National OES rules open membership to more women

WASHINGTON — At the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) 51st General Grand Chapter held in Florida in October 2024, a resolution was passed to allow membership to all women who are sponsored by two members of the Order and are eligible for membership. This is a change from the previous requirement that OES members have a Masonic family affiliation or have been a members of a Masonic youth group. OES members nationwide are excited about this change as it will allow more women the opportunity to experience the friendship of Star and to make a difference in the world through its charitable works and kindness to others. Information regarding the OES can be found at the websites https://washingtonoes.org or https://easternstar.org.

During fiscal year July 2023 – June 2024, Washington State Eastern Star members gave over $85,000 to various charities including, service dogs, cancer research, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This amount does not include support provided to local non-profits by individual chapters. Over $45,000 was also provided for educational, nursing, and religious study scholarships.

The Order of the Eastern Star is associated with the International Order of Freemasons and has been part of Waitsburg since Waitsburg Chapter #9 was chartered in 1889.