Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star/Initiation

The Initiation Ceremony is the same for gentlemen as for ladies and both may receive the degrees at the same time. The Officers should carefully change the words, adapting them to the initiation of a Lady or Gentleman , or Ladies and Gentlemen , as circumstances require. The time having arrived for initiation and it being probable that candidates are in waiting, if robes are used, the officers retire and prepare for the ceremony of initiation.

W. M. Sister Associate Conductress.

A. C. Worthy Matron.

W. M. You will retire and ascertain if there are candidates in waiting to receive the degrees.

The Associate Conductress advances to the West of Esther's chair, gives the Sign of Salutation and (the Warder having given the usual raps and opened the door) retires. Ascertaining the name of the candidate, she returns and standing West of Esther's chair, gives the sign of Salutation and says:

A. C. Worthy Matron, I find in waiting. who is desirous of being initiated into our Order.

W. M. Worthy Patron, the Associate Conductress reports a candidate in waiting to ​ receive the degrees ; I , therefore, invite you to preside during the ceremonies of initiation.

The Worthy Patron, taking the gavel says:

W. P. Sister Secretary.

Sec'y. Worthy Patron.

W. P. Has this candidate been elected to receive the degrees of the Order?

Sec'y. She has, Worthy Patron.

W. P. Sister Associate Conductress, you will retire and prepare the candidate for the ceremonies of initiation.

She gives the sign and retires as before. Taking the candidate into the preparation room, she says:

A. C. Do you believe in the existence of a Supreme Being? Ans. I do.

My friend, human life is a labyrinth through which we all wander blindly and too often, in ignorance. It is good to consider the experience of others and profit by their knowledge and example. Having received the degrees of our Order and, therefore, being able to assist you, permit me to direct your preparation for the ceremonies of initiation.

She then removes the candidate's hat, gloves and shawl or cloak, prepares and leads her to the ​ door of the Chapter-room. The Associate Conductress gives five raps upon the door, ** ** *

Cond. Worthy Patron, there is an alarm at the door of the preparation room.

W. P. Sister Conductress, you will ascertain the cause of the alarm.

The Conductress goes to the door, answers the alarm, ** ** * * and opening the door, says:

Cond. Who knocks at the door of our Chapter?

A. C. The Associate Conductress with a candidate, who desires to be initiated into our Order.

Cond. Is she properly prepared?

Cond. My friend, you will wait until further orders are received from the Worthy Patron.

The Conductress closes the door and advancing to a position in front of the Associate Matron, facing the East, says:

Cond. Worthy Patron, the alarm was caused by the Associate Conductress with a candidate, who desires to receive the degrees of our Order. ​ W. P. Is the candidate properly prepared?

Cond. She is.

W. P. You will admit her.

The Conductress, returning to the door, opens it wide and says:

Cond. It is the order of the Worthy Patron that you be admitted to our Chapter.

Before the door is opened to receive the candidate the lights may be turned down and soft music played during this lecture by the Conductress. The candidate is led inside the door and stopped. The Conductress then says to her:

Cond. You have doubtless well considered the step you have taken in seeking admission to this Order, dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving-kindness. You came here of your own free choice. Complain not, therefore, at any trial. A seal is here set upon your lips. Let it warn you to be ever silent and secret as to all that may be made known to you here. Be not weary in well-doing. Woe unto those who seek to take upon themselves burdens which they cannot bear. ​ Woe unto the faithless and insincere, who assume obligations lightly and forthwith forget them. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths."

Conductress offers her right arm to the candidate. If there are two, the Associate Conductress offers her left arm to the candidate and in like manner follows with the second. The Associate Conductress assists only when necessary to form couples. The candidate is conducted once around the room to the Associate Matron. Officers and members always observe square corners. During the march, vocal or instrumental music is furnished, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following:

W. P. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal."

"Charity suffereth long and is kind: charity envieth not."

"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."

"And now abideth Faith, Hope and Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity."

