The Purpose of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES)

The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) stands as one of the largest fraternal organizations for both men and women, with a profound legacy of charitable, educational, fraternal, and scientific purposes.

Founded in the mid-19th century by Dr. Rob Morris, the OES serves as a remarkable bridge between the historical male-dominated realm of Freemasonry and the inclusion of women in a noble, moral, and supportive fraternity.

Through its charitable works, education, fraternal connections, and scientific endeavors, the OES has evolved into a global force that continues to support communities and families across the world.

The Origins of the Order of the Eastern Star

The OES was established in 1850 by Dr. Rob Morris, a schoolteacher and Master Mason, who recognized the lack of opportunities for women to participate in Freemasonry, the well-known fraternal organization that has been historically male-only.

With a profound respect for the ideals of Freemasonry, Morris sought a way for women to contribute to noble deeds while being part of a fraternity that valued ethics, personal growth, and community service.

His efforts resulted in the founding of the Order of the Eastern Star, which allows women to join and actively participate in the fraternal and charitable activities that Freemasonry represents.

Morris, who also served as the Poet Laureate of Masonry, was instrumental in crafting the degrees of the OES, which are based on the lives of five heroic and highly moral women from the Bible.

These women, whose stories are central to the rituals of the OES, are drawn from biblical texts and symbolize virtues of courage, faith, hope, charity, and love.

By weaving these virtues into the structure of the OES, Morris effectively aligned the Order with the core values of Freemasonry while making space for women to play an integral role in the brotherhood's overarching mission.

Dr. Morris’s devotion to Freemasonry was not limited to the creation of the OES; he was also an accomplished poet, penning over 400 poems and several books on Freemasonry.

His passion for the movement and its values is reflected in the way he structured the OES to not only support charitable causes but to provide a meaningful way for women to contribute to society through organized fraternity.

The Name and Motto of the OES

The name “Order of the Eastern Star” and its general motto are deeply rooted in Christian scripture, which is a defining characteristic of the organization.

The name and motto derive from Matthew 2:2 in the King James Version of the Bible: “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him.” This verse refers to the arrival of the Wise Men, guided by a star to find the infant Jesus, symbolizing hope, guidance, and the search for truth.

This biblical reference to the star in the East is emblematic of the OES's guiding principles. The “star” represents divine guidance, moral direction, and the light of knowledge, values that are central to the OES’s objectives.

This connection to the Bible gives the organization a spiritual foundation while promoting values of love, kindness, and service to others.

While the general motto is drawn from this verse, each local chapter of the OES may adopt its own unique motto to reflect the specific values and goals of its members.

 For example, the motto for the OES in Georgia is “Outreaching with Enthusiastic Service,” which emphasizes the chapter’s commitment to actively engage in community service and outreach.

Such mottos serve as a reminder to members of their shared mission and the importance of applying the principles of the OES in their daily lives.

The Charitable Mission of the OES

One of the core purposes of the OES is its charitable work, which directly benefits local communities. Each chapter of the OES selects a charitable cause that reflects the needs of its town or region.

These charities often address important social issues such as education, healthcare, and support for the elderly, with a special focus on helping those in need and ensuring that the benefits of their charitable efforts reach the broader community.

OES members dedicate their time, energy, and resources to support these causes, and they take great pride in knowing that 100% of the funds raised by a chapter through charity events are directly returned to the local community.

This ensures that the charitable projects they support have a real and lasting impact. Some common charitable initiatives include:

• Scholarships for College Students: Many OES chapters provide scholarships for local students to further their education. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or community involvement. The goal is to empower young individuals with the resources they need to pursue their educational dreams.

• Support for Elderly Members: The OES recognizes the importance of caring for its aging members, and many chapters provide financial support for homes or facilities that care for elderly OES members. This assistance allows older members to live out their golden years in comfort and dignity, supported by the fraternal community they’ve been part of.

• Disaster Relief: The OES also plays an active role in disaster relief efforts, offering help to those affected by natural disasters. Whether it’s raising funds to help victims or organizing volunteer efforts, the OES remains committed to offering practical support to those in times of crisis.

• Literacy Programs: Education is a central value of the OES, and many chapters work on programs to promote literacy in their communities. These initiatives may include providing books, tutoring services, or organizing reading programs for children and adults alike.

By engaging in these charitable works, the OES fulfills its mission of making a positive difference in the world through acts of kindness, service, and love.

The Fraternal Purpose of the OES

In addition to its charitable endeavors, the OES also serves as a fraternal organization that provides a supportive environment for its members.

The bonds of friendship and mutual respect formed within the OES are vital to the personal welfare of its members.

It is considered a privilege for members to help one another in times of need, whether through emotional support, practical assistance, or simply by being present for one another.

The fraternal aspect of the OES encourages a spirit of camaraderie and mutual aid. Members share a common commitment to living by the values of the OES and to creating a better world through their collective efforts.

This sense of belonging and community is one of the most cherished aspects of the OES, and it provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment for those involved.

Scientific and Educational Purposes

The OES is not only concerned with charitable and fraternal work but also with the promotion of education and scientific knowledge. Many chapters of the OES sponsor educational programs, including lectures, seminars, and workshops on a variety of topics.

These programs aim to expand the intellectual horizons of members and provide opportunities for lifelong learning.

Additionally, the OES is committed to promoting scientific endeavors that can positively impact society.

This may include supporting medical research, environmental initiatives, or other scientific projects that align with the organization’s values of making a difference in the world.

Conclusion

The Order of the Eastern Star serves as a beacon of light, offering women the opportunity to contribute to a fraternal organization rooted in noble ideals and charitable action.

Through its emphasis on community service, charitable works, and the bonds of friendship, the OES has had a lasting impact on communities around the world.

Its commitment to the education, welfare, and advancement of both individuals and society at large ensures that it will continue to be a vital part of fraternal life for years to come.

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