BOOK OF INSTRUCTION

of the
GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

For the use of Grand Chapters

And Subordinate Chapters
Under the Jurisdiction of
General Grand Chapter
Order of the Eastern Star

REVISED 2006

Office of the
RIGHT WORTHY GRAND SECRETARY
1618 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-2549
Printed in the United States of America

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 PREFACE

The General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star,

under Article VII of the Constitution enjoys and exercises the
following:
"It shall be supreme in all matters pertaining to its own
organization and work therein, and shall have exclusive
power to prescribe its Landmarks, Ritual, Obligations,
Degrees, Lectures, Installation, Memorial and Burial
Services, and all other matters pertaining to the Ritual, Cer-
emonies and Work of the Order."

All Grand Chapters and Subordinate Chapters under the

jurisdiction of General Grand Chapter are obligated to obey the
Ritual as promulgated by General Grand Chapter. No innova-
tions are permitted and no ritual ceremonies may be changed
by additions or omissions. There is a penalty for copying
any portion of the Ritual which is copyrighted by the General
Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.
These instructions are given hoping to aid in uniformity of ritu-
alistic work and are intended to be helpful wherever procedure
is not clear. They attempt to adhere to Eastern Star tradition
as it has developed during the past century and to clarify some
points of interpretation, which may have been confusing. All
reference to ritualistic instructions and words are given by pag-
es. Instructions given here are intended to be a complement to
our Constitution and Ritual and to aid our members in exem-
plifying the ceremonies of our Order in an impressive manner.
The fine print of the Ritual is to be followed as carefully as
the large print, as this is specific instruction for carrying out
the ceremonies in a uniform manner. No authority is given to
any Grand chapter to adopt its own interpretation in any of the
ceremonies included in the Ritual.

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 BOOK OF INSTRUCTION

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER

ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR

CHAPTER ROOM

The Chapter room should be furnished as described in the

ritual page 166. The Associate Matron, Associate Patron,
Associate Conductress and Marshal have charge of the para-
phernalia and prepare the Chapter room under the direction of
the Worthy Matron. They should see that the Charter, Flag, the
large Bible for the Altar, small Bibles, if degree work is to be
given, chairs, pedestals, emblems, flowers, or ribbons if used,
ballot-box, signet and pointer, or electric signet, are properly
placed in the chapter room. An Eastern Star rug may be used.
The officers' badges should be placed in the preparation room.
All this should be done before the opening hour; sO that the
opening of the Chapter may not be delayed.
When there are not sufficient officers present for the
opening march the officers present will take their stations in-
formally.
It is permissible to have a ceremony for the Chaplain to place
the Bible on the Altar before the Worthy Patron assumes his
station to open the Chapter. Small Bibles for use in the initia-
tory work mustbe placed upon the Altar. Flowers or ribbons,
is used, are placed at the Marshal's station, or may be placed
at the station of each Star point officer. The Conductress has
full charge of the Altar Bible and the small Bibles for initiation.
(AM 1976)
The emblems must be placed upon the pedestals. Covers of the
five colors, or white, and flowers may also be used on the ped-

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 Book of Instruction

estals. Lighted pedestals are permitted. A small pedestal may

be placed at the right of the Marshal's chair to hold the Baton.
(AM 1988) Baskets of flowers or appropriate decorations may
be used and may stand beside, back of or hang from the chairs.
(AM 1976) (Refer to Ritual page 166)
We have no officer known as neither Color Bearer nor Flag
Bearer. If the Flag is to be presented, it should be inside the
room at the left of the station of the Associate Patron or the
Marshal. Either of these Officers shall present the Flag when
called upon for this ceremony. (AM 1976) The flag may be
placed in the East before the opening of the Chapter if there is
no ceremony of presentation.
The chairs of Adah and Electa are not out as far South and
North as the chairs of Ruth and Martha. Chairs of star point of-
ficers must form a perfect star. The General Grand Chapter has
jurisdiction over the placing of the paraphernalia and furniture
in a chapter room. Page 167 of the Ritual shows a properly
set up Chapter room. Note that the Ritual does not permit any
other chairs to be placed within the Labyrinth. The proper po-
sition of the Star, as established both by the Ritual and by vote
of the General Grand Chapter, is with the White Point down.
(Page 167 - Ritual)
WARNING - Many states are restricted by law from using
lighted candles in any manner. In other places ceremonies are
given using lighted candles. This practice should not be con-
tinued because of the great danger of fire to our members in
closed rooms.

VISITORS

The Members and Visitors Register should be in the anteroom

in charge of a committee appointed by the Worthy Matron.
The committee's duty shall be to see that all members and visi-

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 Book of Instruction

tors register, after having been vouched for or examined by the

Examining Committee. All members and visitors shall show
receipts for dues. (AM 1976)
The Committee should compile list of all distinguished guests
and give a copy to the Worthy Matron, the Secretary, and the
Conductress, and Associate Conductress to assist the Worthy
Matron in extending welcome and courtesies to all visitors
upon their approval. This important duty, however, should not
be confined to the officers named, but all officers and members
should assist in welcoming. Visitors should be introduced to
the Worthy Matron before being escorted to the East or to their
seats. (Rules and Regulations, Section 53, Visitation)
Visitors in Subordinate and Grand Chapters should be intro-
duced by the Conductress, assisted by the Associate Conduc-
tress. The Ritual gives no authority for the performance of
such services or courtesies by the Marshal.
An objection to a visitor can be made only by a member of the a
Chapter visited.
Visitors may fill the officers chairs of a Chapter provided no
member of the Chapter present can do so. Visitors are under
obligation to respect the secrecy of a Chapter's proceedings,
and the business of the Chapter should not be discussed after a
visit. (Rules and Regulations, Section 88, Rule 1)

EXAMINATION OF A VISITOR

If it is known before the beginning of the opening ceremonies

that visitors are present who cannot be vouched for, they should
be examined at once so that they may witness the opening cer-
emony. Chapters should have one or more Examining Com-
mittees and each committee shall consist of three members.
One member of each committee should be a Brother. The ex-
amination of a visitor must take place in a room secure from
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interruption. Visitors must always be examined separately.

