Ladies Sign in

Thanks for adding us! Member at large at the moment. Any other sisters out there???

Sgt Mom

There are a few out and about. Haven't been active in a long time but that is about to change in the near future.

PM - 1992 Sojourner #608 (now Arcadia 299)
- 2002 Lexington #172
(and a 30 year member!!!)

Life is so beautiful beneath the Star!!! SgtMom, where are you a member and when did you first see the Star? Did you go to General Grand? I wanted to but couldn't this time - Maybe in three years in OK!

quote:

Originally posted by FleetLiberal:
Ladies Sign in

You know, FL, without our Brothers, there is no Star. Brothers, please sign in, too!

Has anyone seen this type of behavior ? (Posted on an anti-Masonic website)

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I am a female in the U.S. Army and I was just wondering if anyone else was noticing a problem with masons in the military. I have run into several masons in my 4 years in the military and none, sadly to say, have been very good guys. I have seen first hand and also heard from several other females that masons are no good and cannot be trusted. From what I have witnessed, masons tend to use their meetings and fellow brothers as covers to commit adultry and show favoritism in the ranks. I find this very upsetting and now refuse to date or even befriend a mason. I have done some research on the masons and I am going to continue to do so, but so far I have found that masons tend to cover up their bad deeds with talk of good-doings for the community. If anyone has an explaintion or agrees with me please post it. I hope that I am not the only female to notice this trend.

OES - R.I. here. Also Mom Advisor of Newport Assembly, and Mom of the GrandWorthy Advisor for IORG 9899. Can't say enough wonderful things about our organizations - we've been to so many states for the GrandAssemblies, and seen my girl go from a shy pre-teen to a wonderful, confident leader that had the most amazing Grand Assembly year! My son in law was also Demoley, and a Mason.
NavyMom in RI
Jean

Just like any organization there are good and bad members. You can try to shift thought but you will never be able to stop all bad ones from joining. The actions of a few do not speak for the organization as a whole.

Santa Maria Chapter #496. I'm not local to them now, but looks like I'll be back there this summer. I've never been to a General Grand - hoping to later on. I'm fairly new and saw the star 4 years ago. My grandfather was a Mason of over 50 years though.

Sgt Mom

cemab4y -- I cannot answer this from the military stand point. I can answer as the Mom of a little Rainbow Girls that went up the ranks to GWA, and the Masons played such a big part of her growth. They were there for her every step of the way, wether they were on the Board of Directors; being "Dad Advisor"; attending all the IORG functions held each year;
support, support, support,,and with a big capital Support!!! They, and their wives, and all of OES were such wonderful role models for our girls. I cannot even express how I felt when Krisi had her Grand Assembly, and the Masons filed in,,,,,I swear everyone of them that she had come in contact with over the years,,,were there to support her! What an awesome sight that was!!!
Sorry for being so long winded,,but I get so angry when someone says something bad about our guys!!!
NavyMom Jean in R.I.

The only bad things I've ever heard about Masons are from John Ankerberg and similiar "preachers"...nothing on a more personal level. Mama and Daddy said it was an honor to be invited to become a mason (wish we'd had that conversation earlier).


I do have a question though. How does one become a Daughter of the Eastern Star? One of my former co-workers at the P.O. was one but she didn't go into any detail.

quote:

Originally posted by FleetLiberal:
Your information is wrong, members are not recruited, you have to ask to be one. since you know my home emial 2b1ask, is a play on works to be a mason ask a mason, also since your antheist you can not join any masonic org.

quote:

Originally posted by HeadAboveGround:
The only bad things I've ever heard about Masons are from John Ankerberg and similiar "preachers"...nothing on a more personal level. Mama and Daddy said it was an honor to be invited to become a mason (wish we'd had that conversation earlier).


I do have a question though. How does one become a Daughter of the Eastern Star? One of my former co-workers at the P.O. was one but she didn't go into any detail.

Ooookay.

Bro. FL, while it is true that a man CANNOT be asked to join the most noble of fraternites, that of the Freemasons, our rules and regulations in Eastern Star differ in that we may indeed ask women of proper Masonic affiliation and brother Masons to join with us in our good works for the betterment of mankind.

