Deborah Grand Chapter History
Eastern Star Membership
Historically, membership in the Order of Eastern Star was restricted to the immediate female family members of a Prince Hall Mason, i.e., mother, sister, wife, daughter, and widow. In recent times, membership qualifications were changed to include extended family members such as granddaughters, nieces and cousins of Prince Hall Masons. Occasionally, membership opportunities are extended for a limited period of time to non-Masonic related females of good repute This opportunity was proposed by the Hon. Vernon D. Dobbs, No. 86, Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1992.
In all instances, membership is strictly voluntary. All applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, of good moral character, be mentally competent and profess a belief in a Supreme Being. All applicants must submit detailed applications that are signed by current members of the Organization (sponsors).
Eastern Star Secrecy
One of the most frequently misunderstood perceptions regarding the Order of Eastern Star is that it is a “secret order” or “secret organization”. This is indeed a misconception! While there are certain specific ways a member makes herself known to other members, the goals, aims, and works of the Order are identified and addressed in detail in a number of publications readily available to the general public.
The Order of Eastern Star and Religion
Deborah Grand Chapter, OES, Inc., IS NOT a religious organization; but does practice certain religious-like precepts such as belief in a Supreme Being, love for each other, respect for self and others, and moral turpitude. We believe that a person’s worship of her Deity is a private priority and is to be respected by others.
Brochure Designed by:
Cheryl B. Mallory, No. 20, PWM
Historic Researcher:
Judith A. Abel Henry, No. 46 PGW
Grand Historian Emerita
For Additional Information:
Access our website at
https://deborahgrandchapteroespha.org
ELIZABETH SNYDER
FOUNDER
Published by
DEBORAH GRAND CHAPTER
Order of Eastern Star, Inc.
Prince Hall Adopted
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
July 16, 2024
Kelly J. Sheppard, No. 20
Grand Worthy Matron
Wayne A. Morris, No. 103
Grand Worthy Patron
Honorable Paul Anthony Hibner, No. 18
Most Worshipful Grand Master
THE ORDER OF EASTERN STAR
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
What It Is, What It Is Not!
The Order of Eastern Star is a female organization, adopted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its membership is primarily limited to certain female relatives of Prince Hall Masons. The Object of this Organization is Fraternal, Educational, Charitable, Benevolent and to inculcate Honor and Integrity as symbolized by the five heroines of the Order of Eastern Star, Inc.
Origin of the Pennsylvania
Order of Eastern Star
In the declining years of the 19th Century, the Hon. Joseph L. Thomas, No. 43, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania considered, having an Eastern Star Chapter in Harrisburg would help create an interest among the Brothers of the Craft and bring about a more “unified organization”. Grand Master Thomas granted permission for the Order to exist; Hence, on May 1, 1900, Esther Chapter No. 1, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania was born. The First Chartered Member was Brother Joseph L. Thomas, the MWGM. Mrs. Elizabeth Snyder, wife of Brother John Snyder, No. 43 was the Founder and the Initial Worthy Matron of Esther Chapter No. 1.
From 1900 to the present, our Sisterhood has had the honor to be governed by Sixty-Six Most Worshipful Grand Masters. Overseers who were and are our fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. Many of whom were initiated into the various Eastern Star Chapters across the Commonwealth and some who have served as Grand Worthy Patrons.
The Order of Eastern Star IS NOT a religious organization; but is based on the religious principles of belief in a Supreme Being, love, respect, moral turpitude and consideration of others.
Today’s Order of Eastern Star chapters continue to work for the enlightenment and betterment of all mankind. Members perform community service work, raise funds to support educational and charitable initiatives and maintain a special supportive relationship with other members (sisters and brothers) of the organization.
Deborah Grand Chapter
Order of Eastern Star, Inc.
Prince Hall Adopted
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
On November 8, 1909, the Hon. James W. Grant, No. 43, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, bestowed the prerogative of Grand Chapter status to the Pennsylvania Order of Eastern Star.
Sister Hattie M. Grant, No. 1 was the first Worthy Grand Matron, Brother Phillip H. Edwards No. 3, was the first Worthy Grand Patron. The Grand Chapter was comprised of five Subordinate Chapters: Esther No. 1, Electa No. 2, Martha No. 3, Jeptha No. 4 and Palestine No. 5. Each of the original five Chapters are still in existence.
In August of 1914, the Honorable John Paul Scott, No. 43, Most Worshipful Grand Master, recognized the Pennsylvania Grand Chapter, OES at a Masonic Conference in Pittsburgh PA. It was due to a growing doubt that the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania was not properly set apart; Due to not having received the official “Grand Chapter Ceremonies”, (the pageantry, pomp and magnificence).
After much discussion and several meetings, Grand Master Scott decided to request assistance from Oziel Grand Chapter, OES, Jurisdiction of New Jersey, (organized June 24, 1913).
With the authorization of Grand Master Scott; On July 17, 1916, Oziel Grand Chapter, OES, PHA conferred the Degree of “Grand Chapter Ceremonies” upon the Pennsylvania Grand Chapter, OES, PHA. The name was changed to Deborah Grand Chapter OES, PHA and the charter was received. Deborah Grand Chapter is listed as the 27th Grand Chapter organized in the USA; November 8, 1909, (FOUNDER’S DAY).
Deborah Grand Chapter was officially adopted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand of Pennsylvania, on October 8, 1974; The Hon. William T. Roye No. 144, was the Most Worshipful Grand Master.
There are local Subordinate Chapters located in cities throughout the Commonwealth, designated as the Eastern, Central and Western Areas.
The Prince Hall Masonic Temple located at 4301 North Broad Street, (Prince Hall Way), Philadelphia, PA serves as the statewide Headquarters. The Prince Hall Masonic Temple located at 1117 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA serves as the Western Area annex.