WHAT THE ORDER IS
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal order to which Master Masons and their female relatives may belong. It is not a religion. However, it requires a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being and encourages LOYALTY to one's own religious beliefs, family, country and community. Today, in Ontario there are approximately 7,400 members in 95 Chapters.
QUALIFICATIONS
To become a member, men must be affiliated Master Masons in good standing and women must be 18 years or over and possess one of the following relationships to a Master Mason. Also, members of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls or the International Order of Job's Daughters who have been active for three years and are at least 18 years of age are eligible.
Affiliated Master Masons in good standing and their wives, daughters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, widows, sisters, half sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters, stepsisters, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, great granddaughters, nieces, mothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
WHAT THE ORDER DOES
As a fraternal order, the Order of the Eastern Star provides an opportunity for men and women to meet and enjoy social companionship. The Order encourages a philosophy of life based on the virtues of FIDELITY, CONSTANCY, LOYALTY, FAITH, LOVE and CHARITY.
CHARITIES
Worthy Grand Matron's Project - The Worthy Grand Matron's project (her personal choice) is a Province-wide charity which is chosen annually and supported by the members. These charities have over many years included: Arthritis, Heart and Stroke, Alzheimers, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy. In 2015-2016 the Special Project is to support Camp Trillium - Rainbow Lake in Waterford, Ontario and OuR Island in Picton Ontario. Camp Trillium is a place where children with cancer may go for a week and take their family with them for a holiday.
In 2014-2015, over $50,000 has been donated to the Worthy Grand Matron's Project which was also Camp Trillium - Rainbow Lake.
Chapter Selected Charities - Individual Chapters select one or more local charities and raise funds within their communities by appealing to the local population and meeting local needs. Annual Givings in the range of $300,000.00
Grand Benevolent Fund - The fund is supported by local chapters allows a committee to grant funds to members. This is done in a confidential manner and usually on an emergency basis. Annual Givings in the range of $40,000.00
Florence Nightingale Home Foundation - Interest derived from a Capital Fund allows donations of equipment to be made to hospitals in Ontario each year.
Annual givings approximately $30,000.00
ESTARL - This fund, Eastern Star Training Award for Religious Leadership, unique to the Order of the Eastern Star, comes from donations of individual chapters. It is used for bursaries to assist men and women who are dedicating their lives to the Spiritual Service of mankind. In 2015 there were 19 bursaries of $2,000 each.
"INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP?"
If you are interested in becoming a member of this Order:
Contact: Jane Zimmerman Chair of Membership for more information if required.
The Membership Committee