THE EASTERN STARS
by P:.M:. Leslie Walker

The Eastern Star is an international organization consisting of Masons, their wives, sisters, and daughters. It is the only group that has both men and women members basing eligibility on affiliation with the Masonic Fraternity. The Eastern Star is organized along the same general lines as the Masonic Blue Lodge system. The basic group is called a Chapter and is analogous to the Lodge; it has a District group for ritualistic instruction and purposes of administration. Its statewide body is called the Grand Chapter and is analogous to the Grand Lodge.

Some of the success of the Eastern Star may be attributed to the fact that Masons can join with the ladies of the house in the social and ritualistic work in this great association, but basically the appeal is really in the beautiful ritual and the lessons taught by the Eastern Star degrees. It has a special appeal for the women because the ritual is based on five female Biblical characters whose lives represent particular laudable traits. Their names are: Adah, daughter of Jephtha; Ruth; Esther; Marhta; and Electra. Each of them are symbolized and represented in each point of the star, which is the well known emblem of the Eastern Star.
The name Adah means "adornment" and appears several times in the Old Testament, but we are interested in this connection with the daughter of Jephtha who bore this name. Jeptha, an important judge and military personage in the Old Testament, took an oath or vow before going out on an important military mission that he would sacrifice the first thing he would see coming
from his house if he returned victorious. He was the victor of the campaign and on his return Adah, his only child, was the first thing that came from his house to see him. The broken-hearted Jephtha was loyal to his vow, though he protested against this custom. This incident in Biblical history is used by the Eastern Star to symbolize the binding and serious nature of a vow.

The name Ruth (Brother's we all should know this story well!!!) means "companion." The story of Ruth is the most beautiful story in the Holy Bible, Ruth was a native of Moab. She was married, but an epidemic killed the men of the community, including her husband. In accordance with custom, she returned to Bethlehem where she lived with her mother-in-law, Naomi. Times were hard and they secured employment from Boaz, a kinsmen of her dead husband. Boaz also was her protector. He was attracted to her primarily because of her devotion and loyalty to Naomi. He married her and they had a child to whom
they gave the name of Obed who became the grandfather of David. This story is used by the Eastern Star to symbolize constant faithfulness to one's duty.

The name Esther means "star." In the Holy Bible Esther is presented as a person of great strength and personal beauty who heard of a plot against her people and protected them from destruction. The plotter was hanged in their stead. This story is used by the Eastern Star to symbolize one's fidelity to kindred and friends. The name Martha means "lady." The name appears a number of times in the New Testament, and Biblical scholars are not too sure that the name is used each time relating to the same person. The Eastern Star uses the name in its ritual in connection with the sister of Mary and Lazarus, of Bethany, who was a close friend of Jesus. It was Lazarus who was raised from the dead. The Eastern Star uses this story to symbolize enduring faith and a belief in eternal life.

The name Electra is not easily attached to a specific person. In the Second Epistle of John, a lady mentioned therein is described as an "elect lady." Tradition informs us that she was an ardent Christian who devoted all her time and effort to promoting Christianity in a day when this was unpopular and also dangerous. As a result of her activities, she was put to death and thus became a martyr. This was her wish so that her life work might testify to the enduring strength of Christian love. The Eastern Star uses this part of the Holy Bible to symbolize patience and peaceful submission to persecution for one's belief in God.

Thus we find the Eastern Stars using the Holy Bible to teach basic moral truths to its members. Its ritualistic work is most impressive and inspiring and drives the lessons home effectively. Each day the group is actively engaged in the charitable work of the community, doing its part in making this a better world in which to live. It is a truly fine and worthy organization
which merits the good will and assistance of all.