The examination is made in the following manner The Chair-
man of the Examining Committee requests the visitor to show
a receipt for dues paid to date within two years of the proposed
visit, a demit or certificate of membership from a regular Chap-
ter, bearing date of not over one year prior to the proposed
visit, each bearing the seal of regular Chapter and properly
countersigned by the members signature, or a Grand Chapter
certificate dated within one year of the proposed visit. Each
visitor examined by the Examining Committee shall sign the
register before entering the Chapter room. (AM 1976)
The Chairman of the Examining Committee opens the Bible.
The visitor and each member of the committee place her or
his right hand upon the Bible and all repeat after the chairman
in unison, the Test oath page 17, Ritual. The visitor is then
asked to give a Sign and the Pass belonging to the Sign given.
This may be followed by Secret Work (17). Ritual, page 83.
The Worthy Matron must be satisfied that all present are en-
titled to remain, and if they are not personally known to her,
or properly vouched for, nothing can take the place of the ex-
amination prescribed by the Ritual. (Rules and Regulations,
Section 52, also Landmark No 12). Persons presenting them-
selves for examination or avouchment should be referred to as
visitors, and not Sisters, Brothers or Strangers. (General Grand
Chapter Proceedings, 1907). One member can legally vouch
for another in the Chapter room only by having examined her
or him in committee appointed for that purpose, or by having
sat in Chapter with her or him, within one year, and not be
hearsay or private examination at any time.
It is a law of the General Grand Chapter that members vouch-
ing for visitors from other jurisdictions, in addition to having
sat in Chapter with such visitor, must have seen the visitor re-
ceipt for dues paid to a date within two years, or a demit, Grand
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 Book of Instruction
dated within
Chapter certificate, or certificate of membership
one year from date of proposed visit.
Master Masons of New York or New Jersey are not permitted
to visit any Chapter under the General Granddemit,
Chapter upon
or certifi-
avouchment but must show a receipt for dues,
cate of membership in the Order of the Eastern Star.
This receipt, demit or certificate must bear the seal of a regular
Chapter, showing dues paid to a date within two years of pro-
posed visit. The demit or certificate of membership must be
dated within one year of date of proposed visit.
When a committee is requested to retire and examine a visitor
during the proving of a Chapter, and has completed the ex-
amination, if the visitor is entitled to a seat in the Chapter, the
committee should return with the visitor through the anteroom
door, to the Chapter, after the Chapter has been declared open,
and the proper raps have been given. The Warder should an-
nounce: "The alarm was caused by the Examining Committee
with a visitor who is properly vouched for", or "The Examining
Committee is returning to the Chapter room." The committee
and the visitors examined proceed West of Esther's chair and,
after giving the Salutation Sign, the Chairman introduces the
visitor giving the name, number and location of the Chapter
to which the visitor belongs and any title to which the visitor
is entitled. It is fitting and proper for the Worthy Matron to
speak words of welcome. Should the title warrant, the Worthy
Matron shall direct the Conductress to escort the visitor to the
East, if there are no other introductions. If there are others to
be introduced, the visitor is seated and introduced at the proper
time. If the visitor is not entitled to a seat in the Chapter the
Chairman should report: "We find the visitor is not entitled to
a seat in the Chapter."
When members attend Chapter where they do not hold mem-
bership, they should show their receipt for dues at least once a
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 Book of Instruction

year, preferably, the first meeting they attend in the New Year.
Demitted members can visit chapters for one year only. (Rules
and Regulations, Section 51)
The Ritual - Page 83 in providing for the instruction to the
candidate (*It may be followed by such questions as are neces-
sary") authorizes Grand Chapters by regulation or instruction
to require the showing of a receipt for dues or certificate of
good standing prior to taking the Test Oath. (General Grand
Chapter Proceedings, 1916)
LEGAL MEETINGS

Legal meetings are defined in the Bylaws, Chapter IV, Section

unless the Charter
(b). The Chapter cannot be legally opened
or Dispensation is 1n the room and seven members of the Chap-
ter, including one of the first four officers are present. The By-
laws of the Chapter may prescribe a larger number. If one of
the first four officers of the Chapter is not present, the Chapter
cannot be legally opened. (Ritual, Pages 163, 164).
Aphoto static copy of an original Charter is legal for use in lieu
of the actual Charter and that such can be broadly interpreted
as meeting the requirements on Page 163 of the Ritual - Instal-
lation Ceremony and for holding all Chapter meetings.
The meetings of a Chapter are either stated or special. Stated
meetings are those held on the day and at the hour prescribed
by the Bylaws of a Chapter and cannot be adjourned to an-
other day. All other meetings are special meetings. (Ritual,
Page 614).
Chapters must hold at least one stated meeting a month except
during July or August or two other months more desirable for
the Chapter, providing they do not conflict with the fiscal year.
Such meetings may be omitted if so provided in the Bylaws of
the chapter or by special dispensation from the Most Worthy
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 Book ofInstruction

Grand Matron. (Rules and Regulations, Section 43). In some

climates two months recess is desirable, but every Chapter
must hold ten stated meetings a year.
It is not lawful to postpone a stated meeting of a Chapter if a
quorum is present. It is not necessary to have a dispensation to
call a special meeting of a Chapter.
Itis not lawful to change a regular meeting place without se-
curing a special dispensation from
Grand Matron.
the Most Worthy Grand
Matron or Worthy
BUSINESS OF A CHAPTER

The business of a Chapter cannot be transacted at a stated

meeting before the hour fixed by the Bylaws. No dispensa-
tion shall ever be granted to change this provision. (Rules and
Regulations, Section 44). All stated meetings falling on legal
holidays are legal. (Rules and Regulations, Section 45; also
Section 8(h)). All meetings, special and stated, must be opened
and closed in ritualistic form. All stated and special meetings
as well as those called for open installation of officers must be
recorded in the minutes of the Chapter.
It is illegal to receive petitions, act upon reports of investigat-
ing committees or to ballot upon petitions at a special meeting.
All matters affecting the right to membership must be trans-
acted at a stated meeting of a Chapter. The Worthy Matron
may call a special meeting of the Chapter whenever she deems
it necessary, however, she must call a special meeting when-
ever requested to do SO by seven members of the Chapter. A
special meeting shall be called for the same hour as that fixed
for a stated meeting, unless different hour shall be fixed in the
Bylaws of the Chapter. The Secretary shall notify in writing all
members of the Chapter of such meeting.
Only the business stated in the call may be transacted at a
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special meeting. The Chapter is opened in regular ritualistic

form. Minutes are not read and no other business transacted.
The Worthy Matron shall proceed immediately to the business
for which the meeting was called. The minutes of the spe-
cial meeting shall be read with the minutes of the last stated
meeting for approval at the next stated meeting of the Chapter.
Neither a Most Worthy Grand Matron nor a Grand Matron can
grant a special dispensation to receive or ballot on a petition at
a called meeting.
All petitions must be received and balloted on at stated meet-
ings. (Ritual, Page 13, Paragraph 2.) Ifonly the Worthy Matron
is present, of the first four officers, she shall appoint a Sister,
preferably a Past Matron, to serve as Associate Matron, and a
Brother, preferably a Past Patron, to serve as Worthy Patron.
The station of Worthy Patron must be filled by a Brother during
the balloting and initiation and a Brother must give the Obliga-
tion unless the Most Worthy Grand Matron gives, in writing,
permission for a Sister to serve as Worthy Patron. (Ritual, Page
163. Landmark 8.)
In the absence of a Bylaw requiring the presence of a Broth-
er, the Worthy Matron may open the Chapter and transact all
business, except conferring of degrees or balloting, without
the Worthy Patron, or any other Brother, being present. * The
Sentinel counts as one of the seven members necessary for a
quorum even if he remains outside the door and there are six
members inside the room.

