Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone become a member?

Unfortunately, No. Women who wish to join the Order of the Eastern Star must be the wives, daughters, legally adopted daughters, mothers, widows, sisters, half-sisters, granddaughters, stepmothers, stepdaughters, stepsisters, daughters-in-law, grandmothers, great grandmothers, aunts, nieces, great nieces, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and daughters of sisters or brothers, 1st and 2nd female cousins of affiliated Master Masons (in good standing), or if deceased were in good standing at the time of their death.

Also, members -either active for 3 years or majority- of the International Order of Job's Daughters or the International Rainbow for Firls, each of whom having attained to at least the age of 18, are eligible for membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.

Can Masons join the Order of the Eastern Star?

The answer is "YES!." By joining the Order of the Eastern Star, a Mason can share in the benefits of being a member of a worthwhile organization dedicated to Charity, Truth, and Loving-Kindness. Joining the Order of the Eastern Star does not, in any way, diminsh or alter the Mason's Masonic effectiveness. To the contrary, those men who have joined the Eastern Star have remained dedicated to their Lodges and the precepts of Masonry. Membership in the Order promotes the concept of the Fraternal Family. It provides a wholesome atmosphere where families can fellowship and work together for the good of others. It is an enhancement to one's membership in the Masonic Fraternity. The Masons who joins is committed to the promotion of fraternalism and its positive influence on his family.


How do I join?

If you wish to join our Order, and help make your community a better place, please contact us! We would love to talk with you about the Order of the Eastern Star.


You can download and print our petition for membership here!

When are your meeting nights?

Our meeting nights are on the 1st Friday of the month. Our meetings start at 7:30 and are held at 70 E. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD.

Petition for Membership

Fillable OES Petition .pdf

Misconceptions about the Order of the Eastern Star

  • The Order of the Eastern Star is NOT a "secret society." Secret socities are underground and hard to find. We are easily found within the community and on many websites. We do, however, enjoy a distinctive means of identifying each other and only members are allowed in closed meetings.

  • The Order of the Eastern Star is NOT a religion NOR a cult. It does not pretend to take the place of a religion nor serve as a substitute for the religious beliefs of its members. We have members from ALL religious beliefs. We only require a belief in a Supreme Being to become a member.

  • Membership in the Order is affordable. There is a small initiatory/membership fee and nominal yearly dues. Our members come from all economic stations of life.

  • There is no "required" obligation of time. After your Initiation into our Order, you may attend as your time permits. However, the more you participate and become involved, the more you will receive from our Order.

  • There is no mandatory memory work except the means of making yourself known if you wish to visit another Chapter or if you become and officer.

  • We have a strong sense of patriotism and are taught to preserve the good order of our Country and strongly support the Government of the United States of America.