​Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values, but it is not a religion.  Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work.  I can truly say there is a deep Sisterhood & Brotherhood within its Fraternal bonds that exists between its members.  It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other. While this is an Order composed of people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith (atheist).  The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star Order, and it is considered a privilege and honor to help another member whenever one can.

​The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal, Scientific, and Spiritual; but there is much more to it than that... There is also the Esoteric. You see it was the love child of Dr. Rob Morris, who was the Poet Laureate of Masonry, which founded the Order using beautiful and inspiring biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values found in Heroines of the Bible.  These Women highlighted in the rituals and teachings of the Order portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of every Eastern Star member.  The Order of Eastern Star strives to take good people and make them better through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service. Through precept and example, The Order of Eastern Stars begins to build an Order from within the individual going through its processes... This methodology is often viewed as old and antiquated, but as time goes on, we are realizing its methodology and teachings are truly needed in this modern era, perhaps more today than ever before. What most members learned as they continue to travel toward further enlightenment within the Order, is that The Star from within will shine at its brightest when one is truly dedicated to its teachings of charity, truth, and loving kindness.

The Projects: Are Concrete evidence of the charitable nature of this organization. It gives one an opportunity to see how their efforts directly or indirectly affect others. This organization over the years has collected donations and raised funds that register in the millions of dollars which have been raised within the membership to support national, jurisdictional, and local charities.  Many Grand Jurisdictions have homes for their senior members or provide food, clothing, and care for them in their time of need to include a burial policy among so many other mutual endeavors.

1.  & WesternThe First Era extended from 1850 to 1866, under the leadership of Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry, and dear Brother.
2. The Second Era extended from 1866 to 1876, under the leadership of Robert Macoy, author, and publicist base out of New York.
3. The Third Era extends to Present day, when the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was established for Women of Color 1874 then (Re-Established in 1901) for A.F. & A.M. Organization of Color.

Of these eras, the first is the most important as it prepared the way for the other two. The Order of the Eastern Star was the first membership organization in the United States that gave women a voice on a national scale. The real origin of the Order of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in Mystery, but many researchers believe its Ancient Origins are Egyptian and Persian, to include the Heroines of Jericho. Further research traces its Origins to the Middle Ages in Europe from 1653 with the Swedish Empire to the early 1700's with the French Empire; to include the Order of Amaranth and the French Adoptive Masonic Rite.  By some, these Orders and Degrees are claimed to be the original inception of "Female Masonry" or "Androgynous Degrees" -- (degrees for both men and women). However, as time went on, there was a demand for "Side Degrees" or Degrees conferred on Ladies of a Higher Degree Nature other than the Order of the Eastern Star, to include the following-- "Danger in the Dark", "Tall Cedars of Lebanon", "Queen of the South", "Lady Knights" etc.  These are just a few examples of additional Masonic Degrees that included Ladies that were extensively used, but some fell into decay due to the lack of participation or membership; and some are still being practiced to this very day.

The First Era 
As it pertains to the real origin of the Eastern Star degrees in its Initiatory form in America, there is not the least shadow of a doubt that in 1850 the honor belongs Solley to the Illustrious Brother, Dr. Rob Morris 33rd.  He was a lawyer and an educator at the Eureka Masonic College in Richland, Mississippi; à prestigious learning institution that is known as the birthplace of the Order of Eastern Star. Dr. Morris was responsible for the First Era of the Order, which benefited from his leadership and development. To utterly understand the Order, Dr. Morris traveled from near and far all over the world for many years to gain a firsthand knowledge of the Lights, Rites, and Benefits of this organization and many other organizations just like it.  Understanding the fact that as men were historically and biblically performing miraculous meaningful feats of faith in ancient times, so were the women. He had authored many books on Masonry which are valued references in many Masonic Libraries regarding such facts. He was never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to just men. Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family, to include women.  But by the laws of the Ancient Order of Traditional Masonry in the United States of America, a Women is not eligible for the existing Masonic degrees.  Knowing he could not change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brothers the same inspiration that "prompts men to noble deeds from within the Craft and without." Although he harbored these feelings for years, it wasn't until 1850, while confined to his home after an accident, that Dr. Morris fully developed the Eastern Star Degrees in their present initiatory form. During this time, he carefully thought out the symbolism and significance of the floor plan and the corps of officers based on 5 Biblical Heroines that had specific characteristic traits and values similar to those taught in Masonry and the [Te-tra-gram-ma-ton] or Pentagram of Solomon... You may ask what is the Tetragrammaton? It is the key to unlocking the Mysteries of all things. It is of Hebrew origin, translated into a Greek word meaning, "The 4 Lettered Name," representing the Unspeakable Name of GOD in Hebrew, [YHVH]. In metaphysics, Tetragrammaton is a mathematical equation for the essence of the Universe. It has been depicted throughout history as a pentagram in which each point signifies an Element-Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Ether (Spirit). These base elements with their specific colors are representative of the 5 elements of God and Nature.

