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Welcome to the website for the Myra Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star (PHA) of Maryland
Grand Chapter Headquarters
1307 Eutaw Place
Baltimore, MD 21217
410-669-2372
410-669-5949 (fax)
Contact Info
The Order of the Eastern Star
Who we are: The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonic-related fraternal organization of women and men dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness. This order is comprised of people with deep religious convictions and spiritual values, open to all faiths except no faith. 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 for self improvement. The degrees of the Order of the Eastern Star teach lessons of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith and love. These degrees are presented in a beautiful ritualistic ceremony designed to not only teach the lessons, but also to provide insight for future study and understanding. The organization was founded in the mid to late 1800s by our founder, Dr. Rob Morris, for the expressed purpose of offering support and affiliation to the wives, mothers, daughters, grandchildren, etc. of Free Masons. The organization is open to both male and female.
Local Eastern Star chapters select their own charities and places of service in their own communities. Some statewide projects include scholarships for ministerial students, other general scholarships for youth, and supporting a home for aged members. Each year special charities are selected for that year's emphasis and might include volunteer programs in elementary schools or volunteers in literacy programs and specific community outreach.
Origin and History of the Adoptive Rite Among Black Women
Researched , compiled and written by Past Grand Worthy Matron Jessie Mae Ayers
1874, Thorton Andrew Jackson received the several degrees of the Rite of Adoption of the Order of the Eastern Star from Brother C.B. Case, a Deputy and agent of Illustrious Robert Macoy 33, Supreme Patron of the Rite of Adoption of the World. In addition, Thornton Jackson also received a letter from Bro. C.B. Case granting him the authority to establish chapters of the Eastern Star among eligible black women. In obedience to the authority granted by William H. Myers, Grand master, Union Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, Bro. Jackson established the first Eastern Star Chapter among black women in the United States.
On December 1, 1875, Queen Esther Chapter No. 1, Order of the Eastern Star, was established at 708 - O Street, N.W., Washington D.C. in the home of Mrs. Georgiana Thomas. The first Worthy Matron was Sister Martha Welch and the first Worthy Patron was Bro. Thorton A. Jackson.
In December 1874, Grand Master William H. Myers and Deputy Grand Master William A. Tallaferro, Union Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, were invited to receive the androgynous degrees. They both accepted, thus further cementing the ties that bind the Masonic Family together. Upon the occasion of Grand Master Myers' initiation into the Adoptive Rite, he made the following statement to the sisters of Queen Esther Chapter No.1 - extolling them to greatness:
"May the dove of peace hover over you. May the All Seeing Eye, whom the Sun, Moon, and Stars obey ever watch over you. May he keep and protect you in your every effort to promote interest in the general good of this chapter"
On April 28, 1890, Queen of Sheba Chapter No. 3 and on October 20, 1890, Gethsemane Chapter No. 4, Order of the Eastern Star, were established by Thorton A. Jackson within the Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia. He was also instrumental and helped establish one (1) chapter in Alexandria, Virginia, three (3) chapters in Maryland and three chapters in Pennsylvania. In each instance when the chapter was organized and established, it was adopted by a regularly constituted Masonic Lodge. Thus, Brother Jackson was able to bring about more unity within the Masonic Family.
During the year 1875, Pythagoras Lodge No.9 presented the officers of Queen Esther Chapter No. 1 with their first badges which were known as Rosettes. This presentation was made by Worthy Patron Thorton A. Jackson who wished the chapter success and prosperity in the work upon which they were entering. He admonished the officers to wear the Rosettes with dignity keeping ever before them the memory of the five (5) Heroines: Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa. In closing, Brother Jackson stated "To you Queen Esther and Associates, the representatives of the rays of the Beautiful Star and from whom comes the most charming, the most prophetic and the most instructive lessons of the Old and New Testaments. May you always throw an air of beauty and solemnity around all that you bring thousands to worship Him." This has been our charge as bonafide members of the Order of Eastern Stars from 1875 to this present moment in time.
And so it was one hundred years after the founding of the first Black Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, Queen Esther Chapter No.1, Order of the Eastern Star, was officially instituted in the City of Washington in the District of Columbia.
The above article was edited from the Prince Hall Masonic Directory, 4th Edition 1992. Conference of Grand Masters, Prince Hall Masons
Today the organization spans into almost each continent and many countries across the world. OES exists in every State in the United States, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, and currently is expanding into many countries in South America.
WHO MAY JOIN?
-FAQ
Today the organization spans into almost each continent and many countries across the world. OES exists in every State in the United States, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, and currently is expanding into many countries in South America.
Who may join: Only men who are Master Masons are eligible and only women with specific Masonic affiliation may be members. These affiliations include:
- Affiliated Master Masons in good standing,
- the wives
- daughters
- legally adopted daughters
- mothers
- widows
- sisters
- half sisters
- sisters-in-law
- granddaughters
- great granddaughters
- nieces
- great nieces
- mothers-in-law
- stepmothers
- stepdaughters
- stepsisters
- daughters-in-law
- grandmothers
and daughters of sisters or brothers of affiliated Master Masons in good standing, or if deceased were in good standing at the time of their death; each of whom shall have attained to at least the age of eighteen (18) years, are eligible to membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.
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