Having arrived at the West, the candidate is introduced to the Associate Matron.

Cond. Sister Associate Matron.

A. M. Sister Conductress.

​ Cond. I have the honor of introducing. who is to be presented by you to the Worthy Matron.

A. M. My friend, you are heartily welcome. Sister Conductress, you will cause the candidate to face East.

Conductress and candidate face the East.

A. M. Worthy Matron, I have the honor to present whose petition has been approved by this Chapter and who is now ready to assume our Obligation.

The Worthy Matron rises and addresses the candidate.

W. M. It is with pleasure that I welcome you into this Chapter. Your relation to the Masonic fraternity and the recommendations presented in your behalf, assure us that you merit the honor we confer and are worthy of the important trust with which we are about to invest you. The Order of the Eastern Star exists for the purpose of giving practical effect to one of the beneficent purposes of Freemasonry, which is to provide for the ​ welfare of the wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters of Master Masons. Here they may share with the Masonic brother in promulgating the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Here we may aid, comfort and protect each other in our journey through the labyrinth of human life, and by cheerful companionship and social enjoyments, lighten the burdens of active duty. By means of secret signs and other work of the Order, we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet. We are governed by the laws and regulations of the Grand Chapter and by a code of By-Laws framed by ourselves. These we are bound to obey so long as we remain members of the Order, and in this obedience we shall expect you to share.

Worthy Patron, it is with pleasure that I introduce to you this candidate, who is prepared to assume the Obligation of the Order.

​ W. P. The obligation you are about to take is a solemn pledge which you must give to this Chapter, before you can participate in the privileges of our Order. By it you bind yourself to the most solemn secrecy respecting the work of the Order and to the performance of those acts of kindness and forbearance, which are essential to our welfare and prosperity. With this knowledge of its requirements, are you willing to proceed? Cand. I am. W. P. Sister Conductress, you will cause the candidate to be in proper position at the Altar to receive the Obligation. ( 1 )

During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music. Cand. Worthy Patron, the candidate is in proper position. The Chapter is called up and the Worthy Patron takes his position on the east side of the Altar and causes the candidate to repeat after him the following: [Soft music may be played during obligation.]

W. P. Arise, my sister, we accept the pledge you have given and share with you in this solemn Obligation. The Conductress takes the Bible from the candidate. When the Worthy Patron says : "Arise, my sister," he extends his right hand and assists the candidate in rising, the lights are suddenly turned up at the same time. W. P. You will now be received into our Order and conducted to the several points of the Star, where you will receive instruction in those sublime virtues exemplified in the lives of Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha and Electa. The Worthy Patron returns to the East and seats the Chapter. The Conductress and candidate will leave the Altar on the right, passing out between Electa and Adah, leaving Adah on the right, all around the outside of the Star to Adah for instruction. During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following: W. P. "Happy is the man that findeth Wisdom and the man that getteth understanding." She is more precious than rubies and all the things thou can't desire are not to be compared unto her."

Adah. Sister Conductress. Cond. I present this Sister who, having assumed our Obligation, will receive from you such lessons respecting fidelity to convictions of right and duty as may properly be drawn from the history of Jephthah's Daughter. Adah. Jephthah was the ninth judge and one of the mightiest men in Israel. Being called upon, in the extremity of his country's trials to go at the head of its armies, he prepared his household for a campaign that would perhaps cost him his life; and then "Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord and said: 'If Thou shalt deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, then it shall be that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace shall surely be the Lord's and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.' " Jephthah went ​ forth to battle, the victory was gained and the victorious warrior returned to Mizpeh. The door of his house opened and, "behold! his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances" and she was his only child. Jephthah, when he saw her, rent his clothes and in the anguish of his heart, cried aloud: "Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord and I cannot go back." Adah replied: "My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me according to that which has proceeded out of thy mouth." She asked that she might go among the mountains for two months and there prepare her mind for the solemn surrender of her life to preserve her father's honor. When the two months had expired she was seen, followed by her friends, winding her way down the mountain's side to the altar where her father, with an almost broken heart, was prepared to fulfil his vow. She approached her father with a kiss of affection and bade him farewell. Taking hold of the veil she wore, he threw it over her face and drew his sword. But she unveiled herself and said she need not have her face Covered for she was not ​ afraid to die. Her father replied that he could not strike the blow while she looked upon him and again cast it over her. She threw it off the second time and said she would look upward, that his arm might not be unnerved by her gaze. A third time, however, he insisted and a third time she as resolutely cast it off, this time holding the ends of it firmly in her hands and casting her eyes upward, invited the fatal blow. And a deed was consummated which has rendered the name of Jephthah's Daughter famous in the annals of Scripture. The sign of this degree is given by—