​Brother Morris was a High Degree Mason, so he knew and understood these things from his teachings which allowed him to incorporate them and many other esoteric teachings into the Order of the Eastern Star. The first Sisters that he conferred the degrees of O.E.S. upon where his own wife and daughters, and some neighbors, having an idea to clothe the ladies with certain words or signs whereby they might make themselves known to Master Masons and each other; especially in a time of need or danger. These signs and so-called mysteries of the Order were communicated to all Master Masons that also took the female degrees so that they too could communicate and fellowship with fidelity, fervor, and zeal; while offering protection and loyalty, one to another.  Dr. Morris and other prominent Master Masons gave many lectures on the ancient history and shared connections of Masonry and O.E.S.; at the same time, they were also present and actively a part of the conferring of points and other orders/degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.

The Second Era 
In 1866 Bro. Robert Macoy continued to carry the torch that was passed to him by Ill. Dr. Rob Morris starting the second era of the modernization of the American Adoptive Rite of female Masonry known as the Order of Eastern Star with its members being comprised of both Male Master Masons and Female Affiliates. It was in the year 1883 that Brother Robert Macoy polished and wrote the modern version of the Order of Amaranth in New York, which is in connection with the Eastern Star Degree. The First Order of Eastern Star was the Alpha Chapter No. 1 which is still active and located in New York City; they meet at the Mainstream White Grand Lodge of the State of New York, Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A.M.) The Order of the Amaranth was originally a Masonic-affiliated organization in the States for Master Masons and the Ladies in their lives (Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister...). It was founded in 1873. As in the Order of the Eastern Star, members of the Order must be age 18 or older; men must be Master Masons; and women once needed to be related to a Mason as a wife, mother, daughter, widow, sister, niece, aunt, etcetera, or have been active members of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls or Job's Daughters International for more than three years and be recommended by a Master Mason. (Note: As of today, women without masonic relationships may apply for membership if they are an Eastern Star in good standings and are well recommended.)

The Third Era 
On this date in 1874, the Order of the Eastern Star was created as the First and Oldest Sorority-based Black Women’s Organization in America. Queen Esther Chapter No. 1, Order of the Eastern Star, was established at 708 O St. NW, Washington, DC, in the home of Mrs. Georgiana Thomas.  Its founding came one hundred years after the founding of the First Black Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons (Princ Hall), that Queen Esther Chapter No. 1, Order of the Eastern Star, was officially instituted.  The first Worthy Matron was Sister Martha Welch, and the first Worthy Patron was Brother Thornton A. Jackson. Earlier that year (August 10, 1874), Thornton Andrew Jackson received several degrees of the Rite of Adoption of the Order of the Eastern Star from the White Mainstream Masonic Order given by Brother C. B. Case, a Deputy and agent of Illustrious Bro. Robert McCoy 33rd, Supreme Patron of the Rite of Adoption of the World. In addition, Thornton A. Jackson also received a letter from Brother Case granting him the authority to establish chapters of the Eastern Star among eligible Women of Color throughout the United States and its territories.
In obedience to the authority granted by William H. Myers, Grand Master of Union Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia (F. & A.M.), Brother Jackson established the first Eastern Star Chapter among Women of Color in the United States. On December 1, 1874, Grand Master William H. Myers and Deputy Grand Master William A. Taliaferro of Union Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia (F. & A.M.), were invited to receive the androgynous degrees. They both accepted, thus further cementing the ties that bind the Masonic family together. In 1890, Queen of Sheba Chapter No. 3 and Gethsemane Chapter No. 4, Order of the Eastern Star, were established. Thornton A. Jackson, within the Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, formed them too. He helped to establish one chapter in Alexandria, Virginia, three chapters in Maryland, and three chapters in Pennsylvania. Keeping with Masonic Law and tradition, each O.E.S. Chapter was adopted and affiliated with a regularly constituted Masonic Lodge in each instance when a chapter was organized and established. Thus, Brother Jackson brought about more unity within the Masonic Family, to include Women and Men, Sisters and Brothers, working together for a common cause under the Masonic Umbrella of Peace, Love, and Unity. Worthy Patron Thornton A. Jackson, who wished the chapter success and prosperity in the work they were entering, made a presentation admonishing the officers to wear their Rosettes and Jewels of office with dignity, keeping the memory of the five Heroines: Adah, Ruth, Esther, Marth, and Electa in mind at all times. In closing, Brother Jackson stated, "To you, Queen Esther Chapter and Associates, the representatives of the rays of the beautiful star and from whom comes the most charming, the most prophetic and the most instructive lessons of the Old and New Testaments. May you always bring thousands to worship Him through the air of beauty and solemnity around all." This has been the charge as bona fide members of the Order of Eastern Stars since 1875.


