Fairest Among Thousands Altogether Lovely (F.A.T.A.L)

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The history of the Order of the Eastern Star is divided into three Eras:

The First Era extended from 1850 to 1866, under the leadership of Dr. Rob Morris, Poet Laureate of Masonry.

The Second Era extended from 1866 to 1876, under the leadership of Robert Macoy of New York.

The Third Era extends from 1876, when the General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was established to the present time.

Of these eras, the first is perhaps the most important as it prepared the way for the other two.

The real origin of the Order of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of “Female Masonry” or “Androgynous Degrees” — (degrees for both men and women).

As to the real origin of the Eastern Star degrees in its Initiatory form, there is not the least shadow of doubt that the honor belongs to Dr. Rob Morris and its real origin comes under the First Era.  Dr. Morris had traveled many years. He had written many books on Masonry which are valued references in many Masonic Libraries.

Never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to men, Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family. But by the laws of that Ancient Order, women are not eligible for its degrees. Knowing he could not change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brother the same inspiration that “prompts man to noble deeds.”

It wasn’t until 1850 that Dr. Morris fully developed the Eastern Star Degrees in their present initiatory form.

During this time, he carefully thought out the symbolism and significance of the floor plan and the corps of officers. He conferred the degrees upon his wife and daughters, and some neighbors, presumably having an idea to clothe the ladies with certain words or signs whereby they might make themselves known to Master Masons.

These signs and so-called mysteries of the Order were communicated freely to all Master Masons and their relatives. Dr. Morris and other prominent Master Masons gave many lectures and conferred the degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.

• The five points of the Order of the Eastern Star are female biblical figures that are associated with a color, a cardinal feminine virtue and, in some cases, a season of the year. The first point is Adah, Jephtah’s daughter from the Book of Judges. She is associated with the youth of spring and the color blue. Her cardinal virtue is respect for the binding power of a vow.

• The second point of the Order of the Eastern Star is Ruth, the widow from the Book of Ruth. She is associated with the abundance and growth of summer and the color yellow. Ruth’s cardinal virtue is piety.

• The third point is Esther, the wife from the Book of Esther. Esther is associated with the color white but does not represent a season. Esther’s cardinal virtue is fidelity to family and friends.

• The fourth point of the Order of the Eastern Star is Martha, sister of Mary and Lazarus in the Gospel of John. Martha is associated with the end of life, winter and the color green. Martha’s cardinal virtue is undeviating faith through hardship.

• The fifth point is Electa, the mother and the elect lady from the Second Epistle of John. She is associated with the full maturity of life, autumn and the color red. Electa’s cardinal virtue is patience.