The pass. ( 4. ) The color appropriate to this degree is blue, which symbolizes Fidelity and teaches us to be faithful to all moral obligations. The emblems are the Sword and Veil. By the sword Adah was slain. The veil alludes to her determination to die in the light, suffering no stain to rest upon her memory.

​ Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the second point of the Star for further instruction.

Ruth. Sister Conductress. Cond. I present this sister to be instructed in the duty of obedience to the demands of honor and justice in all ​ conditions of life, as illustrated in the history of Ruth. Ruth. About eleven hundred years before the Christian era, Elimeleck and his wife Naomi, with their two sons, were driven by famine from Bethlehem to the land of Moab. The sons married women of Moab, named Ruth and Orphah. After a few years, Elimeleck and his sons died, leaving Naomi, Ruth and Orphah in mourning. Naomi, aged and dependent, resolved to return to the land of her nativity. She urged Ruth and Orphah to remain with their kindred and friends rather than follow her in poverty to a land of strangers. But Ruth believed it to be her duty to remain with Naomi and assist in her maintenance, saying: "Entreat me not to leave thee, nor to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go and where thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people and thy God my God." They arrived in Bethlehem, destitute, weary and worn and Ruth was compelled to seek through menial labor the means of support for herself and the aged Naomi. Faithful to the duties which adverse fortune had thrown upon her, she became a gleaner in the fields of Boaz, who said to his servant that as set over his reapers : "Whose ​ damsel is this?" Upon being informed of her history, her devotion to Naomi and present circumstances, advanced to where she was resting and addressed to her kindly words of encouragement. Ruth raised her hands to show him how small were her gleanings and that she had not taken from the sheaves; placed them meekly upon her breast as proof of her willingness to submit to whatever lot she might be called upon to endure, casting her eyes upward, as appealing to God. He ordered his reapers to drop handfuls of barley that she might gather a supply and invited her to eat and drink of the provisions he had supplied. Ruth was encouraged and at evening returned laden with the fruits of her toil, to gladden the heart of Naomi. My sister, be faithful to the duties of your station, ever teaching that honor and justice which Ruth portrayed in the touching and beautiful incidents of her life. The sign of this degree is given by—

The pass. ( 7. ) The color appropriate to this degree is yellow, whose golden hue symbolizes Constancy, teaching faithful obedience to the demands of honor and justice

​ The Sheaf is an emblem of plenty and from its collection of minute parts, teaches that by patient industry, gathering here a little and there a little, we may provide for the infirmities of age. Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the third point of the Star for further instruction.

Esther. Sister Conductress. Cond. I present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue of fidelity to kindred and friends as exemplified in the history of Esther.

