The Order of the Eastern Star: A Legacy of Light, Service, and Symbolism

Among the many organizations that stem from the Masonic tradition, few carry the same air of grace, unity, and purpose as the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). Known for its commitment to charity, moral integrity, and fellowship, the OES stands as a shining example of how ancient values and modern compassion can blend into a vibrant community. At its heart, the Order is not just a fraternal group—it’s a network of individuals bound by a shared belief in truth, charity, and loving-kindness.

A Brief History of the Order

The Order of the Eastern Star was founded in 1850 by Dr. Rob Morris, a prominent Freemason and educator often referred to as the “Poet Laureate of Masonry.” Morris envisioned an organization that could include both men and women—one that would embody Masonic principles while offering a place for family members of Masons to participate more fully in fraternal life. His vision came to fruition when he created a ritual and degree system based on biblical heroines, each representing a core virtue.

What began as a modest movement has since grown into one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world open to both men and women, with chapters spread across the United States and around the globe. Despite its Masonic roots, the OES is not a secret society nor a religion—it welcomes members of all faiths who profess a belief in a Supreme Being and who strive to live upright and charitable lives.

The Meaning Behind the Star

The Order’s most recognizable emblem is the five-pointed star, a symbol rich in meaning and deeply connected to its teachings. Each point of the star represents one of five heroines from the Bible, whose stories convey the virtues that OES members are encouraged to emulate:

• Adah (Jephthah’s Daughter) – The blue point represents obedience and integrity, drawn from the story of Adah’s faithfulness to her father’s vow.
• Ruth – The yellow point signifies loyalty and devotion, inspired by Ruth’s steadfastness to Naomi and her family.
• Esther – The white point symbolizes courage, reflecting Queen Esther’s bravery in standing up for her people.
• Martha – The green point stands for faith and unwavering belief in life beyond death, shown through Martha’s trust in Jesus.
• Electa – The red point represents love and charity, recalling Electa’s example of hospitality and compassion even under persecution.

Together, these five points create a powerful emblem of virtue and light—each color and story woven into the moral fabric of the organization. The star also stands inverted, a position not of evil but of humility, representing the star descending toward humanity to bring enlightenment and hope.

Purpose and Principles

The OES emphasizes three central pillars: Charity, Truth, and Loving-Kindness. Through these, members aim to improve themselves while serving others. Across the country, local chapters of the Eastern Star sponsor scholarships, community assistance programs, and charitable events that benefit hospitals, veterans’ organizations, and disaster relief efforts.

Equally important is the spirit of fellowship. The OES provides a supportive community where men and women work side by side, forming lasting friendships and strengthening family ties. Rituals and ceremonies are used to teach moral lessons—rooted in the stories of the heroines—and to remind members of the guiding light of faith and virtue in their daily lives.

The Eastern Star Fez: A Symbol of Pride and Unity

One of the most recognizable aspects of Eastern Star regalia is the fez hat, a distinctive, colorful headpiece that carries deep meaning and a sense of belonging. The fez is not exclusive to the Eastern Star—it is also famously worn by members of the Shriners—but within OES, it serves as a symbol of honor, heritage, and service.

Typically, the Eastern Star fez is made of rich felt, often in white, black, or deep purple, adorned with the five-pointed star emblem on the front. Each color and embellishment holds significance:

• The star emblem reflects the guiding principles of the Order—faith, loyalty, courage, faithfulness, and love.
• Gold embroidery and sequins often adorn the hat, symbolizing the light and radiance members strive to spread in their communities.
• Some fezzes include the member’s chapter name, location, or even jeweled accents representing years of service and dedication.

Wearing the fez is both a tradition and an honor. It is often seen at Eastern Star ceremonies, parades, and charitable events, where members proudly display their connection to the Order and its mission. The hat’s design, though simple, captures a long lineage of fraternal pride and unity—linking generations of members who have devoted themselves to bettering the world through faith and service.

A Living Legacy

The enduring appeal of the Order of the Eastern Star lies in its timeless message: that through faith, service, and love, individuals can illuminate even the darkest corners of life. The organization’s charitable reach is vast, its members driven by a collective desire to “Build a better world under God’s guidance.”

Whether through supporting education, comforting those in need, or simply fostering fellowship and moral growth, OES continues to play an active role in communities everywhere. For members, it provides not only a sense of belonging but also a lifelong opportunity to live out the virtues symbolized by Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa.

In a world that often feels disconnected, the Order of the Eastern Star remains a beacon of unity and purpose—a reminder that compassion, integrity, and love are not just ideals to believe in but values to practice daily. And for those who don the fez and stand beneath the emblem of the shining star, it’s a call to live as a light in service to others—an eternal legacy of the Eastern Star.