OUR HISTORY
Brother Rob Morris founded the Order of the Eastern Star so female relatives of Master Masons could share in the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. To this day, those principles guide us to help those less fortunate and in need, to love one another by working together and by enjoying social activities together.
Georgia’s association with the Order of the Eastern Star began before General Grand Chapter was organized. The first Eastern Star chapter was chartered in Covington, Georgia in the 1870s. Unfortunately, that chapter did not survive very long and ceased to exist before the next chapter charter was granted.
The first chapter organized under General Grand Chapter in Georgia was Lithonia Chapter Number 1, chartered on September 21, 1891. Then six months later Queen Esther Chapter No. 2 was organized in Trion Factory. Fifteen additional chapters were organized, all of which came under the direct supervision of General Grand Chapter.
On February 21, 1901, a convention was called to order to organize a Grand Chapter of Georgia. This convention was held in Brunswick, Georgia. Mrs. Hattie E. Ewing, Most Worthy Grand Matron of General Grand Chapter presided. At this organizational meeting of the Georgia Grand Chapter, the General Grand Chapter released jurisdiction over the twelve remaining Georgia chapters. (Three chapters were no longer in existence.) Electa Chapter Number 6, chartered on June 12, 1897, remains in existence to this day.
Georgia’s first Worthy Grand Matron elected was Lee Christie and the first Worthy Grand Patron was Reverend Harry Cassil, the Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. They were both from Glynn Chapter Number 11 in Brunswick. Georgia’s first Annual Grand Chapter Session was held in the city of Tennille on May 6-7, 1902.
In June 1945, the Special Executive Emergency Annual Session was held in the city of Macon. The United States of America Office of the Defense Transportation had issued an edict placing a ban on holding conventions or any large meeting with more than 50 persons in attendance. Only essential business was conducted--election and installation for Worthy Grand Matron, Worthy Grand Patron, Associate Grand Matron and Grand Conductress.
In the succeeding years Georgia Grand Chapter has held its annual sessions in various locations around the state. and conducted the business according to its established agenda.
Georgia was proud when Helen Roquemore was elected to the office of Right Worthy Grand Trustee of the General Grand Chapter in Denver, Colorado, in November 1973. The next twenty-one years were a busy time for Sister Helen as she represented the Order of the Eastern Star. Georgia members were so proud when Sister Helen was installed as Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand Chapter in Seattle, Washington in November 1985. In 1988 Sister Helen R. Cox presided over the 39th Triennial Assembly. “The Past, Present, Future in God’s Marvelous Universe” Triennial Assembly was held in Atlanta, Georgia from November 19-25, 1988. There were over eleven hundred Georgia members in attendance.
Georgia was again honored to have a Past Grand Matron elected Right Worthy Grand Trustee of the General Grand Chapter. Sister Jo L. Cullifer was elected on November 4, 2015 in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and served nine years, until November 2024. Georgia members are proud of the way she continues to represent our state and the entire Order.
Georgia’s OES history continues. We invite you to view the other sections of this website to learn more about our charities, our events and the ways we work together to make the world a better place.
