The Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Family
What is the Order of the Eastern Star? Explore the Masonic family of organizations that welcome women, youth, and relatives of Masons.
Freemasonry is often thought of as a fraternity for men, but it sits at the center of a much larger family of organizations that includes women, teenagers, and children. The best known of these is the Order of the Eastern Star.
What Is the Order of the Eastern Star?
The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organization open to both women and men. It is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both women and men may belong. Women who join are often relatives of Master Masons, and the organization shares Freemasonry’s emphasis on charity, morality, and fellowship.
The Meaning of the Star
The Eastern Star takes its name and emblem from a five-pointed star. Each point is associated with a heroine drawn from religious and historical tradition, and each represents a virtue such as fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith, and love. The teachings use these figures as examples of admirable character.
A Family of Organizations
Beyond the Eastern Star, the broader Masonic family includes several organizations for young people. These groups give the children and grandchildren of Masonic families — and often any young person who shares their values — a place to build leadership skills, friendship, and good character.
Youth Organizations
Among the best-known Masonic-affiliated youth groups are organizations for young men and for young women, which teach leadership, public speaking, civic responsibility, and service. Many adults credit these programs with shaping their confidence and values during their formative years.
Why the Masonic Family Matters
The existence of these organizations shows that Freemasonry is not an isolated men’s club but the hub of a wide community. Spouses, children, and relatives can all participate in activities that share the same core values of brotherly love, relief, and truth. This family structure helps pass Masonic ideals from one generation to the next.
A Shared Commitment to Service
Like the Craft itself, the organizations of the Masonic family devote themselves to charity and community service. Together they represent millions of people around the world united by a common commitment to helping others and building good character.
Quick Facts
- The Order of the Eastern Star welcomes both women and men.
- Its five-pointed star represents heroines and the virtues they embody.
- The Masonic family also includes youth organizations.
- All share Freemasonry’s values of charity and good character.
