Frontispiece.

Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star

Ritual of The Order of the Eastern Star.

Published by Authority of The General Grand Chapter.

Chicago, Illinois:
FIRST REVISED EDITION.
January, 1890.

COPYRIGHT, 1890.

PREFACE.

In pursuance of a call, issued and endorsed by several Grand Chapters, a convention of representatives was held at Indianapolis, Indiana, November 16th, 1876, and the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized. A Ritual Committee was appointed, and in 1878 the General Grand Chapter adopted the work, and it was published by its authority. At the session in 1883, a committee on Ritual was appointed, with instructions to receive all proper amendments, and report the same at the next meeting. In 1886, the Committee was continued. At the session in 1889, the Ritual Committee, consisting of Jerome Spaulding, Mary A. Hepler and Lorraine J. Pitkin, presented the following Ritual as the result of their labors, which was adopted.

We hereby certify the following to be the Ritual as revised at the session of the General Grand Chapter, September, 1889.

Nettie Ransford,
M. W. Grand Matron.

Benjamin Lynds,
M. W. Grand Patron.

Lorraine J. Pitkin,
R. W. Grand Secretary.

CONTENTS.

GENERAL REGULATIONS.

TITLE.

This organization shall be known as "The Order of the Eastern Star."

MEMBERSHIP.

Master Masons in good standing in a Masonic Lodge, and their wives, daughters, mothers, widows, and sisters, who have attained the age of eighteen years, are eligible to membership in this Order.

GOVERNMENT.

The government of the Order is vested in three bodies, named respectively, in the order of their rank, General Grand Chapter, Grand Chapter, and Subordinate Chapter.

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER.

The authority of the General Grand Chapter is supreme when exercised within the limits defined and prescribed by its Constitution. It has no jurisdiction over matters not specifically given to its control by that instrument.

GRAND CHAPTER.

The authority of a Grand Chapter is supreme within its jurisdiction, excepting upon matters which are within the control of the General Grand Chapter. Its jurisdiction shall not include more than one State or Territory.

SUBORDINATE CHAPTER.

The authority of a Subordinate Chapter is prescribed and limited by the Grand Chapter within whose jurisdiction it exists. Five Subordinate Chapters within any State or Territory where no Grand Chapter exists, may organize a Grand Chapter, possessing all the lawful powers of such a Chapter within said State or Territory.

LANDMARKS.

1. A belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.

2. In the Order of the Eastern Star there are only five degrees, known as Adah, the daughter; Ruth, the widow; Esther, the wife; Martha, the sister; and Electa, the mother.

3. The name of the Order, the names of its degrees, and modes of recognition are unchangeable.

4. Its lessons are Scriptural, its teachings moral, and its purposes beneficent.

5. Its obligations are based upon the honor of those who obtain its secrets, and are framed upon the principle that whatever benefits are due by Masons to the wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters of Masons, reciprocal duties are due from them to the Brotherhood.

6. That the obligation of our Order, voluntarily assumed, is perpetual, from the force of which there is no release.

7. The ballot, for candidates for the degrees, or membership, must be unanimous, without debate, and kept inviolably secret.

8. The degrees cannot be conferred unless a brother in good standing shall preside. He can call upon the Worthy Matron to assist in conferring the degrees.

9. Every member is amenable to the laws of the Order, and may be tried for offenses, either by the Chapter to which the member belongs, or by the Chapter within whose jurisdiction the member resides.

10. The right of every member to appeal from the decision of a Subordinate Chapter, to the Grand Chapter or its executive head.

11. The right of every Chapter to decide, from among eligible candidates, who shall be admitted to membership.

12. The right of every member to visit any regular Chapter unless lawful objection is made to such visitor.

SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS.

Every Subordinate Chapter must have a Charter or Dispensation legally issued, and always present at its meetings, without which it cannot legally act.

OFFICERS.

The officers of a Subordinate Chapter shall be:

Worthy Matron,

Worthy Patron,

Associate Matron,

Secretary,

Treasurer,

Conductress,

Asso. Conductress,

Adah,

Ruth,

Esther,

Martha,

Electa,

Warder,

Sentinel.

If desired:

Chaplain.

Marshal.

Organist.

The Stations of the several Officers are indicated on the Plan of Chapter Room on page 12.

The first seven shall be elected by separate and majority ballot, and the others shall be appointed by the Worthy Matron.

MEETINGS.

The meetings of a Chapter are either regular or special. Regular meetings are those held at stated intervals as prescribed by its By-laws. Special meetings are those held by appointment of the Worthy Matron or other lawful authority.

QUORUM.

Seven members, including one of the first three officers, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless the By-laws of the Chapter shall prescribe a larger number.

PETITIONS.

