What is the Order of the Eastern Star?  

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world in which both men
and women may belong.  There are presently approximately one million members worldwide. The
Order is dedicated to charity, truth, and loving kindness.

The Order of the Eastern Star is a social order comprised of people with deep spiritual values;
however, it is not a religion.  A belief in the existence of a Supreme Being is a
requirement for membership.

A strong fraternal bond exists between its members.  A wholesome relationship of sisterly and
brotherly love is brought about through the high principals which are exemplified in the lives of the
members.  The personal welfare of the members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star, and it is
considered a privilege to help another member whenever a need arises.

The membership raises thousands of dollars annually through fund-raising activities to support
Eastern Star charities and local communities.  In North Carolina, the primary focus is the Masonic
and Eastern Star Home located in Greensboro, North Carolina.  This home provides assisted living
and advanced medical care for the elderly.  Masonic affiliation is a requirement for admission.

The Grand Chapter of North Carolina is committed to helping young people who are seeking to
further their education and may have financial restraints.  Two types of scholarships are awarded:  
ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Award for Religious Leadership) and Grand Chapter
Scholarships.  North Carolina members also sponsor a camp for girls in the beautiful mountains of
Boone, North Carolina.

Who may join?

  • A Master Mason in good standing
  • Female relatives of Master Masons:
- Wives, Daughters, Mothers, Granddaughters, Step-daughters, Grandmothers,
Great Granddaughters, Great Nieces, Sisters-in-law, Widows, Sisters,
Step-mothers, Half-sisters, Step-sisters, Daughters-in-law, Nieces,
Mother-in-law, Legally Adopted Daughters
  • Members (either active for three years or majority) of the International Order of
    Rainbow for Girls or the International Order of Job's Daughters.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

How to join ......

To obtain a petition for membership, you may contact a member of Fayetteville Chapter #334
Order of the Eastern Star.

The Order strives to select persons of moral and spiritual quality who will work together in harmony
to perform its objectives.

Should a Mason join the Order of the Eastern Star?

The answer is "Yes."

The female members of the Order are relatives of Masons.  By joining the Order of the Eastern
Star, a Mason and his wife can share in the benefits of being members of a worthwhile organization
that is dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.  Joining the Order of the Eastern Star does
not in any way diminish or alter the Mason's Masonic effectiveness.  To the contrary, those men
who have joined the Eastern Star have remained dedicated to their Lodges and the precepts of
Masonry.  Membership in the Order promotes the concept of the Fraternal Family.  It provides a
wholesome atmosphere where families can fellowship and work together for the good of others.  
Membership in the Order of the Eastern Star is an enhancement to one's membership in the
Masonic Fraternity.  The Mason who joins the Eastern Star is committed to the promotion of
fraternalism and its positive influence on his family.
The above material is from a pamphlet entitled:
"Why should I join the Eastern Star" printed by The
Grand Chapter of North Carolina, Order of the
Eastern Star.
Fayetteville Chapter # 334
Order of the Eastern Star