The Order of the Eastern Star of Colorado is a nonprofit fraternal organization affiliated with the broader Order of the Eastern Star, one of the largest fraternal organizations associated with Freemasonry. Established to provide a supportive and charitable community primarily for female relatives of Master Masons, the Colorado chapter upholds the values of charity, truth, and loving kindness within the Masonic family.

History and Background

The Order of the Eastern Star was founded in the mid-19th century by Dr. Rob Morris, a noted Freemason and the Poet Laureate of Masonry. The order was created as a fraternal organization open to both men and women, focusing on the inclusion of women connected to Master Masons. It developed with the principles of moral teaching and charity through symbolic rites and fellowship. The Colorado chapter is one of the regional bodies continuing this legacy in the United States.

Mission and Activities

The Order of the Eastern Star of Colorado dedicates itself to charitable service, community support, and personal development through its membership activities. It promotes friendship, moral guidance, and benevolence, striving to elevate its members spiritually and socially.

A significant aspect of the organization’s charitable work is its involvement in senior care. In 1925, the Grand Chapter of Colorado voted to establish and maintain a home for aged and indigent members of the order. This initiative led to the creation of the Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus in southeast Denver, which opened in 1931 on land donated by Robert Russell, a prominent Masonic landowner. The campus, spread over 19 acres, provides a continuum of senior living options, including independent patio homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities. The organization operates this campus in alignment with Masonic principles, focusing on the social, physical, and spiritual needs of its residents, many of whom are not members of the Masonic family, reflecting an inclusive approach in its service offerings.

Organization and Membership

Membership in the Order of the Eastern Star is open to both men and women who meet the connection requirements related to Freemasonry, generally including female relatives of Master Masons. The Colorado chapter sustains the traditions and rituals consistent with the overall Order but also adapts to the needs and contributions of its local members.

The organization conducts various events and community activities designed to foster fellowship and charitable work among its members. Signature events and member spotlights help maintain active engagement and highlight the contributions of individual members.

The Order of the Eastern Star of Colorado thus represents a regional embodiment of a larger fraternal tradition that combines social, charitable, and spiritual goals within the framework of Masonic values, serving its members and broader community through longstanding dedication to service and fellowship.

[1] https://easternstar.org [2] https://oes-colorado.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=-WL8LQQI3QA%3D&tabid=83&portalid=0&mid=493 [3] http://oes-colorado.org/What-is-Eastern-Star- [4] https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/public/gdcmassbookdig/historyoforderof00engl/historyoforderof00engl.pdf [5] https://masoniccommunities.org/the-story-of-eastern-masonic-retirement-community/