A petition for the degrees or membership must be signed by the petitioner and two members of the Chapter, who recommend the petitioner. The petition must be received at a regular meeting of the Chapter, unless the Grand Chapter of its jurisdiction shall otherwise provide; and when received, must be referred to a committee of three members, one of whom shall be a brother, appointed by the presiding officer. The committee can only report at a regular meeting.

THE BALLOT.

The ballot upon petitions for the degrees or membership, can only be taken at a regular meeting. The Associate Conductress shall have charge of the ballot-box, under the direction of the Worthy Matron. After it has been examined by the Worthy Matron and Associate Matron, she shall present it to the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron for their ballot, and may carry it to every member present—or may place it upon the Altar. If placed upon the Altar, every member entitled to a vote shall approach the Altar from the West, between Ruth and Esther, make the sign of salutation, deposit their ballot, leaving between Esther and Martha.

The member balloting must be at least three paces in advance of the one who directly follows.

When all have voted, the Worthy Matron shall declare the ballot closed, and direct the Associate Conductress to bear the ballot box West and East.

After it has been examined by the Associate Matron, the Matron will ask:

W. M. Sister Associate Matron.

A. M. Worthy Matron.

W. M. How is the ballot in the West?

The Associate Matron will say:

A. M. The ballot is clear, (or not clear,) Worthy Matron.

After the W. M. has inspected it, and no black balls appear, she will say:

W. M. The ballot being clear in the East, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have elected —— to receive the degrees, (or become a member,) in this Chapter.

If the ballot is not clear, but so nearly so that the result may have been from mistake, a second and final ballot may be ordered. If the final ballot is dark, the W. M. will say:

W. M. The ballot not being clear, I have to announce that the petition of —— is rejected.

MEMBERSHIP.

Membership can only be forfeited by dimission, suspension, or expulsion from a Chapter, excepting that the suspension or expulsion of a brother from a Masonic Lodge, for any other cause than non-payment of dues, deprives him of all the rights of membership in this Order until reinstated by the Masonic body.

BADGES, JEWELS, AND REGALIA.

The officers shall wear during Chapter sessions the badge of office belonging to their respective offices. The badge shall consist of the appropriate Jewel, made of gold or gilded metal and suspended by a ribbon having the five colors of the Order.

Collars, Robes, and other regalia in addition to what is here prescribed may be worn by Chapters that desire them; the General Grand Chapter only prescribing the minimum.

The Jewels appropriate to the several Officers are as follows:

Worthy Matron, Five-pointed Star with Gavel in the center.

Worthy Patron, Five-pointed Star with Square and Compasses in the center.

Associate Matron, Five-pointed Star with Sun in the center.

Secretary, Five-pointed Star with Cross-pens in the center.

Treasurer, Five-pointed Star with Cross-keys in the center.

Conductress, Five-pointed Star with Scroll and Baton in the center.

Associate Conductress, Five-pointed Star with Baton in the center.

Chaplain, Five-pointed Star with Bible in the center.

Marshal, Five-pointed Star with Cross-batons in the center.

Adah, Triangle, with Sword and Veil in the center.

Ruth, Triangle, with Sheaf in the center;

Esther, Triangle, with Crown and Sceptre in the center.

Martha, Triangle, with Broken Column in the center.

Electa, Triangle, with Cup in the center;

Warder, Five-pointed Star with Dove in the center.

Sentinel, Five-pointed Star with Cross-swords in the center.

Organist, Five-pointed Star with Lyre in the center.

The Jewel for Associate Grand Patron shall be a Five-pointed Star with a Star in the center within a Pentagon.

The Jewels for Grand Chapters shall be the same as Subordinate Chapters within a Pentagon.

The Jewels for the General Grand Chapter shall be the Grand Chapter Jewels within a circle.

Special Regalia for Grand Chapters shall be left to the discretion of each Grand Chapter.

In addition to the Jewel worn by the Worthy Matron, she is entitled to wear a Scarf made of royal purple velvet, three inches wide, edged with gold lace on the inner edge, and gold fringe on the outer edge, a five-pointed Star in colors worked in silk, upon the shoulder and at the crossing, a golden rosette with two gold tassels suspended therefrom. It must be worn from left shoulder to the right side.

MEMBERS' BADGES.

During Chapter sessions members shall wear upon the left breast a badge embracing a five-pointed Star and the five colors of the Order.

Matron.

Patron.

Asso. Matron.

Secretary.

Treasurer.

Conductress.

Assoc. Conductress.

Chaplain.

Warder.

Sentinel.

Marshal.

Organist.

Adah.

Ruth.

Esther.

Martha.

Electa.

Chapter Room.

FURNITURE, ETC.

