The Order of the Eastern Star, while a separate organization, is part of the Family of Freemasonry. We are the largest fraternal Order in the family of Freemasonry that admits both men and women to membership.
Each member of the Order commits themselves to self-improvement and to trying to live by the virtues of our Order, which are illustrated and explained to each new member at the time of his or her initiation through the stories of our five Biblical heroines.
Because we are part of the Family of Freemasonry, the Order does have certain membership requirements. Men wishing to join the Order must be affiliated Master Masons in good standing. Women wishing to join must either be related to a Master Mason or have been associated with Job’s Daughters International or the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. In addition, we require that each candidate believe in a positive Supreme Being, be at least 18 years old and a resident of Washington state, adhere to the laws of our Country, and not have been convicted of a felony.
Is Eastern Star for Me?
Members of the Order of the Eastern Star strive to live our lives by the enduring beliefs of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, along with certain core values:
Friendship:
We are the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men can belong. With Chapters in almost all 50 states and in 27 countries around the world, members can go anywhere and know that they can find friends and a helpful hand when they’re in need.
Community Service:
We encourage our members not only to help one another, but also to reach out to their communities. Members are active in many community-based projects for those requiring assistance.
Charity:
As an organization, we raise funds to aid our members in need and to make a difference in our communities with research funds and scholarships for students regardless of age or membership status, as well as other charities. We fund and operate a Senior Living Community for our older members who belong to Washington Chapters.
Diversity:
The members of our Order reflect the social, cultural, educational, ethnic, and religious diversity of the community around them. We value each other’s strengths and opinions.
Patriotism:
We encourage our members to value their citizenship and to honor the Flag of their country. We support our servicemen and women overseas through our We Care program, sending packages to our troops overseas to lighten the burden of their deployment.