The Order of the Eastern Star is one of the largest fraternal organizations where both women and men are members.
Want to join us? Harbor Lights Chapter #358 is a subordinate Chapter of the Grand Chapter of California, Order of the Eastern Star. The California Grand Chapter is affiliated with The General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. At the 2024 Triennium, the eligibility requirements were broadened. See new wording below, which has been updated to the correct version as of June 2025.
From the General Grand Chapter website:
(https://www.easternstar.org/, then click the Join link)
Who may join:
Note: At the General Grand Chapter Session held in 2024, there was a change in the relationship that women need to have. This is now, as of 2025, in effect in California.
- Men who are Master Masons in good standing of a regular Lodge of the Masonic Fraternity.
- Women who are relatives of past or present Master Masons in good standing of a regular Lodge of the Masonic Fraternity. The necessary relationship is by birth, marriage or adoption.
- Women who are majority members of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls® or Job’s Daughters International® or have been active for three (3) years, who have reached the age of 18.
- Women who are at least 18 years of of age who are sponsored by two members, one Sister and one Brother. [NEW!]
Ladies - if petitioning as a relative of a Master Mason, you must be able to provide the necessary documentation to verify your relationship to that affiliated Master Mason.
Gentlemen - You must be an affiliated Master Mason in good standing in a regular Masonic Lodge recognized as such by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California, which includes California Prince Hall Master Masons.
Please note: As of Grand Chapter 2021, California Chapters may accept California Prince Hall Master Masons as a lady's Masonic connection.
For those with a Prince Hall Masonic connection who wish to further research that heritage, please contact Golden State Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Rite of Adoption, State of California. They are an affiliate of the Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge. Information may be found on their website: https://www.gsgcoescal.org.
Please note that Harbor Lights Chapter #358 is NOT affiliated with the Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge or the Golden State Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.
Petitions are carefully read, eligibility investigated and election to membership must be by a vote of the Chapter.
Page updated 11/7/2021 to reflect change by amendment to the CA C&L to follow the GGC membership requirements. Updated 6/23/2025 to reflect the GGC wording for sponsored ladies as adopted at the 2024 GGC Triennium meeting.