“Now is the time to act boldly and wisely… to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity” – President Barack Obama Obedience, service, loyalty, charity, truth, faith, and loving kindness – These are the truths that govern our organization and fuel our passion to help others, help each other, and support our community. With approximately 1 million dedicated members worldwide, the Order of Eastern Stars (OES) is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women belong. We offer a deep fraternal bond between our members, brotherly and sisterly love through character-building lessons and principles based on biblical figures. The OES is open to all faiths, except no faith. Our members have strong spiritual values and convictions. Our organization is devoted to religious concerns, fidelity to family and friends, and respect for others regardless of race, creed, or gender. Eastern Star members practice individual righteousness, elevating and uplifting society by uplifting its members. For centuries, the OES have promoted, uplifted, and elevated the African American race and our community by following biblical principles of heroic conduct and moral values. From encouraging members to exercise their suffrage rights in the 1920s to supporting the federal Dyer Anti-Lynching bill, the OES has always been in the background and the forefront fighting for the rights of African-Americans and securing our place in the future. During the Civil Rights days, the OES… * provided urban places for black businesses, gymnasiums, and auditoriums, * established youth programs, * raised funds to support black women, * assisted free and accepted African-American Masons in maintaining Masonic temples, * established dormitories where youth were instructed in domestic science and agriculture, * raised money to build Masonic Halls, which functioned as meeting places, and * founded homes for widows and orphans. Today, the OES continues in its efforts by funding medical research for diseases that affect the African-American community, from Alzheimer’s to juvenile diabetes and juvenile asthma, as well as establishing retirement centers and nursing homes for its elderly members. “So, let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other.” – President Barack Obama The OES is dedicated to answering the call to action by continuing to our dedication to charity, truth, service, education, loyalty, and love. Will you answer the call? Click here to learn more about membership and to download a membership application, click here.
“Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.” Ephesians 6:7-8 (NIV) |
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