How Do I Become an Eastern Star?
The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is a fraternal organization affiliated with Freemasonry. It is largely composed of women, but men may be members as well. According to The Grand Chapter of South Carolina, the organization was established in 1850 by a Master Mason named Dr. Rob Morris. Membership into OES requires that you have a Master Freemason (living or dead) in good standing by blood, marriage or legal adoption, including step-children and half-children, as a relative.
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Instructions
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Becoming a Member of Eastern Star
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Research your family genealogy. If you can locate a Master Freemason (achieved at least the first three degrees of Masonry), anywhere in your family tree, then you are eligible to become a member of OES.
Be thorough in researching your family history. Look for any possible relative, even a step-father, great-uncles or half-brothers etc. You are also eligible to become an Eastern Star if you were a member of the International Order of the Rainbow or the International Order of Job's Daughters (youth organizations).
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2
Find a sponsor and complete the petition for admission. You must be sponsored by a current member of OES to join. If you do not know someone in OES, this can be a bit tricky as there is some expectation that your sponsor knows you personally, but you certainly can find a new friend who is an Eastern Star and cultivate a relationship.
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3
Interview with a committee of three current OES members. Assuming your sponsor has spoken of you to her colleagues this interview should be pretty pro forma, but there will be a number of standard questions to answer about your background, motivations for joining Eastern Star etc.
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After a vote of the members of the chapter to confirm your admission, you will be invited to be initiated and to receive the five degrees of the order. The initiation and receiving the five degrees of the order is a solemn ceremony and you will be required to take an oath of obligation and agree to uphold the principles of the order. After the initiation ceremony, you are an official member of OES.
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References
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