Lei Aloha Chapter No. 3

Our History

I sought some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brother the same inspiration that prompts man to noble deeds.

- Dr. Rob Morris, Founder of the Order of the Eastern Star

History and Purpose of order of the Eastern Star

Our Foundation: A Vision of Inclusive Fellowship

The Order of the Eastern Star was founded in 1850 by Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry, who believed that the inspiring principles of Masonry should extend to the entire family. Recognizing that women could not join Masonic lodges, Dr. Morris created an organization where men and women could work together in fellowship, guided by moral teachings and dedicated to charitable service.

Our History: Three Eras of Growth

The First Era (1850-1866): Foundation

Dr. Rob Morris, while recovering from an accident, carefully developed the Eastern Star degrees, selecting five Biblical heroines whose stories would teach essential virtues. He established our symbols, colors, emblems, and the fundamental principles that remain unchanged today.

The Second Era (1866-1876): Organization

Robert Macoy of New York took over the planning and organization of the Order. In 1867-1868, he published the first official Ritual, transforming Dr. Morris’s vision into a structured organization that could be established worldwide.

The Third Era (1876-Present): Expansion

The General Grand Chapter was established in Indianapolis, Indiana, creating the organizational structure that governs our Order today. From a small beginning, we have grown to approximately10,000 chapters in 18 countries with around 500,000 members.

Our Purpose: Building Character Through Service

The Order of the Eastern Star exists to:

Build Character through the inspiring examples of our five Biblical heroines who teach us:

Fidelity (Adah) – Loyalty and commitment to our obligations

Constancy (Ruth) – Devotion to family and friends

Loyalty (Esther) – Courage to do what is right

Faith (Martha) – Trust in divine providence

Love (Electa) – Charity and compassion for all

Foster Fellowship by creating lasting bonds between members from all walks of life, united in common purpose and mutual respect.

Serve Our Communities through charitable work, educational scholarships, medical research support, and local community projects.

Our Five Heroines: Pillars of Virtue

Each point of our five-pointed star represents a Biblical woman whose life exemplifies essential virtues:

ADAH – The Blue Point

“Daughter of Jephthah.” Virtue: Fidelity. Adah teaches us about loyalty, commitment, and keeping our promises even when it’s difficult. Her emblem is the sword and veil, representing the defense of right and the performance of duty.

RUTH – The Yellow Point

“The Faithful Daughter-in-Law.” Virtue: Constancy. Ruth’s devotion to Naomi shows us the importance of faithfulness to family and friends. Her emblem is the sheaf of wheat, symbolizing the value of many small acts of kindness.

ESTHER – The White Point

“The Courageous Queen.” Virtue: Loyalty. Queen Esther’s bravery in protecting her people teaches us to stand up for what is right. Her emblem is the crown and scepter, representing the power and authority needed to ensure justice.

MARTHA – The Green Point

“The Faithful Sister.” Virtue: Faith. Martha’s unwavering faith in Jesus teaches us to trust in divine providence even in times of trial. Her emblem is the broken column, reminding us that faith sustains us when life is cut short.

ELECTA – The Red Point

“The Beloved Mother.” Virtue: Love. Electa represents the ideal of motherly love and charity for all. Her emblem is the chalice, symbolizing the cup of love we offer to those in need.

Our Mission Today

Charitable Work: We support medical research for Alzheimer’s disease, juvenile diabetes, and juvenileasthma. We provide scholarships for students in religious studies and contribute to numerous localcommunity projects.

Personal Growth: Through our degrees and ceremonies, members learn valuable lessons aboutcharacter, morality, and service that enrich their daily lives.

Community Service: Each chapter identifies local needs and works to address them, from food drivesto supporting veterans, from educational programs to disaster relief.

Global Fellowship: Our members can visit Eastern Star chapters worldwide, finding friendship andwelcome wherever they travel.

Our Principles

Non-Denominational: While based on Biblical teachings, we welcome people of all faiths who believein a Supreme Being.

Inclusive Leadership: Both men and women serve as officers, with women holding the primaryleadership positions as Worthy Matron and Star Point officers.

Charitable Focus: Our motto “Service Above Self” guides all our activities and decisions.

Character Building: Every meeting and ceremony is designed to inspire members to be better peoplein their daily lives.

Family Values: We believe in strengthening family bonds and supporting each other through life’schallenges

Why Join the Eastern Star?

In a world that often feels disconnected, the Order of the Eastern Star offers:

Purpose: Meaningful work that makes a real difference in your community.

Growth: Opportunities to develop leadership skills and moral character.

Fellowship: Lifelong friendships with people who share your values.

Service: The satisfaction of helping others and supporting worthy causes.

Tradition: Connection to a rich heritage spanning over 170 years.

Welcome: A place where you belong, regardless of your background.

Lei Aloha Chapter No. 3: Bringing Eastern Star Values to Hawaii

Our chapter name, “Lei Aloha,” perfectly embodies our mission. Like the traditional Hawaiian lei – a circle of beautiful elements woven together to express love and welcome – our chapter brings together members from diverse backgrounds, united in service and fellowship.

Just as a lei has no beginning and no end, our commitment to the principles of the Eastern Star continues from generation to generation, creating an eternal circle of friendship, service, and spiritual growth.

“Fairest Among Thousands, Altogether Lovely” – Our motto reminds us that through unity, service, and adherence to moral principles, we can create something beautiful that honors both our heritage and our commitment to making the world a better place.

Join us in continuing this meaningful tradition. Discover your place in the Eastern Star family.