Ritual of the Order of the Eastern Star

by Order of the Eastern Star. General Grand Chapter

PRAYER.

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 our strength, and grace to our grace. O, 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.

W. P. In taking upon yourself the solemn Obligation of our Order, you enter upon a new phase of life; henceforth you will be numbered among the members of this Order, who have for their inspiration the Star of Bethlehem, which will guide all the faithful to the New Jerusalem, that city not made with hands. I must remind you, that with privileges come responsibilities. You have been informed that we are in possession of certain secrets, by means of which, we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet. You have been conducted to the several points of the Star, and been instructed in the secret work of the Order, which, if properly understood, will enable you to make yourself known as a member. That the signs and passes may be more firmly impressed upon your mind, with the assistance of our Conductress, I will repeat them with explanations.

The Conductress will give the signs as the Worthy Patron explains them.

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 give the signs and passes 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 Conductress will communicate the Grip to the candidate.

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 a down-trodden 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, because she freely sacrificed her life to preserve her father's honor; Ruth, poor and lowly, was faithful to the demands of honor and justice; Esther, noble queen, was prepared to sacrifice her crown and life, to save her people from destruction; Martha, from her trustful faith and hope of immortal life; and Electa, pre-eminent in charity, and heroic in endurance of 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.

The Chapter takes a recess.