STARLIGHT GRAND HISTORY

The Eastern Star is the basis of the five degrees of the Adoptive Rite. The names and characters are unchangeable. Its lessons are scriptural, its teachings are moral and its purpose is beneficial.

Its obligations are based upon the honor of the female sex who obtains it ceremonies. The modes of recognition, which are the secrets of the Rite, can not without destroying the foundation of the system, “be changed.” The control of the Rite lies in central head, The Supreme Council or Grand Chapter.

Membership in the Order is by unanimous election or by affiliation. The body when assembled is called a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, which shall be composed of males and females. The benefits of this Rite are primarily for Christian women. The female members are called Sisters, the male are called Brothers.

The object and purpose are the cultivation of charitable and fraternal practices that we may comfort, protect and aid each other in our journey through the path of human life. Its theory is founded upon the Holy Bible. It is dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving-kindness. For these virtues the Adoptive Rite have been framed.

With this in mind, The Reverend Bennit Hayes, Grand Master of Brighter Light Grand Lodge of Texas established and formed “Starlight Grand Chapter” on June 18, 1991 with the co-labor of Sis. Ella B. Jenkins, Past Grand Worthy Matron, and other devoted Sisters.

The Order was established under the Texas Non-profit Corporation Act. Grand Master Hayes established Starlight Grand Chapter with the “ sole purpose of promotion and perpetuation of the Masonic Institution, to the love and well being among its members, to provide a wholesome social atmosphere within the organization and community, to provide charitable and benevolent assistance for its members, to instill in it members community pride and love of country, to promote needed social changes in the community, to assist the community to provide care for the elderly.”

Since the beginning of Starlight Grand Chapter, Starlight has had the services of six (6) Past Grand Worthy Matrons: Sis. Ella B. Jenkins, Sis. Ethel Hayes, Sis. Patricia Anderson, Sis. Essie Turner, Sis. Nerissa Dun and Sis. Johneasha Tucker. The presiding Grand Worthy Matron is Sis. Janice Thomas.

Starlight Grand Chapter has Ten (10) active Chapters today: Anna #3, Dorcas #10, Deborah #10, Queen Esther #137, Trinity #357, Daughters of Faith #7, Ladies of Abigail #39, Rose of Sharon #4, Ladies of Lydia #7 and Women of Mecca #8.

With continual prayers and dedication of Grand Master and the Officers and members of Starlight Grand Chapter, we will continue to grow reaching new heights and keep this vision of our forefathers and foremothers alive.