.
These officers are Chaplain, Marshal, Organist, Adah,
Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa, Warder, and Sentinel.
Officers step to the side of their chairs, closest to the
sidelines. Elected officers stand in front of their chairs.
Chapter Courtesies
The chapter is headed by and is under the direction
of the Worthy Matron. A member wishing to speak rises
and waits to be recognized by the Worthy Matron. When
this recognition is given, the member responds with a slight
bow of the head and then greets “Worthy Matron, Worthy
Patron, Sisters and Brothers” and proceeds with the desired
message.
The Light of the Eastern Star originates from the
Holy Bible, the Great Light of all Masonic Orders.
Symbolically, the light should be available to the Presiding
Officer at all times. Therefore, no one passes between the
altar, with the Bible open upon it, and the East (except as
specifically provided in the ritual such as the initiation
ceremony).
Normally, no one moves around the Chapter while in
session, except as conducted by the Marshal or
Conductresses. Men are conducted to the East on the South
side and Women on the North side. During “Good of the
Order” a member may ask: “May I be permitted to
approach the East?” and on being given permission, moves
to the East without escort.
10
Remember: During meetings, do not talk to one
another during ritual or when other members or
officers are speaking, be attentive during meetings, turn
off or put on vibrate all electronic devices. In the early
days of the Order, it was considered unlady like for
women to cross their knees in Chapter. Therefore,
women should leave their feet flat on the ground or
crossed at the ankles. Avoid doing anything that would
be distracting to others.
We know that during your initiation a great deal of
information was presented to you in a rather bewildering
hour of being escorted around the Chapter Room. You
vaguely remember something about having to know certain
passes but you do not have any idea of what they are. The
more you attend Chapter meeting, the more firmly these
passes will be embedded in your memory. Make an effort to
attend as many meetings as you are able. All of us were
new members and have felt as overwhelmed as you may
feel now. Your “Mentor” assigned to you is there to help.
Don’t hesitate to call and ask for assistance.
In order to get the most out or your membership, you
will want to:
* Attend Meetings
* Enjoy social events
*Assist with projects
* Get to know your sisters and brothers
* STAY INVOLVED!
11
To make you more familiar with the officers of the
chapter we have listed each officer and the office they
hold.
Worthy Matron: _______________________________
Worthy Patron: ________________________________
Associate Matron: _____________________________
Associate Patron: ______________________________
Secretary: ____________________________________
Treasurer: ____________________________________
Conductress: _________________________________
Associate Conductress: _________________________
Chaplain: ____________________________________
Marshal: _____________________________________
Organist: ____________________________________
Adah: _______________________________________
Ruth: _______________________________________
Esther: ______________________________________
Martha: ______________________________________
Electa: ______________________________________
Warder: _____________________________________
Sentinel: _____________________________________
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