My Freemasonry | Freemason Information and Discussion Forum

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Are their any non-Christian appendant bodies for our wives?

dhouseholder

Registered User
So I've been told that in order to be in the Order of the Eastern Star you have to be a Christian, is this the case for all OES nation-wide or is it just a Texas requirement? My wife has expressed interest in doing something but she does not identify with that faith. I find it surprising that there are no "faith-neutral" bodies for women in our fraternity. What do our Jewish brethren's wives do?
 

ndfire83

Registered User
I have not heard that about OES before. So, I looked on there General Grand Chapter Website and Found this,

Q. Is my religious faith allowed in the Order of the Eastern Star?
A. Yes. Members of all religions may belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. We only require a belief in a Supreme Being.

It was in the Frequently Asked Questions Part. I would talked to some brothers in the area and find out if the "rules" are different or not.

I hope this helps, and that you wife does join, I think its a really good thing when the entire family can be involved.
 

dhouseholder

Registered User
I have not heard that about OES before. So, I looked on there General Grand Chapter Website and Found this,

Q. Is my religious faith allowed in the Order of the Eastern Star?
A. Yes. Members of all religions may belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. We only require a belief in a Supreme Being.

It was in the Frequently Asked Questions Part. I would talked to some brothers in the area and find out if the "rules" are different or not.

I hope this helps, and that you wife does join, I think its a really good thing when the entire family can be involved.

Interesting, it says that on the Grand Chapter of Texas' site as well. Maybe I misunderstood my conversation with the brother-sister?
 

HKTidwell

Premium Member
I might mention that this may be the same as in Masonry. I'm neither a member of OES nor have I inquired into it but with Masonry in some places I'm sure you would find some brothers who believe that you must believe in the Christian God. This may be a interpretation issue. I've never heard that the OES was limited to the Christian faith though, however I could be wrong due to my limited knowledge.
 
J

JEbeling

Guest
I know we have a few jewish members of the Eastern Star... ! they are in the Houston chapters... ? my limited knowledge of the Eastern Star is its like Masonary.. ! you must believe in a God.. ? don't maker what religion you are.. ! some of the Eastern Star is Bible based.. ! but no more that Masonary.. !
 

MGM357

Registered User
As far as I know, the only Christian Masonic women group is the Social Order of the Beauceants. O.E.S. should be the same as the blue lodge.
 

dhouseholder

Registered User
Thank you very much brothers! My next step is to really get to the bottom of my misconception at the local level.
 

js4253

Premium Member
Premium Member
So I've been told that in order to be in the Order of the Eastern Star you have to be a Christian, is this the case for all OES nation-wide or is it just a Texas requirement? My wife has expressed interest in doing something but she does not identify with that faith. I find it surprising that there are no "faith-neutral" bodies for women in our fraternity. What do our Jewish brethren's wives do?

You don't say what your wife's religious beliefs are, but let me tell you that OES references women of the Holy Bible. The star points represent Adah, Ruth. Ester. Martha and Electa. The virtues of these women represent what we should try to emulate. I think a lesson can be learned from OES even if you are not Christian. It's the same as in Masonry.
 

js4253

Premium Member
Premium Member
She's Jewish.

She's eligible if she is interested. I would recommend that she visit with the ladies in a local OES chapter to see if she thinks she would like to socialize with them. It's all about fellowship. The ladies in our chapter likes to go to visit other chapters.
 
J

JEbeling

Guest
I met a Jewish Rabbi the other nite at an OES function in Houston.. ! not sure if he and his wife were members but I do know he was master of a Lodge in Houston.. ! I am sure one of the Houston brothern could furnish you with his name and address.. ! She might be interested in have an Rabbi answer her questions.. ?
 

dhouseholder

Registered User
*laughs*

Thank you brethren for the concern but she is not Jewish. I used that Jewish reference as an example. She just does not identify with the Christian faith is all, and Jewish was the first thing that popped into my head.

I thought I was told that in order to be in the OES, you had to be able to identify yourself as a Christian (believe Christ died for your sins, he is your savior and so on). Brothers here had pointed out that the OES website and their experience says otherwise. There is a chapter that meets in our lodge and some of the lodge officers are also "sisters" so I will clarify these misconceptions on Monday when I go to lodge.
 

Nate Riley

Premium Member
There is a chapter that meets in our lodge and some of the lodge officers are also "sisters" so I will clarify these misconceptions on Monday when I go to lodge.

That is funny! (No offense to anyone). I am going to be thinking about that tonight, my jr. steward is in OES and I love to give him a hard time.
 
Last edited:

dhouseholder

Registered User
That is funny! (No offense to anyone). I am going to the thinking about that tonight, my jr. steward is in OES and I love to give him a hard time.

Oh, you outa here them rip each other, its hilarious! When they ask each other if they are going to the Chapter meeting they say, "Will I be seeing you in pumps tomorrow night?" and they tell people who ask about OES that, "Oh yeah! You should come down and meet with us! If you come you'll see ****** in his prettiest sequin dress!"
 

HKTidwell

Premium Member
Err this isn't sounding like a organization I'm going to ever join. I'm comfortable with the goat and all but come on dress, High Heels, and being called sister. I know I live close to Austin and all but a guy has to draw the line somewhere.
 

dhouseholder

Registered User
Err this isn't sounding like a organization I'm going to ever join. I'm comfortable with the goat and all but come on dress, High Heels, and being called sister. I know I live close to Austin and all but a guy has to draw the line somewhere.

Well after talking to a few of the... uh... brothers about joining, and upon finding out that I had a misconception about the OES and their religious requirements, I arranged for two petitions for my wife and I!

I was also told that I look like more of a stilettos than a pumps kind of guy. All I have to say is... fishnets and hairy legs will be their punishment for the jokes! :thumbup:
 
Top