​ Esther. Esther was a Jewish damsel living about five hundred years before the Christian era. The Jews were then held in captivity within the Persian empire. After the divorce of Queen Vashti, the king caused search to be made throughout the empire for the most beautiful woman, to be her successor. The choice fell upon Esther, who, amid national rejoicing and royal magnificence, became the queen of Persia. The knowledge of her descent from the captive race was carefully concealed from the king and his court. In due time the enemies of the Jews, being powerful and numerous, persuaded the king to issue a royal edict commanding that upon a given day the entire Hebrew race should be destroyed. Queen Esther, when informed of the cruel edict, resolved to risk the loss of royal favor and life itself, to save her people from death. It was a law of the palace that no one, not even the queen, should enter the king's presence unsummoned, under penalty of death, unless the king should extend the golden scepter as a signal of pardon. Esther, attired in her queenly apparel, with heroic purpose, sought the presence of the king. It was the day of the grand ​ council of governors, princes and officers of Persia. The royal guards held all avenues of approach to the council chamber. The king sat upon his throne of gold and ivory, surrounded by the highest officials of his empire. The queen approached. The guards and palace officials were stricken with terror at the unbidden advance of the queen. The king's countenance flushed with anger when he beheld her intrusion. Queen Esther, fixing her eyes, now eloquent with her soul's heroic purpose upon the king, firmly advanced to the foot of the throne, at once reminding him of his former pledges by touching her crown and robe in which he had desired her to appear when claiming his promise. She secured pardon by laying her hand upon the golden scepter which he extended to her, saying, "What wilt thou, Queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of my kingdom." Esther's perilous adventure was successful. The king relented from his cruel purpose and spared the chosen people. The sign of this degree is given with—

The pass. (10.) ​ The color appropriate to this degree is white; a symbol of Light, Purity and Joy and should teach us that a pure and upright life is above the tongue of reproach. The crown and scepter united is an emblem of royalty and power. Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the fourth point of the Star for further instruction.

Martha. Sister Conductress. Cond. I present this sister to be instructed in the sublime virtue of a ​ trustful faith, in the hour of trial and hope of immortal life, as illustrated in the history of Martha. Martha. The history of Martha is that of a young woman oppressed with grief at the loss of an only brother. The family, consisting of Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus, were residents of Bethany. They were known among the people of the country as followers of Christ. During the absence of Jesus, Lazarus was taken ill and in a short time died. At the close of the fourth day, intelligence reached them that Jesus was returning to Bethany. Martha hastened to meet Him, raising her hands imploringly towards His face, looking upward with suppressed emotion, cried aloud: "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee." "Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again." "Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." "Jesus saith unto her, I am the Resurrection and the Life, he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live, and ​ whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. Believest thou this?" Here is the record of her unfaltering trust; here the record of her hope, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, that beyond the grave, the loved ones gone before are waiting to welcome us to our eternal home. In the measureless realm of time, how brief is our earthly life ; yet how moment- ous and eternal its issues! Life's experiences, coming thick and fast, are the soul's appointed means of growth. To-day, we build our castles, to-morrow, fickle fortune snatches from hope the promised joy. To-day, prosperity or the presence of loved ones fills our cup with joy; to-morrow, adversity or sore bereavement casts us into the valley of sorrow. My sister, may you have the trustful faith of Martha; it will lighten the burden of sorrow and incline you to the voice of duty. The sign of this degree is given by—

The pass. ( 13. ) The color appropriate to this degree is green; an emblem of nature's life and beauty and a symbol of Martha's trustful faith and Hope of Immortality.

​ The Broken Column is an expressive emblem of the uncertainty of human life. Sister Conductress, you will present this sister at the fifth point of the Star for further instruction.

Electa. Sister Conductress. Cond. I present this sister to be instructed in the commendable virtue of ​ heroic endurance of the wrongs of persecution, when demanded in defense of Truth, as illustrated in the lesson of Electa. Electa. The second epistle of John is addressed to "the elect lady and her children." Tradition delineates her as a lady who lived in the days of St. John the Evangelist. Her charity, benevolence and generous hospitality to the poor entitled her to great distinction. Having been reared a Pagan and afterwards becoming a convert to the Christian religion, she was subjected to severe trials and the most bitter persecution. An edict was issued by the Roman emperor that all followers of the Christ should renounce their faith under penalty of death. She was visited by a band of soldiers, one of whom handed her the cross, with a command to trample it under foot. Electa, looking him steadily in the face, received the cross—precious emblem of her Saviour's death—pressed it with ardor to her bosom and cast her eyes upward as a testimony of her love and loyalty to her Christian faith. As Electa I represent this historical heroine and commend to you the sublime virtue she exemplified through her life, "that we love one ​ another." You may not be called upon to suffer in the same degree from the hand of persecution—but there is always need of loyalty to Truth, and alas there is too often persecution. My sister, be loyal to your convictions of truth and murmur not at another's loyalty. Let truth be spoken and let it shine through your life. If persecution comes, bear it with heroic endurance and despair not of the final triumph of Truth. The sign of this degree is given by—

