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What It Is: The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest
fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women
may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members
under the General Grand Chapter.
Eastern Star is a social order comprised of persons
with spiritual values but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests
in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons
that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep
fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome
relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through
high principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near
and dear to each other.
While this is an Order composed of people of deep
spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith.
The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those
in the Eastern Star and it is considered a privilege to help
another member whenever we can. For membership information, click
here.
Purposes. The stated purposes of the organization
are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific; but there
is much more to it than that. Dr. Rob Morris, the Poet Laureate
of Masonry, founded the Order using beautiful and inspiring biblical
examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the
noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern
Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through
uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and
through precept and example, build an Order which is truly dedicated
to charity, truth and loving kindness.
Projects. Concrete evidence of the charitable nature
of the organization as it affects others is the millions of dollars
which have been raised within the membership to support national,
jurisdictional, and local charities. Many Grand Jurisdictions
have homes for their senior members.
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MARY ROYAL CHAPTER--HISTORY--Royalton |
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Mary Royal Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star #833 was
instituted in 1920. Mary Royal Thornton, wife of Dr. Thornton
was installed as Worthy Matron and Howard Lovel, Worthy Patron.
The chapter was given the name of Mary Royal in honor of Mary
Thornton.
The chapter and Mason's Lodge was then held in a two story building
on Main Street, where the Apostolic Church fellowship Building
now stands. This building was destroyed by fire in 1964 with
all the Lodge's regalia destroyed.
Johanna Kuhnke, Secretary of the chapter, had the chapter books
at home, so we still had our records.
The Mason's Lodge then built the building where it stands today
in 1965,completed
in 1966. Much free labor and hard work was put into this building.
The Eastern Star
Chapter had many Chicken and Dumpling Dinners to furnish the
Lodge, kitchen, and
dining room.
When we had our big nights, members would come from all over
Southern Illinois and other states to hold offices. We in return
would visit other chapters and fill stations there.
In 1985, because age and deaths of many members, we were forced
to close the
Chapter. It was a sad time and a hard decision to make. Several
of our members now
belong to Zeigler Chapter.
(Information Taken From The 1993 Royalton Round-Up Booklet.)
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