If the Worthy Matron is not present, it is the duty of the As-

sociate Matron to assume the station of the Worthy Matron.
The Ritual declares it is the duty of the Associate Matron to
advance to the East. (Ritual, Pages 39-40, 109) (AM 1976). If
both the Worthy Matron and Associate Matron are absent, it is
the duty of the Worthy Patron to appoint a sister to fill each of
a these stations, choosing a Past Matron if possible. Previous to
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the opening of the Chapter all vacancies should be filled by the
fill all the sta-
officer in charge. When there are not enough to
tions the following must befilled: Worthy Matron (or Worthy
Patron), Associate Matron,Secretary, Conductress, Chaplain,
Warder and Sentinel. The Worthy Matron, Associate Matron,
Conductress, Associate Conductressand the star point officers
must be Sisters. The Worthy Patron and Associate Patronmust

be Brothers. The Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Marshal, Or-

or Brothers.
ganist, Warder and Sentinel may be either Sisters
(Ritual, Page 164).
Every officer of a Chapter should be in her or his proper sta-
tion during the ceremony of opening and closing the Chapter.
(Rules and Regulations, Section 54.)
It is not legal for visiting officers to open or close a Chapter.
The installed officers of a Chapter must preside during the
opening and closing of the chapter and conduct its business.
It is permissible to inviteguest officers to preside during ini-
tiatory work. The Worthy Matron has the right to ask an of-
ficer to fill another office protem. The records should show the
regular officer present, and acting protem in another station.
(AM 1976)
Meetings of the Chapter may be held in a place other than a
Masonic Hall, although the latter is more desirable and every
effort should be made to secure it for the meetings of the Chap-
ter. To change the regular meeting place, a special dispensa-
tion must be secured from the Most Worthy Grand Matron or
Most Worthy Grand Patron or the Worthy Grand Matron or
Worthy Grand Patron if the Chapter is under dispensation. At
the request of the Most Worthy Grand Matron the Right Wor-
thy Grand Secretary may issue these dispensations for the Sub-
ordinate Chapters under the General Grand Chapter.

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OFFICERS

There are only eighteen officers in a Subordinate Chapter and

none can be added to these. Color or Flag Bearers cannot be
listed as officers. However, a Grand Chapter and the General
Grand Chapter may elect and install Trustees. A Grand Chap-
ter may also elect a Grand Lecturer and she may be installed.
Officers, when standing or marching, shouldassume an erect
position, hands hanging free and empty.
The Worthy Matron stands during the opening and closing cer-
emonies and at all other times when she is presiding. The Wor-
thy Matron and the Worthy Patron should rise when the other
officers are called upon during the openingceremony. (Ritual,
Page 23.) If seated, officers when addressed should rise and
stand in position before replying. The officer who addresses
them should pause until they are in position before proceeding.
The Worthy Matron, or presiding officer, stands when giving
the response to the Sign of Salutation. The response is given
only when members or officers enter or retire from a Chapter
while in session and not when the Conductress attends at the
Altar or when members ballot.
All officers, when addressed by the Worthy Matron, face her
when responding. Officers should always be particular to ex-
ercise good posture. They should not slump in their chairs
but try to sit gracefully and comfortably. It is desirable that
all officers keep both feet on the floor, so that the appearance
of the room is orderly and impressive.

It is the duty of the Organist to pay strict attention, and when-

ever music is needed, she should begin to play immediately
and should stop the music at the proper time. The Organist
should stand during the Pledge of Allegiance (if in United
States territory), during the Opening Ceremony, the Prayer, the
Obligation, when balloting and when Grand Honors are given.
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The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron should not exchange
chairs when the Worthy Patron is called on to preside.
When officers or members go from one place to another in the
Chapter room, having secured permission from the presiding
officer to do so, they should proceed in straight line, turning
square corners. It is not necessary for a member crossing from
one side of the room to the other to give the Salutation Sign.
All officers must memorize their work and not use a Ritual in
the Chapter room.
The Conductress and Associate Conductress enter their sta-
tions on the east side of the pedestal and turn with their faces
toward the East.

No member shall leave her or his seat when the Chapter is

In session without permission from the presiding officer. (See
Rules and Regulations, Section 88, Rule 6).
Members shall not pass between the Altar and the East after
the Chapter has been declared open for the transaction of busi-
ness, except in ritualistic ceremonies. (Rules and Regulations,
Section 88, Rule 7).
The Worthy Matron may appoint someone in the Chapter to be
official prompter. All others should refrain from prompting.
OPENING CEREMONY

It is important to open the Chapter promptly at the hour stated

in the Bylaws unless otherwise changed by dispensation. Hats
and gloves are not permitted to be worn in the Chapter room
and it is important that this regulation be enforced. This rule
also applies to open installations and any and all other ceremo-
nies or programs given in the Chapter or Grand Chapter rooms
by Eastern Star members.
It is allowable for a Grand Chapter to adopt an opening and
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closing ceremony for a Grand Chapter session since there is no

provision for a regular opening for a Grand Chapter provided
in the Ritual. However, since our Order has reached such a
large membership and Grand Chapters are obligated to meet
in large auditoriums where it is required they employ union
operators and others who are not members of the Order, it is
necessary to adopt an opening ceremony which does not re-
quire the use of secret Signs and Passes.
It is not necessary to regularly open a Chapter for a funeral
ceremony. Should the Chapter be opened, then a quorum must
be present at both opening and closing of the Chapter.
If a program precedes a Chapter meeting, it must be concluded
in time for the Chapter to open at the stated hour. (AM 1976)
A password is not taken up during the opening of a Chapter.
No child over two years of age should be allowed in the room
during rehearsals or meetings, except for occasions of open in-
stallations.