To become a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a person must first and foremost believe in the existence of a supreme being - for without such belief our obligation and our lessons would be meaningless. If a person belives in the existence of a supreme being - no matter by what name he or she is reverenced - and is of good moral character and possesses the proper Masonic relationship - mother, daughter, sister, wife, or widow of a Master Mason or if she is a Majority Member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls or Majority Member of International Order of Job's Daughter but not otherwise eligible for Eastern Star membership, on the basis of her Majority Membership, she would be entitled to receive our degrees. If a brother Mason wishes to join our Order, he needs to have completed his 3rd degree and may petition membership immediately upon his raising.

I hope this answers some of the membership questions.

The Masonic Family of Fraternities - Making Good Men and Women Better Men and Women! Our Orders ARE a way of life.

And in response to the statement about Masons not being good or trustworthy, I personally have never felt safer than in the presence of a brother. Once in the middle of the Nevada desert, on a stretch of highway in the middle of nowhere, my car broke down. I was in my mid 20s at the time. A brother Mason recognized my Eastern Star emblem on my California license plate, and pulled over and got me the help I needed to be back on the road safely once again. As the daughter of a Master Mason I knew where I could find help always.

quote:

Originally posted by CalDreaming02:
Bro. FL, while it is true that a man CANNOT be asked to join the most noble of fraternites, that of the Freemasons, our rules and regulations in Eastern Star differ in that we may indeed ask women of proper Masonic affiliation and brother Masons to join with us in our good works for the betterment of mankind.

To become a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a person must first and foremost believe in the existence of a supreme being - for without such belief our obligation and our lessons would be meaningless. If a person belives in the existence of a supreme being - no matter by what name he or she is reverenced - and is of good moral character and possesses the proper Masonic relationship - mother, daughter, sister, wife, or widow of a Master Mason or if she is a Majority Member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls or Majority Member of International Order of Job's Daughter but not otherwise eligible for Eastern Star membership, on the basis of her Majority Membership, she would be entitled to receive our degrees. If a brother Mason wishes to join our Order, he needs to have completed his 3rd degree and may petition membership immediately upon his raising.

I hope this answers some of the membership questions.

The Masonic Family of Fraternities - Making Good Men and Women Better Men and Women! Our Orders ARE a way of life.

And in response to the statement about Masons not being good or trustworthy, I personally have never felt safer than in the presence of a brother. Once in the middle of the Nevada desert, on a stretch of highway in the middle of nowhere, my car broke down. I was in my mid 20s at the time. A brother Mason recognized my Eastern Star emblem on my California license plate, and pulled over and got me the help I needed to be back on the road safely once again. As the daughter of a Master Mason I knew where I could find help always.

Coleen,
Very nice and well put. Also it is a shame that the young lady thinks she has had bad experiences with Masons. This leads me to believe she may have meet some imposters. And has listened to someone who knows nothing about Masonry.

S&F, John

I am not an Eastern Star but I am a Master Mason and Past Mason of sybolic lodge of Freemasons. When I find some time, I will petition the "Eastern Star," because I have only met wonderful individuals that belong. After becoming a Master Mason, I proudly put up the square and compass in my office and a executive in my office came to see me and asked if I was a "Traveling Man." I responded that I have traveled in the military and when she looked at the square and compass on my desk, I quickly said that I have been to the "East" and we both had a good laugh, and now good office friends. Occasionally, I have had a nice lady come up to me when she see my van with Masonic emblems on it and she will introduce herself to me in the most kind and respectful way. Once when I broke down on the highway, I called a member of my church who I though was a friend and he asked me if I had AAA and I said, yes. He told me to call them and if they can't help call him back. I then called the first brother Mason I could remember the phone number for and got his wife who is an Eastern Star and after explaning my problem, both came to my aid without question or hesitation. We live in a dangerous and untrusting world and I know that it is easier to trust a Mason and/or Eastern Star before anyone else if he or she be a stranger. If anyone else has such stories, post them for all to see. My .02 cents of Master wages. So Mote It Be !

