Order of the Eastern Star of Texas

The Order of the Eastern Star of Texas is a state chapter of the global fraternal organization, the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). The OES is a Masonic appendant body that was first established in the United States in the late 1800s. It operates as a worldwide fraternal, non-profit, charitable service organization, closely associated with the Masonic fraternity.

History and Organization

The Order of the Eastern Star was originally founded by Dr. Rob Morris in 1850, and it was formally adopted as a part of the Masonic family in 1873[5]. The Texas state chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star is a part of this broader movement, working towards the principles of charity, truth, and loving kindness.

Historically, the Order has evolved from its origins with chapters like the Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, which existed from 1891 to 1894, before Texas formed its own separate entity[1]. Today, the Texas chapter continues to operate independently, maintaining the traditions and values established by its predecessors.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Order of the Eastern Star, including its Texas chapter, is to uplift its members through associations of love and service, emphasizing charity and community support. The organization is known for its character-building lessons, which are inspired by five biblical heroines: Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa[5]. These lessons promote virtues such as obedience, religious principles, loyalty, endurance in trial, and perseverance in adversity.

The Order of the Eastern Star supports various charitable causes. While specific details about the Order of the Eastern Star of Texas are not readily available, the broader organization has historically contributed to research on diseases like Alzheimer's and asthma, as well as scholarships for students pursuing careers in theology and music[5].

Membership and Structure

Traditionally, membership in the Order of the Eastern Star required that men be Master Masons and that women have specific relationships to Master Masons, such as being their wives, daughters, widows, sisters, or mothers. However, in 2024, the membership criteria were expanded to include a wider range of relatives and certain youth organizations[5].

The structure of the Order of the Eastern Star in Texas would typically involve a Grand Chapter that oversees local chapters across the state. Like other Grand Chapters, it would have its own leadership, including a Grand Worthy Matron and a Grand Worthy Patron.

Public Engagement and Philanthropy

While specific details about the Order of the Eastern Star of Texas's philanthropic activities are not available, the organization aligns with the broader OES mission of promoting charity and community service. Its activities likely include supporting local charities and contributing to state-wide philanthropic initiatives.

In summary, the Order of the Eastern Star of Texas is an integral part of the global OES movement, focused on fostering community service, moral development, and charitable giving in alignment with the principles of the Order of the Eastern Star.

[1] https://www.egcoesla.com/history/ [2] https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/public/gdcmassbookdig/historyoforderof00engl/historyoforderof00engl.pdf [3] https://easternstar.org [4] https://www.mwphglotx.org/norris-wright-cuney-grand-chapter-order-of-the-eastern-stars/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Eastern_Star