In the center of the Chapter room there should be an Altar, standing upon the center of a Five-pointed Star, having the five colors of the Order, with the white point towards the west. Upon the Altar should be an open Bible.

In the East, there should be a pedestal with a Gavel thereon for the use of the presiding officer.

Each Chapter should have a Seal, Signet, and one or more small Bibles, a Sword and Veil for Adah, Culms of Barley for Ruth, a Crown and Scepter for Esther, a Broken Column for Martha, and a Cup for Electa; they may also have banners with appropriate emblems thereon.

POSITION OF THE CHAIRS.

The chairs for the Star Officers may either face the East, or incline toward the Altar.

USE OF THE GAVEL.

One blow of the gavel calls the Chapter to order, seats it when standing, and completes its closing; two blows call up the Officers; and three blows call up the Chapter.

RAPS.

When giving an alarm at the door, five raps shall be given, which shall be answered by five from the other side, these will be followed by one from each side. Raps are given in this manner, ** ** * *. The door will be opened by the Warder.

GRAND HONORS.

The Grand Honors are given by crossing the arms over the breast, the left being over the right, and slightly bowing.

Opening of the Chapter.

When ready for the opening exercises, the Officers with the exception of the Worthy Patron, and Associate Conductress, retire to the anteroom. The Associate Conductress assumes her chair, and the Worthy Patron, ascending the dais, gives one blow with the gavel. After requesting all present who are not members of the Order to retire, he says:

W. P. Sister Associate Conductress.

A. C. Worthy Patron.

Officers rise and respond, whenever addressed, and remain standing until seated by an order from the East.

W. P. You will invite the worthy Matron and other Officers to enter the Chapter room.

The Associate Conductress retires and returns with the officers through the door of the preparation room. As they enter, the Chapter is called up, and music furnished. The officers enter in two files, led by the Conductress and Associate Conductress, and take positions as follows:

The Worthy Patron will say:

W. P. Sister Conductress, you will escort the Worthy Matron to the East.

She does so, and the Worthy Matron ascending the dais, receives the gavel and proceeds.

The use of the above ceremony is optional.

W. M. The Officers will take their respective stations and prepare for the active duties of the Chapter.

Seats the Chapter.

W. M. Sister Warder.

War. Worthy Matron.

W. M. You will see that the doors to our Chapter are secure.

War. The doors are secure, Worthy Matron.

W. M. It is well. Sisters, Brothers and Visitors of —— Chapter, No. —, the hour has arrived for us to resume our labors. To open our Chapter in a manner becoming the solemnity of the work, and to secure the best results, I require your attention and assistance. Sister Associate Matron.

A. M. Worthy Matron.

W. M. You will ascertain if all present are members of the Order and entitled to its privileges.

If the Associate Matron is able of her own knowledge to vouch for all present, she responds at once to the Worthy Matron. If she is unable to do so, she says:

A. M. Sisters Conductress and Associate Conductress, ascertain and report if all present are members of the Order.

The Conductress and Associate Conductress will use the customary means of examination, beginning at the East, on the South and North, meeting at the West, back of Esther. The Associate Conductress reporting to the Conductress.

Having done so, the Conductress says:

Cond. Sister Associate Matron. I find all present members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

The Associate Matron will then respond:

A. M. Worthy Matron, all present are members of the Order and entitled to its privileges.

W. M. It is well. Sister Warder.

War. Worthy Matron.

W. M. You will instruct the Sentinel that we are about to engage in the ceremony of opening our Chapter, and direct him to allow no interruption, while we are thus engaged.

The Warder, in due order, ** ** * * after responses from the Sentinel, opens the doors and repeats the order to the Sentinel, after which she closes the door and says:

War. Worthy Matron, there will be no interruption.

The Worthy Matron will call up the Officers and they will remain standing during the ceremony of opening.

W. M. Sister Associate Matron.

A. M. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What number of Officers constitute a Chapter, and what titles do they bear?

A. M. A complete Chapter requires fourteen, and their titles are: Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress, Associate Conductress, Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, Electa, Warder, Sentinel, and may have Chaplain, Marshal and Organist.

W. M. Where is the Sentinel's station?

A. M. Outside the closed door.

W. M. What is his duty and explain his badge of office.

A. M. To protect the Chapter against the intrusion of improper persons. His badge is the Cross-swords within the Star, an emblem of protection, admonishing him that upon his watchful care depends our security against interruption.

W. M. Where is the Warder's station?

A. M. At the southwest entrance to the Chapter, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Warder.

War. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty and explain your badge of office.

War. To act in conjunction with the Sentinel, and allow none to enter or leave the Chapter, without permission of the presiding officer. My badge is the Dove within the Star, an emblem of peace, admonishing me that I should labor for the peace and harmony of the Chapter.