Fraternally and Sincerely,
/s/
Terry C. Terhune, Past Master
Centre Lodge No. 23 F&AM
Indianapolis, Indiana

Glad to see so many fellow Brothers and Sisters!! At my base, we are few and far between. I haven't been to a meeting in a long while but it's nice to know there are so many of you around. Thanks for just being available to talk to.

quote:

Originally posted by cemab4y:
Has anyone seen this type of behavior ? (Posted on an anti-Masonic website)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a female in the U.S. Army and I was just wondering if anyone else was noticing a problem with masons in the military. I have run into several masons in my 4 years in the military and none, sadly to say, have been very good guys. I have seen first hand and also heard from several other females that masons are no good and cannot be trusted. From what I have witnessed, masons tend to use their meetings and fellow brothers as covers to commit adultry and show favoritism in the ranks. I find this very upsetting and now refuse to date or even befriend a mason. I have done some research on the masons and I am going to continue to do so, but so far I have found that masons tend to cover up their bad deeds with talk of good-doings for the community. If anyone has an explaintion or agrees with me please post it. I hope that I am not the only female to notice this trend.

I was born a star. I was welcomed at the age of 18 and I am now 32. I have sat on esther and in the west. I have noticed this behavior and it is one of the main reasons that I am inactive now. I am the wife of an e7 in the Army. I loved being enlightened and tresured by the Masons but once I became a woman(21)I hated the negative harassment I recieved. But I have to say it is not ALL just SOME!

My second year in Morris Brown College I went to Black Week(Spring Break)in Daytona Florida. Myself and two friends traveled there with $150 for gas and $100 each for everything else. We are very proud of being Eastern Stars so we were decked out from head to ankle. We stopped to find a reasonable hotel roome for our 4 day stay! As we were getting the rates at a HOTEL that was in the middle or all the action a gentleman came up to us, introduced himself, exposed his light correctly, I replied correctly and then he offered us a room. He looked me in my eyes handed me the keys and told me to be careful. Never once did he impose or imply anything outside of BE CAREFUL! If you need anything you sned a message through the front desk and I will find you.

For me I can never believe that all of these god fearing men are the same. One thing we as a order have to remeber is we only know what we learn. Being that this is a secret society, a faternal order we have to learn eveything. Our lessons, our passes and signs EVERYTHING!! So if this is whats being taught to the newer indidvituals then this is what they're going to do. Ladies please don't jugde them all be BE CAREFUL!!!

To all my sisters and brothers I am a Past Worthy Matron, who also belong to every masonic house except the DOI and you all need to go back to the very beginning of why you joined the order. I have been an Eastern Star for the past fifteen years and yes there are some that don't respect the order in any way but for reason. But that does not give us a right to judge our sisters and brothers for their wrong doings. If for any reason that you felt ashamed of being part of this organization you should have spoken up with a firm voice. Never be discourage of what any sister and brother do. Be proud of who you are and where you belong. Yes there are going to be others that will make us look like bad people and a very bad organization but you have to stand up for what is right. If you can't be vocal on what is going on tell someone that will be your voice and everyones elses. Tell Me!!! At the end of my reply you will have my name and email address. For any reason you need to say what is on your mind feel. I have personal numbers of Past Worthy Matrons, Past District Deputy Grand Worthy Matrons, Past Worthy Patrons, and others. Believe me we will make sure that all your questions will answered correctly. So my sister, don't give up on us yet. When you entered the WHITE HOUSE you knew in your heart that there is where you belong and you will always be our SISTA!!!!!!!!!

PWM Donna Banks
donna_starbanks@yahoo.com

quote:

Originally posted by cemab4y:
Has anyone seen this type of behavior ? (Posted on an anti-Masonic website)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a female in the U.S. Army and I was just wondering if anyone else was noticing a problem with masons in the military. I have run into several masons in my 4 years in the military and none, sadly to say, have been very good guys. I have seen first hand and also heard from several other females that masons are no good and cannot be trusted. From what I have witnessed, masons tend to use their meetings and fellow brothers as covers to commit adultry and show favoritism in the ranks. I find this very upsetting and now refuse to date or even befriend a mason. I have done some research on the masons and I am going to continue to do so, but so far I have found that masons tend to cover up their bad deeds with talk of good-doings for the community. If anyone has an explaintion or agrees with me please post it. I hope that I am not the only female to notice this trend.

Was she positive in assuming that they were Masons? I've run into a lot of folks who wear Masonic Rings and try to pass themsleves off as "Masons" but a few questions and answers later, I am convinced by their replies that they are in fact, NOT Masons.

quote:

Originally posted by Col_Murph:
Was she positive in assuming that they were Masons? I've run into a lot of folks who wear Masonic Rings and try to pass themsleves off as "Masons" but a few questions and answers later, I am convinced by their replies that they are in fact, NOT Masons.

