Eastern Star is an international organization for women and men associated with the men’s fraternal society of Masons. Its official name is the Order of the Eastern Star. Members belong to several groups, including the General Grand Chapter, affiliated grand chapters and chapters for various states of the United States, the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland, and the United Grand Chapter of Australia. All Eastern Star groups support charitable projects and sponsor social activities for their members.
The General Grand Chapter is by far the largest Eastern Star group. Its members are chiefly wives, daughters, mothers, widows, sisters, half sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters, and stepsisters of Masons who have earned at least the degree of Master Mason. Master Masons and Masons of higher degrees also may become members of the General Grand Chapter. The General Grand Chapter consists of many smaller chapters. All its chapters raise funds for such causes as arthritis, cancer, and heart disease research. The executive officer of the General Grand Chapter is a woman whose title is Most Worthy Grand Matron. Headquarters of Eastern Star are in Washington, D.C.
See also Masonry.
