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 currently more than 1.2 million members under the General Grand Chapter. Maine Grand Chapter has about 13,000 members.
Although not a part of the Masonic fraternity, membership is based on a Masonic affiliation or relationship, a belief in God, and a desire to acquire additional knowledge and self improvement. While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star, and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.
The degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star teach lessons of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith and love. They are presented in a beautiful ritualistic ceremony designed to not only teach the lessons, but also to portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.
The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal, and Scientific. To this end, the Grand Chapter of Maine proudly supports the statewide community through its Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership, Shriner's Hospitals, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Cancer Research and Education, and The Heart Foundation.
Local Eastern Star chapters select their own charities and places of service in their respective communities. Many actively support young women’s organizations such as the Order of Rainbow for Girls, along with DeMolay for Boys. Collectively, millions of dollars are raised by members throughout the General Grand Chapter for its various charities each triennium.
The Eastern Star is also a social organization with frequent formal events and ceremonies. Being a member is a wonderful and a fulfilling way of life. Please ask an Eastern Star member to tell you more about it and how to become a member.
The history of the Eastern Star is divided into three Eras:
1. The First Era extended from 1850 to 1866, under the leadership of Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry.
2. The Second Era extended from 1860 to 1876, under the leadership of Robert Macoy of New York.
3. The Third Era extends from 1876, when the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was established to the present time.
Of these eras, the first is perhaps the most important as it prepared the way for the other two.
The real origin of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of "Female Masonry" or "Androgynous Degrees" -- (degrees for both men and women).
There appeared at this time, to be a demand for "Side Degrees" or Degrees conferred on ladies, and quite a list sprang up -- "Heroines of Jericho", "Danger in the Dark", "Tall Cedars of Lebanon", etc. These were extensively used but soon fell into decay, for lack of lasting worth.
As to the real origin of Eastern Star Degrees in its Initiatory form, there is not the least shadow of doubt that the honor belongs to Dr. Rob Morris and its real origin comes under the First Era.
Dr. Morris had traveled many years. He had written many books on Masonry which are now valued references in many Masonic Libraries.
Never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to men, Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family. But by the laws of that Ancient Order, women are not eligible for its degrees. Knowing he could not change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brother the same inspiration that "prompts man to noble deeds."
Although he harbored these feelings for years, it wasn't until 1850, while confined to his home after an accident, that Dr. Morris fully developed the Eastern Star Degrees in their present initiatory form.
During this time, he carefully thought out the symbolism and significance of the floor plan and the corps of officers. He conferred the degrees upon his wife and daughters, and some neighbors, presumably having an idea to clothe the ladies with certain words or signs whereby they might make themselves known to Master Masons.
These signs and so-called mysteries of the Order were communicated freely to all Master Masons and their relatives. Dr. Morris and other prominent Master Masons gave many lectures and conferred the degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.