About the Order
The largest fraternal order open to all.
The Order of the Eastern Star welcomes women and men alike into a fellowship rooted in Scripture, devoted to service, and bound together by charity, truth, and loving-kindness.
What is the Eastern Star?
A home for the whole family of Freemasonry.
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization affiliated with the family of Freemasonry, open to both women and men. Its teachings are drawn from the Bible, and its beautiful ceremonies portray lessons of brotherly love, relief, and truth through the stories of five faithful women of Scripture.
Membership is open to those of every religious faith who profess a belief in a Supreme Being. Above all, the Order is a place of friendship — an accepting, welcoming community where members support one another and reach outward to serve others.
At a glance
Our Heritage
A vision that Masonry should belong to the whole family.
The Order was founded in 1850 by Dr. Rob Morris — a lawyer, educator, and devoted Freemason. Morris believed the ideals of Masonry should be shared with the wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters of Masons. Unable to change the ancient landmarks of the fraternity itself, he created a new order through which women could share in the same inspiration that "prompts man to noble deeds."
While confined by illness at the Eureka Masonic College in Mississippi, Morris set down the principles of the Order in his work, the Rosary of the Eastern Star.
By 1855 he had organized a governing body in New York, and chapters soon spread across the United States. In time the ritual was refined and the Order grew into the international fellowship it is today — chartered jurisdiction by jurisdiction under Grand Chapters such as the Grand Chapter of Texas.
Today the Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong, with chapters serving communities around the globe — including our own Templar Chapter No. 374 in Dallas.
The Five Points of the Star
Lives that light the way.
Each point of the star represents a heroine of Scripture, a virtue, and a color. Together they teach the lessons at the heart of the Order.
Adah — The Blue Point
From the Book of Judges, Adah represents faithfulness to one's vows and the constancy of a daughter's love. Her lesson is that duty, once accepted, is sacred — and that honor is kept even at great personal cost.
Ruth — The Yellow Point
From the Book of Ruth, she stands for loyalty and piety in the face of hardship. Her humble, steadfast service reminds us of the great worth of many small, faithful deeds done for the sake of another.
Esther — The White Point
From the Book of Esther, she represents fidelity to family, friends, and kindred. Her courage in defense of her people teaches that true loyalty is willing to risk everything for what is right.
Martha — The Green Point
From the Gospel of John, Martha embodies undeviating faith in the hour of trial. Even in grief, her trust in God's promise held firm — a lesson of hope that endures through every sorrow.
Electa — The Red Point
From the Second Epistle of John, Electa represents love and charity. Remembered for her hospitality and warmth even under persecution, she teaches endurance and unfailing kindness toward all.
Our work in the world
Service that reaches beyond our doors
The Order channels its members' generosity into causes that lift up others — including educational scholarships, benevolent aid for members in need, patient comfort and outreach, and support for local community programs.
Charity in action
Faith expressed through service.
For members of the Eastern Star, charity is not an abstraction — it is a way of life. Chapters raise funds and give their time to help neighbors, encourage students, and comfort the sick and grieving.
When you join Templar Chapter No. 374, you join hands with others who believe that the surest way to honor these ideals is to put them to work in the community we call home.
How to Become a MemberCome and see
Experience the Eastern Star for yourself.
Words can only say so much. Visit a meeting, meet our members, and discover a fellowship that has welcomed families for generations.