Not that we Masons need to defend the fraternity, but there are many clandestine Masonic groups. Most of the states in the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction do not recognize Prince Hall Masons. For those who don't know, most if not all Prince Hall Masons are African American. I will stop here because most might know where I am headed with this issue. One must know that in this day and age, anyone can buy a Masonic ring on ebay or on-line, and wearing it does not make a person a Mason. It is equally dangerous to profile individuals for it is politically incorrect. I happen to be Catholic and I don't perceive all Priests to be sexual deviants because of all the crimes they have committed against their parishioners. Also, I don't consider every Middle Eastern male between the ages of 15 and 45 to be a suicide bomber or Al-Queida operative. So, why would someone have such evil things to say about Masons when they had an unfortunate incident happen to them? If one looks for the positive in everything in life they encounter, they will find it. If one looks for the negative in everything and everyone, they won't be disappointed. We Masons only take good men and make them better and we do throw out the bad apples too. My .02 cents. So Mote it be.

Fraternally,
/s/
TerryTCT, Past Master
Centre Lodge No. 23 F&AM
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction
32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason
Captain General, Knights Templar
Illustrious Master, Council of Cryptic Masons
King, Chapter of York Rite Masons

(Just to Name a Few Masonic organizations)....

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT,

What seems to have gotten this thread going is from what Brother Martin found on a Anti-Masonic web site.
Anyone who is or is truly familiar with Masons know that what is written on these sites is purely fictional.
I have come across a few imposters myself and were easily identified. But to a non-Mason this would be rather difficult. Just because you see a Masonic emblem on a vehicle or wearing a ring does not mean they are a Mason. A lot of the Brothers fail to remove the emblem when they sell their vehicle. And many new owners fail to remove them either.
As any Fraternity, we are not perfect and if any Mason does not abide by the principles of Freemasonry there is a recourse they must suffer.
My suggestion to someone who feels they were mistreated by a Mason would be to try and find out what lodge they belong to and notify that lodge or the Grand Lodge of that state. That would apply to F&AM, FA&AM and PHA.

Hello all! I spoke with FleetLiberal on another thread about getting information on joining your group and he said I should come here. I have done a little research and I saw that you have to be related to a Mason in order to join. My father was a Mason, however I do believe he left and is no longer one. Can you provide any information/help? Thanks!

Lucyfan,

Is your father still living? If he is deceased, then was he in "good standing" at the time of his death (either in possession of a current dues receipt or a dimit)? If he was/is in "good standing", then you can join.

You state that he left and is no longer one. Was/is he a Master Mason? Do you mean that he requested a dimit or resigned (they are very different things in Masonic law) or just stopped paying his yearly dues - whether it was for lack of interest or for lack of finances. If he was suspended for nonpayment of dues at some point over the years, then your father if he is still living or you can go to his home lodge or the Grand Lodge and have the dues owed at that time paid (usually no more than three years past dues total) and this will usually reinstate him or his memory to "good standing." I know this can be done in the California Grand Jurisdiction because I did this for my dad at the time of his passing because he had expressed to me just a week or so before collapsing that when the time came he really wanted a Masonic funeral and also because at the time my girls were wanting to enter Job's Daughters their father was not yet a Mason and so the Masonic affiliation for them was through their grandfather or great-grandfather on my side. Keep in mind it is also entirely possible that your father's lodge never suspended him for nonpayment but instead "remitted" dues on his behalf to the Grand Lodge in your dad's Masonic jurisdiction - and so this is the first place you need to check as to his status. You will need this information. If your father is still living, just ask him. If he is not still living, then contact the Lodge's Secretary that he belonged to or if they have consolidated or surrendered their Charter, contact the Grand Lodge of the state in which he was a member. The Grand Lodge will assist you.

Other relationships that will "qualify" you for membership in our Order are: Wife, widow, sister, niece, mother, grand-daughter OR Majority Member Rainbow or Majority Member Job's Daughter. So, if the one affiliation does not "work out", check into the other possibilities.

Our Order is totally beautiful! I have belonged for 30+ years now and whenever life has felt overwhelming all I have ever needed to do was look to the lessons of our Star to find hope and encouragement and the love and fellowship of true friends. The Masonic family - Making already good people better people! I hope to see you at some point along the Star-ry Trail!