Instructions for the opening of a Chapter are given in the Ritual,

Page 23. No other officers enter the Chapter room except these
four officers named. The Organist has assumed her station and
is ready to providemusic when the other officers enter. All of-
ficers enter the Chapter room wearing their badges.
When the Associate Conductress is given the order by the Wor-
thy Patron, she rises, steps forward from East side of the ped-
estal, turns and marches West directly to where officers are in
formation. If the officers enter through two doors she may give
the invitation to enter from a position back of Esther's station.
If both lines enter through the same door she shall proceed to
the entrance door to give the invitation. The words given in the
fine print of the Ritual, Page 23, should be spoken in audible
tones. The Associate Conductress then takes her place with the
North line of officers, in line with the Conductress on the South
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line and the officers march into the Chapter room, correspond-
ing officers in each line keeping evenly spaced and in positions
opposite each other. Attention should be given to the march-
ing SO that all officers step out with the left foot on the first
beat of the measure. General Grand Chapter does not prescribe
any opening march however, when the march ends the officers
must be in a position as in Diagram at the top of Page 24 of
the Ritual, with the Worthy Matron, Associate Matron, Esther
and Warder in a straight line across the West. The Ritual gives
permission for the lines to be formed either inside or outside
the chairs. If inside the chairs the Worthy Matron, Associate
Matron, Esther and the Warder should be a in a straight line back
of the Altar and in front of Esther's station.
When the Conductress has escorted the Worthy Matron to the
East, she marches directly to her place at the head of the South
line to await the Worthy Matron's instructions. As the Bible 1S
not yet open there is no objection to passing between the Altar
and the East at this time. The Worthy Patron steps forward on
the North side of the pedestal to meet the Worthy Matron, ex-
tends his right hand and assists her to her station, then presents
to her the gavel. The Worthy Patron remains standing from the
time he first ascends the dais until the Chapter is seated by the
Worthy Matron.
If the Chapter room has more doors than those to the anteroom
and preparation room for entrance or exit, the Warder must first
see that all doors are secure before going to the anteroom and
giving the directions on Page 25 of the Ritual. The Warder
closes the door without raps and reports to the Worthy Matron
speaking so that all may hear.
The Chaplain does not carry a small Bible when she approach-
es the Altar to give her prayer during any ceremony, her hands
should be free. She may rest her hands on the edge of the Altar
for slight support as she kneels and rises. It is most desirable
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and more impressive to have the Chaplain kneel at the Altar

when giving the prayers. If the Worthy Patron acts as Chap-
lain, or offers a prayer, he enters the Labyrinth between the
stations of Esther and Martha.
The use of the Square and Compasses upon the Altar is
forbidden.

The short form of opening, Ritual, Page 28, is to be used only

when necessary such as annual elections, or when important
business is to come before the Chapter. To use the short form
of opening on more than four occasions during a year would
be an abuse of this privilege. Full form of opening takes very
little extra time and is much more impressive for your mem-
bers and visitors.

No extra formation around the Altar during opening and clos-

ing ceremonies are permitted. The electric star may be lighted
when the Chapter is declared open. When the Worthy Matron
declares the Chapter "open" she gives on rap of the gavel. In
the opening march the Associate Matron is not escorted to her
station.

PROVING THE CHAPTER

Proving the Chapter iS the responsibility of the Associate Ma-

tron and the Conductress and the Associate Conductress are
under her direction. The prescribed form is to be followed.
(Ritual, Pages 26, 27). The Associate Matron should rise and
remain standing during the proving of the Chapter.
When the Associate Matron directs the Conductress and the
Associate Conductress to prove the Chapter these officers rise
as addressed and remain standing until the Associate Matron
has finished speaking; then keeping opposite each other they
march directly to the East. They turn, the Conductress to the
South and the Associate Conductress to the North, pass slowly
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to the West, carefully observing each person present. This in-

spection is to ascertain whether those present are known to the
Conductress or Associate Conductress to be members of the
Order or are properly vouched for by another member.
If the Conductress or Associate Conductress comes to a person
not known to be a member she will say, "Please rise." She then
addresses the Associate Matron and reports there is a visitor in
the South or North for whom she cannot vouch (using words in
the Ritual, Page 26). The Conductress and Associate Conduc-
tress will continues according to the Ritual. When the Conduc-
tress and Associate Conductress have completed the proving
of the Chapter they will meet halfway between Esther's and
The Associate Matron's stations, and facing each other, the
Associate Conductress will address the Conductress, (Ritual,
Page 27.) They both turn toward the Associate Matron turning
toward each other as they face the West, and the Conductress
will address the Associate Matron. (Ritual, Page 27.)
When the Associate Matron addresses the Worthy Matron (Rit-
ual, Page 27) both officers will promptly face the East, turning
towards each other. When the Worthy Matron responds, the
Conductress and Associate Conductress march at once to their
stations, keeping directly opposite and observing square cor-
ners. The Associate Matron, Conductress and Associate Con-
ductress remain standing. (AM 1982)
The Worthy Matron immediately calls up the officers and
proceeds with the opening ceremony. (Ritual, Page 27.)
(AM 1982)

WORK OF THE WARDER AND SENTINEL

Only the presiding officer may give permission to the Warder

to open the anteroom door. The opening and closing of the an-
teroom door when the Chapter is in session is exclusively the

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duty of the Warder and she must always give the proper raps
when so doing. After the directions of the Worthy Matron to
the Warder (Ritual, Page 25), and the Sentinel's response, the
Warder closes the door without raps. The raps are never given
by the Warder immediately after closing the door. She must
not call attention of the Worthy Matron to raps given until the
Chapter has been declared open and the Conductress and the
Chaplain have returned to their stations. The Warder must not
call attention during important business.
When the Chapter has been declared open and the Worthy Ma-
tron directs the Warder to So inform the Sentinel, the Warder
gives the proper raps, which are responded to by, the Senti-
nel and the Warder opens the door and continues according to
Ritual, Page 43. The Warder should never given an alarm or
answer one without being directed to do so by the presiding of-
ficer. When an alarm is given by the Sentinel the Warder will
rise and say, "Worthy Matron, there is an alarm at the door."
The Worthy Matron will reply, "Sister Warder, you will ascer-
tain the cause of the alarm.
After giving the proper raps, opening the door and ascertain-
ing the cause, the Warder will report to the Worthy Matron.
If the alarm was caused by a Sister, Brother or Visitor, prop-
erly vouched for, the Warder will make the following report,
"Worthy Matron, the alarm was caused by a Sister (or Brother),
properly vouched for, who wishes to enter." The Worthy Ma-
tron will respond, "Sister Warder, you will admit her.' (Or him
or them).
If properly vouched for, the member may be immediately ad-
mitted without further raps and the door closed.
If anyone wishing to enter cannot be vouched for by the Sen-
tinel or Warder, the Warder should report to the Worthy Ma-
tron, giving the name, number and location of the Chapter of
the member or visitor wishing to be admitted. If the Worthy
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Matron cannot vouch for the member she should then say, "Tf
there is anyone present who can vouch for this visitor will you
please retire at this time?" If no one can vouch for the person
wishing to be admitted, the Worthy Matron should instruct the
Examining Committee to retire, and make the proper examina-
tion. The Examining Committee retires, giving the Salutation
Sign and the Warder gives the raps. When time has elapsed
between the report of the Warder and the instruction to the Ex-
amining Committee to retire, raps should be given in proper
form. The door should be opened and closed immediately, not
being held open while the discussion is taking place. When
the Examining Committee returns, the Warder will answer the
alarm, when directed to do so by the Worthy Matron, and she
will announce, "The alarm was caused by the Examining Com-
mittee wishing to return." The Warder will admit them when
directed to do so by the Worthy Matron.
When members or visitors enter or retire from Chapter while
it is in session they should march back of Esther's chair, in
front of the Associate Matron and the Associate Patron to give
the Salutation Sign. This should be given to the presiding of-
ficer in the East and not to the officer in the West, and should
be given with the hands empty. When the presiding officer re-
sponds, permission has been given to be seated or retire. When
a member orvisitor has been given permission to retire the
Warder immediately leaves her station to give the raps, and
upon being answered by the Sentinel she opens the door to
permit the member or the visitor to retire. (Ritual, Page 16.)
The charge to the Warder and Sentinel, Ritual, Page 123, of the
Installation Ceremony states that permission to enter or retire
is the prerogative of the presiding officer in the East.
The Sentinel shall pay close attention and notgive raps during
the opening ceremony, balloting, initiatory ceremony, closing
ceremony nor should he give repeated raps during an order of
business. The Warder will respond as soon as the order of busi-
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ness for the ceremony is completed and she can call this to the
attention of the Worthy Matron. Remember, the solemnity of
our
ceremonies should not be interrupted by unnecessary or
poorly tuned alarms. All directions and responses given by the
Warder should be spoken in a voice loud enough to be heard
by all in the Chapter room. Ritual, Page 16 gives instruction
on
the proper way to give raps. * The Warder sits at the door,
not beside the Associate Matron.
ALTAR SERVICES