The pass. ( 16. ) The color appropriate to this degree is red; a symbol of that fervency which should actuate all who are engaged in the service of Truth. The cup is an emblem of charity and hospitality and teaches us to extend generous aid to the victims of poverty and distress. Sister Conductress, you will present this sister to the Worthy Patron for further instruction.

Cond. Worthy Patron, I present to you this sister, who has passed through the labyrinth of our Star and been instructed in those sublime virtues exemplified by the heroines of our Order. W. P. We hail with pleasure your coming among us. The work of our Order ​ is worthy of our earnest labor; and we shall rejoice to find you excelling in zeal our most devoted members. You will now give attention to the address of the Worthy Matron. W. M. My sister, the Eastern Star is closely related to the Masonic fraternity; and although related to it by the dearest ties, yet it is no part of that ancient institution. Here the wives, daughters, mothers, widows and sisters of Masons, may become co-laborers with the great Brotherhood in the service of humanity. By the laws of that ancient Order, women are not eligible to its degrees. But woman's heart beats responsive to the same inspiration that prompts man to noble deeds. She hears the cry of the orphan, the call of want and the piteous wail of sorrow. She honors the Brotherhood for its noble work and seeks, through the Eastern Star, to be a co-worker with the Masonic brother, to pay the tribute of her love and labor at the same shrine and be able ​ to make herself known throughout the domain of Masonry, as being entitled to its protection. Into this field of labor you have now entered. You have taken the solemn Obligation of the Order and been instructed in those sublime virtues which should adorn our lives and make this institution worthy of the protection and support of all good Masons. We extend to you a fraternal love and shall rejoice to learn that your devotion to the great moral and social purposes of our Order is earnest and persistent. That the blessing of our Heavenly Father may rest upon our labor, let us unite in prayer.

The Chapter is called up and a circle is formed around the Altar in the following manner by the officers joining hands: Secretary, between Adah and Ruth—Associate Matron, between Ruth and Esther—Associate Conductress, between Esther and Martha —Treasurer, between Martha and Electa—the Worthy Matron, at the left of Electa. If desired the members may join in forming an outer circle. The Worthy Patron or Chaplain will take position at the west side of the Altar. The ​ Conductress, with the candidate at her right, will advance to the open space at the left of the Worthy Matron; and when the words "golden chain thus lengthened" in the prayer are being pronounced, the Worthy Matron will extend her left hand and take the right hand of candidate and the Conductress will join the circle at her left, thus making it complete. At the words "each link shall fall away in death," the hands will be unclasped. If a Chaplain officiates, the Worthy Patron will remain in his station.

Source of all wisdom, truth and love, grant, we beseech Thee, that in the reception of this person into our Order we may add strength to strength and grace to grace. Oh, may the golden chain thus lengthened become the brighter for this link and be strengthened for the great work we strive to do. Enlarge our powers to benefit mankind and to honor Thee, our God. And when, one by one, each link shall fall away in death, may the parting be temporary and the meeting eternal. In the world where death comes not, may we realize the full happiness of loving and serving Thee forever. Amen . Response by the Chapter. So may it ever be. At the conclusion of the prayer an Ode may be sung while the members are standing around the Altar. After singing, the Worthy Patron seats the Chapter. The Conductress leads the candidate to the East and the Worthy Matron may, at the request of the Worthy Patron conclude the initiation ceremonies.