W. M. Where is the Associate Conductress' station?

War. In the North, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Associate Conductress.

A. C. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

A. C. To receive and prepare candidates for the ceremony of initiation, and assist the Conductress in the active duties of the Chapter. My badge is the Baton within the Star, an emblem of direction admonishing me that good discipline is essential to the success of our Order.

W. M. Where is the Conductress' station?

A. C. In the South, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Conductress.

Cond. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty and explain your badge of office.

Cond. To assist the Associate Matron, conduct candidates through the ceremony of initiation, and obey your instructions. My badge is the Scroll and Baton within the Star, an emblem of prepared plans and their fulfillment, admonishing me that it depends greatly upon the manner of conducting candidates through the ceremony of initiation, to make the first impressions permanent, and as we desire they should be.

W. M. Where is the Treasurer's station?

Cond. In the North-east, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Treasurer.

Treas. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

Treas. To receive all moneys from the Secretary, giving my receipt therefor, and pay them out only upon proper authority. My badge is the Cross-keys within the Star, an emblem of security, admonishing me to the strictest fidelity in the discharge of my important trust, that the Chapter may not be embarrassed in its efforts to relieve the distressed and meet its necessary expenses.

W. M. Where is the Secretary's station?

Treas. In the South-east, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Secretary.

Secy. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

Secy. To make proper record of the proceedings of the Chapter, and conduct its correspondence. To receive all moneys belonging to the Chapter, and pay them to the Treasurer, taking her receipt therefor. My badge is the Cross-pens within the Star, an emblem of intelligence, admonishing me to be faithful to my trust, that the good deeds of my companions may not go unrecorded.

W. M. Where is Adah's station?

Secy. At the first point of the Star, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Adah.

Adah. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

Adah. To make known to all proper inquirers the light, knowledge and beauty of the Blue ray, which represents the sky when all clouds have vanished, and symbolizes Fidelity. My badge is the Sword and Veil within the Triangle, an emblem of the heroic conduct of Jephthah's daughter.

W. M. Have you a sign?

Adah. I have; it is given by—

While giving the sign explain from secret work. (3.)

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, on seeing this sign given, how would you respond?

Response. Members will respond with the Pass of Adah.

W. M. Where is Ruth's station?

Adah. At the second point of the Star, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Ruth.

Ruth. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

Ruth. To make known to all proper inquirers the light, knowledge and beauty of the Yellow ray, whose golden hue symbolizes Constancy. My badge is the Sheaf within the Triangle, an emblem of plenty, and represents the reward of patient industry gained by the humble gleaner Ruth.

W. M. Have you a sign?

Ruth. I have; it is given by—

While giving the sign explain from secret work. (6.)

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, on seeing this sign given how would you respond?

Response. Members will respond with the Pass of Ruth.

W. M. Where is Esther's station?

Ruth. At the third point of the Star, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Esther.

Esther. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

Esther. To make known to all proper inquirers the light, knowledge, and beauty of the White ray, which symbolizes Light, Purity, and Joy. My badge is the Crown and Scepter within the Triangle, an emblem of royalty and power. In the exercise of authority, we should be governed by justice and unselfish loyalty to the welfare of others. It was by the practice of these virtues that Esther was able to save her people from extermination.

W. M. Have you a sign?

Esther. I have; it is given by—

While giving the sign explain from secret work. (9.)

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, on seeing this sign given how would you respond?

Response. Members will respond with the Pass of Esther.

W. M. Where is Martha's station?

Esther. At the fourth point of the Star, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Martha.

Martha. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

Martha. To make known to all proper inquirers the light, knowledge and beauty of the Green ray, an emblem of nature's life and beauty, symbolizing Hope and Immortality. My badge is the Broken Column within the Triangle, an emblem of the death of a person, cut off in the vigor of life, and should remind us of the sisterly grief of Martha.

W. M. Have you a sign?

Martha. I have; it is given by—

While giving the sign, explain from secret work. (12.)

W. M. Sisters and Brothers, on seeing this sign given how would you respond?

Response. Members will respond with the Pass of Martha.

W. M. Where is Electa's station?

Martha. At the fifth point of the Star, Worthy Matron.

W. M. Sister Electa.

Electa. Worthy Matron.

W. M. What is your duty, and explain your badge of office.

Electa. To make known to all proper inquirers the light, knowledge, and beauty of the Red ray, a symbol of that Fervency which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of truth, as exemplified in the life of Electa. My badge is the Cup within the Triangle, an emblem of charity and hospitality, and should remind us that however bitter may be the cup which our Heavenly Father gives us, it will in the end overflow with blessings, rich, abounding, and eternal.

W. M. Have you a sign?

Electa. I have; it is given by—

While giving the sign, explain from secret work. (15.)