When the Conductress is directed to attend at the Altar during

the opening and closing ceremonies she leaves her station (if
there iS a pedestal at her station she leaves on the East side
of the pedestal) advances to the marching line, then West to a
point two steps or more (not more than four) beyond Esther's
chair which permits her to make an acute angle and advance
directly to the Altar. She makes a slight bow to the Worthy Ma-
tron and proceeds according to Ritual, Page 41. (AM 1982)
To properly open the Bible, the Conductress places her right
hand firmly 1n the center of the front edges and places her left
hand firmly in the center of the front edges and places her left
hand firmly on the back edge, just opposite her right hand.
With her right hand she raises the tront edges of the Bible to
the center of the Altar, with her left hand she guides the back
of the Bible to the center of the Altar, with her left hand she
guides the back of the Bible to the center of the Altar. She
then moves the left hand slowly up the front side of the Bible
until it meets the right hand and opens the Bible with both
hands, lowering both sides at the same time. She draws both
hands away in the Salutation Sign, being careful not to inter-
rupt this movement to arrange the bible marker if it becomes
disarranged. The marker may be adjusted after the Salutation
Sign has been given. With face to the Altar, the Conductress

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then steps back in the circle of officers midway between Ruth
and Esther where she remains until after the Warder reports
to the Worthy Matron. The Conductress and Chaplain should
each carefully observe the line of circle and take position after
retiring from the Altar midway between Ruth and Esther and
Martha and Esther. (Ritual, Pages 41, 42.) When the Chap-
lain goes to the Altar for prayer, on any occasion, she (or he)
shall advance West on the marching line to point two steps
or more (not more than four) beyond Esther's chair, which per-
mits her/him to make an acute angle and advance directly to
the Altar. Upon reaching the Altar the Chaplain stands until the
music ceases, and then should kneel to offer the prayer. (AM
1982) After completing the prayer, with face toward the Altar,
she/he rises and steps back into the circle of officers midway
between Esther and Martha. Care should be taken to perfect
the circular pattern, Ritual, Page 42. It is incorrect to form a
straight line with Esther in a central position. The positions of
the Star point officers; Chaplain and Conductress form an arc
of a circle.

After the Warder reports to the Worthy Matron, the Conduc-

tress turns Southwest and the Chaplain turns Northwest, retrac-
ing their steps to the marching line, then march East to their
respective stations. (AM 1982). Sacred or appropriate soft
music may be played during the march to the Altar and during
the opening and closing of the Bible but not during the prayer.
Only the Conductress moves the Bible, except that she may be
assisted by the Chaplain during a Memorial or draping of Altar.
The Worthy Matron does not respond to the Sign of Salutation
when given by Conductress in opening or closing the Bible, as
the sign is made to the open Bible.
During an open installation, or at other times when non-mem-
bers may be present, the Conductress will open or close the
Bible "informally." She would approach the Altar in the man-
ner described above, open or close the Bible without using
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the Salutation Sign, step back into the circle of Star officers
between Ruth and Esther, turn toward the southwest, take the
necessary steps to the marching line and return to her station.
The Worthy Matron will call up the Chapter, and the members
may assume The Reverent Attitude. (AM 1982)

CLOSING THE CHAPTER

The same directions are to be observed by the Chaplain and the

Conductress in the performance of their duties in the closing
ceremony as stated for the opening ceremony. (Ritual, Pag-
es 46, 47.) In closing the Bible the Conductress approaches
the Altar in the same manner as for the opening of the Bible.
When she reaches the Altar she gives the Salutation Sign to
the open Bible. She then places her hands on the center of
the front edges of the Bible, and raises both sides of the open
Bible at the same time. She holds the front edges firmly with
her right hand and moves the left hand slowly down the center
of the front side of the Bible to the back edge, so that she may
guide the Bible to the center of the Altar, as she lowers the front
edges on the Altar with the right hand. She then draws both
hands away at the same time, makes a slight bow to the Worthy
Matron and, facing the Altar, steps back to a position between
Ruth and Esther in the circle of officers, where she remains
until the Chapter is closed.
Upon declaring the Chapter closed, the Worthy Matron sounds
the gavel on the word "closed," and immediately instructs the
Warder to inform the Sentinel that the Chapter is closed. The
Warder, without giving the raps, opens the door and informs
the sentinel that the Chapter is closed, making no report to the
Worthy Matron. At the conclusion of the Warder's report to
the Sentinel, the Organist begins playing and the Conductress
and the Chaplain return to their stations. If a retiring march is
used the Worthy Matron says: "The members and visitors will
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retain standing while the officers retire." The form of retiring
march is option with the Chapter. (AM 1982)
RECEPTION OF MOST WORTHY GRAND MATRON
MOST WORTHY GRAND PATRON
GRAND OFFICERS AND VISITORS
All visitors are introduced by the Conductress and Associate
Conductress. These officers should ascertain name and title
of visitors before making the introduction. Name, number and
location of Chapters should also be given.
The Most Worthy Grand matron is the highest Officer in the
General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Most
Worthy Grand patron is second highest. When both are present
they shall be introduced together. When either or both are vis-
iting Grand Chapters they shall be introduced together first as
guests of the Grand Chapter. If there is an informal Opening of
the Grand Chapter the Most Worthy Grand Matron, Most Wor-
thy Grand Patron or both, if visiting at the same time, shall be
introduced together informally and seated in the East as soon
as the Informal Opening is declared open. They shall be intro-
duced together at the Formal Opening at the proper time.
If either or both are present at the Installation of the Grand
Chapter, they shall be introduced together and seated in the
East previous to the Installation of the Grand Officers.
All distinguished guests should be introduced immediately af-
ter the Chapter is declared open. However, if Flag Ceremony
is used, the introductions should come immediately after this
ceremony. If both the Most Worthy Grand Matron and Most
Worthy Grand Patron are present, they shall be introduced to-
gether. This rule applies to all other guests of equal ranks,
Sisters and Brothers being received together. The Conductress
addresses the Worthy Matron to make all introductions. When