                                       A SHORT HISTORY of the ORDER OF EASTERN STAR
                                 AMONG (A.F. & A.M.) PEOPLE OF COLOR​
History of the United Supreme Council, National Grand Lodge, & The Order of Eastern Star: 
Before & After the Big Split of (1895) …
Listed below is a Timeline of the Most Puissant Sovern Grand Commanders of both the Southern & Southern & Western Supreme Councils Before and after they became the Unites Supreme Council of the Southern & Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.)
when it was Organized on April 5, 1869, in Washington, D.C. to the time of its Split and Re-Organization in 1895.

• Ill. William H. Thomas 33°, Sov. Grand Comm. of the Southern and Western Supreme Council: (1869 - 1875)
  • Ill. Bro. Thornton A. Jackson 33°, was the 1st Supreme Grand Patron for the National Grand Lodge's Order of Eastern Stars (O.E.S.)
    • (Organized for Colored Women on December 1, 1874/ which is now the recognized Prince Hall Affiliated est. date)
• Ill. James A. Handy 33°, Sov. Grand Comm. of the Southern Supreme Council: (1875 - 1878)   
• Ill. Thornton A. Jackson 33°, Sov. Grand Comm. of the Southern and Western Supreme Council: (1878 - 1881)
• Ill. James A. Handy 33°, Sov. Grand Comm. of the Southern Supreme Council: (1881 - 1889)
• Ill. Thornton A. Jackson 33°, Sov. Grand Comm. of the Southern and Western Supreme Council: (1889 – 1895)
  • Ill.  John G. Jones 33°, Lt. Sov. Grand Commander, on August 9th, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio, reorganized The National Grand Lodge, and renamed it the "National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.). 
• Ill. John G. Jones 33° of the Southern and Western Supreme Council, Elected the NEW Most P. Sov. Grand Commander: (Oct. 1895)
  • The Split and Breakup of the United Supreme Council Southern Jurisdiction (1895) [Thornton A. Jackson -vs.- John G. Jones]
  • Ill. John G. Jones 33° renamed and reorganized the National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) to "The General Grand Masonic Congress of The United States of America & Canada (A.F. & A.M.) on April 27, 1896, in Washington D.C. 
• Ill. John G. Jones 33°, re-elected M.P. Sov. Grand Commander of the U.S.C. Southern and Western Supreme Council: (1896-1914)
• Ill. John G. Jones 33°, Supreme Grand Patron of Supreme Grand Chapter (July 16, 1901-1914, Est. O.E.S. for Colored [A.F.& A.M.] Women)

