Q: What is The Order of the Eastern Star?
A: The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong.

Q: Is it a religion?
A: No, the Order is not a religion, but it is comprised of members who have a belief in a supreme being. It is open to all faiths, except no faith.

Q: Is it a secret society?
A: No, secret socities are underground networks and are hard to find. We do have distinctive means of identifying our members, but we are easily found within our communities. Only members are allowed in closed meetings.

Q: How is being an Eastern Star different from joing any other sorority or fraternity?
A: You do not have to be linked to a college to become a member of the Order of Eastern Star. You may petition for membership at the age of 18. You can also be a member of the Order while mainting membership in other greek and social organizations.

Q: How do I become a member?
A: Simply ask a member. If you are not familiar with a member or a local chapter, you can contact the Grand Chapter and they will give you contact information.

Q: Do I have to be related to a Master Mason to join?
A: Yes, in most cases you do have to be the wife, daughter, sister, etc. of a Master Mason in good standing (alive or deceased) to join a chapter. However, there are special "open membership" periods for those women seeking membership who do not have a blood link to a Master Mason. These periods do vary and local chapters should be contacted for that information.

Q: Is there a financial obligation?
A: Yes, members are expected to pay required fees and dues upon initiation into the Order and through out the duration of their active membership.

Q: Is the Order of Eastern Star time consuming?
A: Like with any organization, members are expected to meet as often as possible. The number of meetings per month vary by chapter; meetings tend to be held either once or twice a month.

Q: What does PHA mean?
A: PHA stands for Prince Hall Affliated.

Q: Who is Prince Hall?
A: Prince Hall (1735-1807) was the founder of the African Lodge of the Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons of Boston, the world's first lodge of black Freemasonry. African Lodge No.1 became the Prince Hall Grand Lodge one year after his death.