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there are Brothers to be escorted the Associate Conductress as-

sists with escort only. When a Brother is the only guest the
Conductress escorts and introduces him. (AM 1982)
The Most Worthy Grand Matron, Most Worthy Grand Patron,
Past Most Worthy Grand Matrons, Past Most Worthy Grand
Patrons, other General Grand Chapter Officers in order of their
rank, members of Standing and Special Committees of Gen-
eral Grand Chapter, Worthy Grand Matrons, Worthy Grand
Patrons, Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand Patrons are en-
titled to Grand Honors and are introduced West of the Altar
in the order given above and in the following manner, using
the proper title: Worthy Matron: "Sisters and Brothers, we
are honored by a visit from our Most Worthy Grand Matron
West of the Altar Grand Matron. Sister Conductress, you will
present our Most Worthy Grand Matron West of the Altar for
proper introduction." (AM 1976)
The Worthy Matron calls up the Chapter when the distin-
guished guest enters the Labyrinth; the Conductress offers her
right arm to the Most Worthy Grand Matron and escorts her to
the Altar, entering the Labyrinth between Martha and Esther.
Conductress: "Worthy Matron, I have the honor to present Sis-
ter Most Worthy Grand Matron of the General Grand
Chapter, order of the Eastern Star." Worthy Matron: "Sister
in behalf of Chapter No. I bid you
welcome. Sister Conductress, you will escort our Most Wor-
thy Grand Matron to the East." The welcomemay be elabo-
rated upon if the Worthy Matron desires. (AM 1976)
The Conductress escorts the Most Worthy Grand Matron
through the Labyrinth on the North side of the Altar and the
Worthy Matron, extending her right hand, receives her in the
East and says: "Sisters and Brothers, you will join me in ex-
tending the Grand Honors to our Most Worthy Grand Matron."
The Most Worthy Grand Patron will be introduced in the same

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manner except the Conductress (or Associate Conductress) of-
fers her left arm and he is escorted to the Altar between Ruth's
and Esther's Stations and to the East on the south side of the
Altar where the Worthy Patron receives him. The Worthy Ma-
tron and Worthy Patron assist each other in receiving guests.
Elected General Grand chapter Officers, this includes the Right
Worth Grand Trustees, are always received before appointed
officers of General Grand Chapter and elected Grand Chapter
officers before appointed Grand Chapter officers. (AM 1976)
The same order of march will be observed if both Sister and
Brother are received at the same time, the Conductress offering
her right arm to the Sister and the Associate Conductress offer-
ing her left arm to the Brother, this bringing the two officers
from the West marching line back of Martha's and Ruth's Sta-
tions to a position directly behind the Altar (the Sister entering
between Martha and Esther and the Brother entering between
Ruth and Esther.) If there is more than one Sister or Brother
of equal rank to be introduced, the officer will ask them to fol-
low her in single file and not offer her arm. When only one
visitor is to be received it is courteous for the officer to offer
her arm for escort. Care should be taken, when advancing to
the East to keep on the South and North lines directly to the
Worthy Matron's and Worthy Patron's stations not crossing be-
tween the East and Altar. When Grand Honors are to be given
the Conductress and Associate Conducti remain in the East
until this has been done, then return to their stations, keeping
opposite each other.
The Ritual specifies those who are entitled to receive Grand
Honors and these instructions must be carefully followed;
Ritual, Page 17. Only those who are to receive Grand Hon-
ors may be taken through the Labyrinth and this includes the
Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron on the night of installation.
Elected Grand Officers, other than Worthy Grand Matrons and
Worthy Grand Patrons, and appointed Grand Officers are intro-
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 Book of Instruction

duced back of Esther's chair and escorted to the East outside of

the Labyrinth, the Sisters on the North side and the Brothers on
the South side of the room.
Worthy Matrons, Worthy Patrons, Past Matrons and Past Pa-
trons are introduced back of Esther's chair and escorted to the
East outside the Labyrinth.
Recipients of 50 year pins or longer shall be escorted through the
Labyrinth and given Grand Honors at this time only. (AM 2006)
A Grand Representative is entitled to receive Grand Honors at
Grand Chapter sessions only, however, she may be introduced
West of Esther's stations and escorted to the East, outside of
the Labyrinth, on the evening she is invited to give the Chapter
a report on the Grand Jurisdiction she represents. Members
of any Chapter who hold Masonic honors may be recognized
and welcomed and if the Brother is a Past Patron he may be
escorted to the East. Other distinguished members may be
greeted from the East and welcomed where they are seated if
not entitled to a seat in the East. Those members who have
been honored by civic office and in other fields may also be
recognized. Past General Grand Chapter appointed officers or
Past Grand Chapter appointed officers are not recognized by
such title as the only authentic Past Grand titles are those of
Past Most Worthy Grand Matron, Past Most Worthy grand Pa-
tron, Past Grand Matron or Past Grand Patron, Past Matron or
Past Patron. Appointive honors expire with the termination of
the administration in which they are conferred.
The Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron are al-
ways recognized first in their own Grand Jurisdiction. Next in
order are the Most Worthy Grand Matron, Most Worthy Grand
Patron, Past Most Worthy Grand Matrons, Past Most Worthy
Grand Patrons, then all other officers and members of commit-
tees of General Grand Chapter. Elected General Grand Chapter
Officers, of which the Right Worthy Grand Trustees are a part,
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 Book of Instruction