The first is the Daughter's sign, or the sign of Adah. It is given by ( 3. ) It ​ alludes to the heroic conduct of Jephthah's Daughter. The Pass is ( 4. ) ( 5. ) The second is the Widow's sign, or the sign of Ruth. It is given by ( 6. ) It alludes to the humble gleaner Ruth with her handfuls of barley gathered from the fields of Boaz. The Pass is ( 7. ) ( 8. ) The third is the Wife's sign, or the sign of Esther. It is given ( 9. ) It alludes to the manner in which Queen Esther saluted the king, reminding him of his promise, by giving a sign which was understood between them. The Pass is ( 10.) (11.) The fourth is the Sister's sign, or the sign of Martha. It is given by ( 12. ) It alludes to Martha's meeting with Jesus. The Pass is ( 13.) ( 14. ) The fifth is the Mother's sign, or the sign of Electa. It is given by ( 15. ) It alludes to heroic submission, under the wrongs of persecution. The Pass is (16.) being the impressive lesson taught by Electa.

​ Any member of the Order is at liberty to give any one of these signs, when among strangers and desirous of becoming known to a sister or brother. Any member seeing one of these signs given should respond by giving the Pass belonging to the sign given and asking, ( 17. ) This is all the examination that is required under such circumstances. It can be followed by such questions as may be necessary. In passing an examination to visit a Chapter, in addition to this, you will be required to take the Test Oath and give the sign and pass of each degree, There is one other sign, called the salutation sign, which is given by members on entering or retiring from a Chapter while in session. They shall advance in front of the Associate Matron and ( 19. ) The Grip of the Order is given by ( 20. )

The Signet is prepared to assist the memory of those who have received the degrees. On the outer edge of the central division will be found the ( 21. )

​ I will explain the significance of the colors, the emblematic flowers and the meaning of the several emblems alluding to the distinguished characters portrayed in the degrees. Blue symbolizes Fidelity. It is represented by the Violet. The open Bible is appropriate to Jephthah's Daughter, as a symbol of Obedience to the word of God. Yellow symbolizes Constancy. It is represented by the yellow Jessamine. The Lily of the Valley is appropriate to Ruth, as a symbol of Loveliness among the Lowly. White symbolizes Light, Purity and Joy. It is represented by the white Lily. The Sun is appropriate to Esther, as a symbol of the Light and Joy she gave to an oppressed and captive race. Green symbolizes Hope and Immortality. It is represented by the Fern. The Lamb is appropriate to Martha, as a symbol of Innocence and Humility. Red symbolizes Fervency. It is represented by the red Rose.

​ The Lion is appropriate to Electa, as a symbol of the Courage and Power that sustained the martyr defenders of Truth. And finally my sister, Jephthah's Daughter, who freely sacrificed her life to preserve her father's honor; Ruth, who, though poor and lowly, was faithful to the demands of honor and justice; Esther, noble queen, who was prepared to sacrifice her crown and life to save her people from destruction; Martha, who exhibited her trustful faith and hope of immortal life; and Electa, who was pre-eminent in charity and heroic in endurance under the wrongs of persecution—were ( 18. ) So may it be with you. As you illustrate in your life the virtues of these tried servants of God, so shall be your reward. You will now be conducted to the Secretary's desk where you will sign the By-Laws of this Chapter and become entitled to all the privileges of membership; after which you will be re-conducted to your present position.

While the candidate is signing the By-Laws, there may be vocal or instrumental music. After signing the By-Laws, the candidate is conducted

​ to the preparation room, disrobes, if robes are used, a badge of the Order put on and conducted to the East, facing West. When the door opens for the Conductress and candidate to return, the Chapter is called up, and all join in singing a welcome song, after which the Worthy Patron says:

W. P. Sisters and Brothers, our sister has passed through the several degrees of our Order, we hope with some pleasure to her and we know with great satisfaction to us. You will give her a hearty welcome and resume order at the sound of the gavel.