NOTE:
It should be noted that Ill. Bro. Thornton A. Jackson 33rd was a Patron for the National Grand Lodge during the time that the Order of Eastern Star was first Organized for Colored Women on December 1, 1874. This was one of his major accomplishments that thrusted him into the leadership position as the Most Puissant Sov. Grand Commander of the United Supreme Council (U.S.C.) of the Southern and Southern & Western Supreme Councils of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons (A. A. S. R.) from 1878 to 1881. The Order of Eastern Star in the United States of America became firmly established for colored people under the leadership of Ill. Bro. Robert J. Fletcher of Sacramento, California, who was the Royal Grand Patron of California. The regular and genuine work of the Eastern Star Degree was conferred upon him by a deputy from the White Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star of New York in 1878, sanctioned by Ill. Bro. Robert Mccoy.  Soon afterwards the State's Grand Chapter in California was organized. Afterwards, more prominent members of the Order were initiated to include the following: Ill. E. E. Pettiborne, Royal Grand Patron, State of Mississippi; he also served as the Grand Prior of the Supreme Grand Council who did much to promote the work of the Order and to spread the work. Some of the other notable people who helped the Order grow in its initial stages were Mrs. D. O. Bryan, Ill. J. C. Scott, Ill. W. L. Kimbrough, Miss Anna M. Rowe of Texas. Mrs. M.L. Harrison, Mrs. F.L. Williams of Missouri.  Mrs. M.E. Reed, Mrs. Catherine Johnson of New York, Dr. William H. Simmons, Rev. A.R. Morris, Mrs. P.L. Trigg, Ill. L.A. Belle of the Indian Territory. Mrs. L.A. Williams, Mrs. A.E. Lovette of Mississippi, Mrs. R.D. Boone, Mrs. Helen Jones, Mrs. Lizzie Davis, Ill. R.M. Hancock, Ill. W.T. Scott, Mrs. Agnes Moody, Mrs. Lillian William, Dr. J.H. McGhee, Rev. C.W. Newton of Illinois, Ill. Richard E. Moore, Ill. B.S. Harris, Mrs. R.E. Moore, Ill. John A. Bell, Mrs. M.T. Buchner of Indiana. Mrs. Martha A. Clark, Mrs. Belle Mills and Ill. James R. Dasey of California.  

Eight years later, Ill. Thornton A. Jackson was re-elected from 1889 to 1895 again as the M.P. Sov. Grand Commander of the U.S.C. Southern & Western Jurisdiction (A.A.S.R.), and the Adoptive Rite, The Supreme Grand Chapter O.E.S. and all her subordinate Grand Chapters and Local Chapters were under the umbrella of the United Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction and the National Grand Lodge which was Renamed the National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) on August 9, 1889, in Cleveland OH by then Lt. Sov. Grand Commander Ill. John G. Jones 33rd. The Ill. John G. Jones 33rd later proceeded Thornton A. Jackson as the New Most Puissant Sov. Grand Commander of the U.S.C. of the Southern and Southern & Western Supreme Councils of (A.A.S.R.) Masons in October of 1895. However, after Bro. Thornton Andrew Jackson handed the gavel over to him, he soon began to express that he did not like losing that position or the leadership to Bro. John G. Jones, so he worked to convince the Northern Jurisdiction and Southern Supreme Council to split away from the United Supreme Council Southern & Western Supreme Council. He was able to split up the U.S.C. and take the Southern Supreme Council to join exclusively with the Northern Supreme Council and its Jurisdiction of (Prince Hall Affiliated Masons) as the Only recognized Supreme Councils for colored people in the United States and Canada, proclaiming the Southern & Western as an Illegitimate Supreme Council. Because of these actions, to this day, it has been a Jurisdictional divide between what is known as the 4 letters Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) and 3 letter Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A.M.) P.H.A. and Free and Accepted Ancient Yorkrite Masons (F. & A. A. M.) P.H.O.

This Split also caused the Re-Organization of the National Masonic Congress (A.F. & A.M.) to be Re-named The General Grand Masonic Congress (G.G.M.C.) of The United States of America & Canada (A.F. & A.M.) on April 27, 1896, in Washington D.C. and the Supreme Grand Chapter O.E.S. was Re-Organized and Re-established for A.F. & A.M. Women and Men on July 16, 1901, in the city of Chicago, State of Illinois under the direction of Honorable John G. Jones, 33rd and Supreme Grand Worthy Matron Sister A. P. Hogans by the delegates in convention assembled, representing the State Grand Chapters and Subordinate Chapters, of the Order of Eastern Star, from the State of Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Michigan, Wyoming New Mexico, and Ohio at that time.  Noting that this is a different Founders date than the 3 letter (P.H.A.) and (P.H.O) Free and Accepted Masons (F. & A.M.) whose 1st O.E.S. Chapter start date is December 1, 1874. Like it or not, our histories up until August 1895 are forever intertwined. Nonetheless, the beautiful flowers of our Supreme Grand Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star (O.E.S.) (A. F. & A.M.) continue to blossom to this day under the Leadership of our President General, Ill. Michael Billingsley 33rd and our Supreme Grand Worthy Matron, Sister Betty Davis with our Supreme Grand Worthy Patron, Ill. Bro. Collier Mickle 33rd.
                                                                         
[This information was Taken from Some Footsteps of the Progress of the Colored Race: by John G. Jones.]