Thank you very much for the response! He is still alive, and I believe he just stopped paying his dues. I'm not sure if he was ever a Master Mason or not. I suppose I will have to discuss this with him more. I've asked a few times about it but he never really goes into any detail. I suppose now that I know the right questions to ask it won't be like pulling teeth with him! I'm still not exactly sure what your organization is about, but I love to volunteer and I thoroughly enjoy helping others. Thanks again for your assistance!

NYS OES - not recognized...

why?

quote:

Originally posted by GroovyLady:
NYS OES - not recognized...

why?

Wasn't aware that NY OES was not recognized. At one time PA OES was not recognized. But that has been healed.

quote:

Originally posted by Easyrider195:
OES - R.I. here. Also Mom Advisor of Newport Assembly, and Mom of the GrandWorthy Advisor for IORG 9899. Can't say enough wonderful things about our organizations - we've been to so many states for the GrandAssemblies, and seen my girl go from a shy pre-teen to a wonderful, confident leader that had the most amazing Grand Assembly year! My son in law was also Demoley, and a Mason.
NavyMom in RI
Jean

Hey MOM im a DeMolay in Memphis Tennessee how r u?

Ladies and Gentleman, I wanted to share the good news with you that my mother joined the Wisteria Chapter of the O.E.S. in Beaumont, TX a few weeks ago.

My father also asked me for a petition and is now an Entered Apprentice in Beaumont Lodge #286 AF & AM.

Cool eh? My family is going a little backwards but at least we're on the right track! LOL..

quote:

Originally posted by GroovyLady:
NYS OES - not recognized...

why?

New York State OES?

quote:

New York and New Jersey are not a part of the GGC. They each have a slightly different Ritual and their own set of Laws. GGC and these two states have a harmonious relationship and exchange Grand Representatives with each other.

Taken from The General Grand Chapter
http://www.easternstar.org/ggc/frame.html

They are recognized but not as a part of the General Grand Chapter. The ritual is the basically the same with subtle differences. Each Grand jurisdiction will do things a little differently but the ritual, the lessons of the order, is unchanging. For example, in the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland, a Mason is not allowed to belong by that jurisdiction's Masonic Law; thus the Worthy Patron and Associate Patron offices exist but are filled by sisters. The Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland is recognized but is also not a part of the General Grand Chapter. In New York the Star with its five points are re-oriented - as it would appear to the presiding officer looking down onto the floor from the East in any other Grand jurisdiction but not to the membership at large .

The Grand Chapter of New York is not a part of the General Grand Chapter but the General Grand Chapter does recognize our sisters and brothers in New York state and their self-autonomy. The General Grand Chapter "links" to New York state O.E.S. and the Grand Chapter of New York State "links" to the General Grand Chapter.

quote:

The Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star now encircle the earth. The General Grand Chapter has jurisdiction over all Grand Chapters in the United States (except New York and New Jersey which are independent Grand Chapters), the Provinces in Canada, and the Grand Chapter of Puerto Rico. There is a Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland with jurisdiction over Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales, South Africa, and New Zealand. The States, Territories and Dependencies of Australia are under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Chapter of Australia which was established in 1985.

Chapters have been organized subordinate to the General Grand Chapter in Alaska, Aruba, Austria, Bermuda, Taiwan, Panama, Germany, Guam, Hawaii, Japan, Mexico, Okinawa, Italy, Philippines and Saudi Arabia. The membership in the Order numbers over 1,000,000 members in over 8,000 Chapters.

Taken from History of Robert Morris http://www.geocities.com/st_marys_49/RobertMorrisHistory.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CalDreaming02,

quote:

Originally posted by SigNuCoastie:
Ladies and Gentleman, I wanted to share the good news with you that my mother joined the Wisteria Chapter of the O.E.S. in Beaumont, TX a few weeks ago.

My father also asked me for a petition and is now an Entered Apprentice in Beaumont Lodge #286 AF & AM.

Cool eh? My family is going a little backwards but at least we're on the right track! LOL..

Very cool! If you can sit in the East for your father's degreework, the next newsletter of Beaumont Lodge will read, "Son raises father."When and where is the degreework? You never know, you might get a few extra visiting brethren. My contratulations are in order.
Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, Past Master
Centre Lodge No. 23 F&AM
Moderator in Training
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