are always received before appointed officers of General Grand

Chapter, and elected Grand Chapter officers before appointed
Grand Chapter officers. We do not recognize such titles as
Grand Wife, Grand Husband, Grand Sweetheart, Grand Mas-
cot, Flag or Standard Bearers, Bible Bearer, Courtesy Girls,
Mistress and master of Ceremonies, Candle Bearers, Poet Lau-
reate, Grand Historian, Prompter, Parliamentarian, Grand In-
structor, Grand Deputies, or any other title except those speci-
fied in our Ritual. An effort should be made to keep our Order
and our meetings as dignified as possible during meetings and
when non-members are present. The Conductresses always
keep the guests they are escorting on the inside or next to the
Altar. Escort work, when presented in a thoughtful, courteous
manner is an added pleasure to the ritualistic work and greatly
enjoyed by the members. The Fraternal Correspondent is not
entitled to be received by such title, she is not an officer.
When Grand Officers such as Secretaries, Treasurers, Trust-
ees or Lecturers who are Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand
Patrons are
presented they should be escorted only once and
induction
whichever group they wish to be received. Upon intro-
or
presentation the additional titles may be given by
the presiding officer. However, it is to be remembered that
the above-mentioned offices in themselves do not entitle the
holder to Grand Honors. The title of Past Grand Matron
or Past Grand Patron makes one eligible to receive Grand
Honors. (AM 1976)

ORDER OF BUSINESS

The minutes of the previous stated meeting (and of special if

any have been held) are read for approval. The Worthy Matron
is seated during the reading. The Secretary may remain stand-
ing during the reading and until the minutes are adopted. Fol-
lowing the adoption of the minutes they shall be signed by the
Worthy Matron or acting Worthy Matron and the Secretary who
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 Book of Instruction

was in office when the meeting was held. This may be done
at the close of the meeting or immediately after the reading
and approval. Minutes should be as brief as possible yet they
should record all items of business. Permanently bound min-
ute books are acceptable. Typed or hand written minutes are
permitted and must be bound on a five to ten year cycle (AM
1991). Official correspondence, names of visitors, reports, ac-
ceptance or rejection of petitions, bills voted paid and motions
carried are very important and should be carefully noted. It
1S necessary to record the name of the member making a mo-
tion. The affirmative or negativeresult should also be recorded
(AM 1976). Descriptions of decorations, ceremonies and long
remarks are not essential for record. The minutes of an open
installation of officers whenever held, must be recorded, read
and approved at the stated meeting following such ceremony.
The Secretary must place the Chapter sealatontheall order
Chapter let-
of the
ters. She shall write Chapter letters only
Worthy Matron or by the vote of the Chapter.
The Secretary should keep a list a of all officers present at each
meeting and record, if possible, the number of members pres-
ent.

The Worthy Matron should close each order of business with

one blow of the gavel. Suggested Order of Business is found
in Section 87, Rule 5, of the Rules and Regulations. It is desir-
able that the report on sickness and distress be given with other
Committee reports before the conferring of degrees on nights
when initiation is to be held so that newly initiated members
may hear the closing ceremony and retire with the lessons
taught in our degrees in their memory for a longer time.
The business of the Chapter should be conducted in an orderly
and proper manner. Officers and members when desiring to
speak, should rise, address the presiding officer, and then wait
for recognition before speaking. This is not only good parlia-
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 Book of Instruction
mentary practice but also a courtesy, which should be shown to
the presiding officer. In the opening and closing ceremonies the
Worthy Matron gives one blow of the gavel immediately after
the words "business" and "closed". The Worthy Matron should
use the gavel at all times with courtesy and consideration.
PETITIONS

The Bylaws of General Grand Chapter, Chapter VI, Rules and

Regulations, Sections 15 and 16 should carefully be studied.
The Secretary should see that all petitions are made out 1n reg-
ular form and accompanied by the proper fee before reading
them. If a request to have a petition and fee returned is made
before the petition has been read to the Chapter the Secretary
may return it. When the petition has been read and the Inves-
tigating Committee appointed the petition cannot be returned
under any circumstances.
Petitions for membership (affiliation) are read first, then pe-
titions for degrees (initiation) and then petitions for restora-
tion (reinstatement). If there is more than one petition for af-
filiation the Secretary reads the first one in its entirety. For
the others she will say: "A petition or affiliation made out in
regular form". She must then read the signature and residence
of the petitioner, state that it is accompanied by a demit or a
Grand Chapter Certificate, giving name, number and location
of Chapter. She also reads the names of persons who recom-
mended the petitioner.
The Secretary reads the first petition for the degrees and for
the others she says: "A petition for the degrees made out in
regular form, accompanied by the fee" She must then read the
signature and residence of the petitioner, give the Masonic re-
lationship or proof of membership for at least three (3) years or
certificate of majority membership in the International Order
of the Rainbow for Girls or in the International Order of Job's
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 Book of Instruction

Daughters, and the names of those who recommended the peti-

tioner. In petitions for restoration (reinstatement) the Secretary
will say: "A petition for restoration made out in regular form
and accompanied by the necessary dues". She must then read
the signature and residence of the petitioner and the names of
those who recommended the reinstatement. (AM 2000)
After the Secretary has read all petitions the Worthy Matron
will say: "Sisters and Brothers, you have heard the reading
of the petitions; they will be referred to Investigating Com-
mittees" The Investigating Committee for each petition shall
consist of three members of the Chapter, one of whom must
be Brother. It shall be the duty of each member of the In-
vestigating Committee to make inquiry as to the character and
standing of the petitioner and make a report in writing and no
action shall be taken on any petition until such report is made.
The Brother on the committee shall investigate the Masonic
standing of the applicant or the relative through whom eligibil-
ity is claimed when the petitioner relies upon Masonic rela-
tionship. The three members of the Investigating Committee
should report, but in an emergency the Chapter could act if
there were two signatures on the report, provided the Brother
had reported. Should there be an unfavorable report, the peti-
tion is balloted upon in the same manner as if the report had
been favorable. (AM 2000)
A petition cannot be rejected by an unfavorable committee re-
port but must always be balloted upon. After the petition has
been received and referred to anInvestigating Committee it is
the property of the Chapter and cannot be withdrawn by any
member or officer. However, if it is found that the petitioner
does not have the proper eligibility accordingto the section on
Membership, Ritual, Page 161, the petition and fee shall be
returned and no ballot shall be taken.
Petitions can be received only at a stated meeting of the Chap-
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 Book of Instruction
ter and must remain in the possession of the Secretary. It is the
duty of the Secretary to notify by letter, immediately after the
meeting, all rejected petitioners and return the fee. The peti-
tion however, is filed by the Secretary. If after two months the
rejected petitioner desires to again petition the Chapter she or
he shall fill out and sign a new petition stating when and where
she or he was previously rejected. An objection may be made
after a legal ballot. (Rules and Regulations, Section 42.) This
objection is the same as one black cube but at the end of two
months a candidate to whom a minimum of three objections
were made may put in a new petition and may following the
same course if objected to again.
Where the Bylaws provide a residence qualification of six
months a petition cannot be received and be balloted on before
the expiration of six months even tough six months is permit-
ted to elapse before initiation. (AM 2000)
Members recommending petitioners should observe the fol-
lowing rules: First: the petitioner must be known. A signature
upon the petition is, in effect, a recommendation of the good
character of the petitioner. Second: the petitioner should be
worthy to become a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Third: the petitioner must have the required eligibility. Fourth:
the petitioner must personally sign the petition.
It is improper to put the names of those whose petitions are to
be balloted upon on the notices when they are sent out to the
members or any form of publication. The name of a person
who has presented a petition to the Chapter is a part of the Se-
cret Work and should not be discussed or made public before
such person is initiated. No officer or member of the Chapter
may inform a petitioner of her or his acceptance or rejection by
the ballot. This is the duty of the Secretary and ONLY the Sec-
retary. It is not legal for a Chapter to accept a petition which is
recommended by members of some other Chapter.
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 Book of Instruction
REPORT OF THE INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE

The appointment of committees of investigation must be made

at a stated meeting in open Chapterin order that all members
may have due notice thereof. The Investigating Committee
can report only at a stated meeting of the chapter. A petitioner
for degrees or for affiliation must not be informed of the per-
sonnel of the Investigating Committee. The report of the com-
mittee shall be read in full to the Chapter, including the names
of the committee, but the minutes must not show whether the
report was favorable or unfavorable. The Secretary shall read
the report of the committee and the Worthy Matron shall say:
"Sisters and Brothers, you have heard the report of the Investi-
gating committee. The ballot will now be spread."
A Sister who iS a member of the Investigating Committee can-
not ascertain the Masonic standing or relationship of an appli-
cant. This is made the special duty of the Brother on the com-
mittee. When a committee has been appointed by the Worthy
Matron on investigation of a petitioner, this committee must
make a report in writing in regular form. A verbal report is not
permissible.
It is desirable that Investigating Committees make personal
contact with the petitioner if she or he is not known person-
ally to the committee. Sometimes a call at the home is helpful
if tact and good judgment are used by the committee in the
interview.

The names of the Investigating Committee, however are the

confidential business of the Chapter and must not be divulged
to the petitioner. It is not permissible to discuss the report of
the committee or the result of the ballot with any petitioner.
Violation of this law is a serious misdemeanor and may result
in the suspension of expulsion of any member found guilty of
breaking this law. Members of the Investigating Committee
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should be most conscientious in the performance of this very
important duty.
THE BALLOT

Special study and attention should be given to Landmarks 7

and 11 on Page 163 of the Ritual and to the Bylaws of General
Grand Chapter, Chapter VI, Section 4, Petitions. Regulations
concerning the Collective Ballot will be found in Rules and
Regulations, Section 35 and Sections 29-39 inclusive. Grand
Chapters are permitted to adopt their own laws on balloting
provided Ritual Pages 13, 14 and 15 are incorporated in such
laws.

A properly prepared ballot box contains at least six black cubes

and a sufficient number of white balls to supply the members
voting. All members of the Order of the Eastern Star, when
present in their Chapters at the time a ballot is taken, should
vote. This is a privilege and a moral obligation a and should not
be left to the officers alone. (AM 1985)

It is against the law to use more than one ballot box when bal-
loting. When the ballot box is presented to the officers and
members for their ballot, the Associate Conductress shall pres-
ent it with her right hand and face the direction in which she is
proceeding. In balloting at the Altar, the Worthy Matron is not
saluted, but the sign is given with the eyes upon the Bible as a
public renewal of the Obligation, reminding all to vote for the
good of the Order.
The Ritual makes no provision for the Salutation Sign to be
given when the ballot box is passed. "The Worthy Matron
should not respond when the Salutation Sign is given in bal-
loting at the Altar."
A Worthy Matron cannot order a third ballot after it has been
declared dark on the second ballot.

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When collective balloting is used this does not affect the right
of two ballots on an individual if three black cubes appear on
the first separate ballot. The time to questions a ballot is at the
time it is taken. The Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associ-
ate Matron and Associate Patron should be in accord in report
before the ballot is destroyed. (AM 2000). Members cannot
be admitted from the anteroom with the Sentinel and ballot at
the same time he does.

A member is justified in using the black cube only when she

or he knows the petitioner is not of good moral character or
may be a known troublemaker who would cause discord in the
Chapter. The black cube is placed there for our protection and
should never be used in a personal way not for a dishonorable
motive. The Golden Rule should be remembered when bal-
lot is cast.

When the ballot is to be taken, the Worthy Matron will say:

"Sister Associate Conductress, prepare the ballot box." The
Associate Conductress marches to the North-east, where the
ballot box has been previously placed and ascertains if the
required number of balls and cubes have been placed in the
compartment, with the receptacle for the ballot empty. She
marches to the East, observing the marching line and standing
at the right of and in front of the Worthy Matron. The Associ-
ate Conductress places the box on the pedestal in the East for
the inspection of the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. She
stands at the front of the dais in the East to the right of the Wor-
thy Matron, facing West, while the Worthy Matron announces
upon whose petition the members are about to ballot. (AM
1982). "We are about to ballotupon the petition of
To become a member of this Chapter (or to be affiliated
or reinstated). Remember, white balls elect, black cubes re-
ject". "I now declare the ballot open." (Strikes one blow of the
gavel). The Associate Conductress passes the ballot box to the
Worthy Matron for her ballot and then to the Worthy Patron
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for his ballot. She then carries the ballot box along the North
side of the Chapter room, stopping for the Organist to ballot if
her position is on the North side of the room, then to the West
for the Associate Matron and Associate Patron to ballot. The
Warder ballots next and the Organist, if she has not already
balloted. If there are members in the room who are crippled
or infirm, the Associate Conductress may by permission of the
Worthy Matron pass the ballot box to them before placing it on
the Altar. All members of the Chapter who may be seated in
the East proceed to the Altar at the proper time to ballot with
those on the North or South side. If the ballot box is placed
on the Altar, the Associate Conductress enters the Labyrinth
between Ruth and Esther, places the ballot box on the Altar (on
the left side of the Bible, or in front of the Bible if the Altar is
small), gives the Salutation Sign to the Bible, deposits her bal-
lot and retires from the Labyrinth, between Esther and Martha.
She marches South back of Esther's chair and takes her posi-
tion back of Ruth's chair, facing the Altar, remaining there until
the Worthy Matron declares the ballot closed. It iS the duty
of the Associate Conductress to see that only members of the
Chapter enter the Labyrinth, and that each member passes at
the edge of the Labyrinth while the preceding member is cast-
ing a ballot. Members are not allowed to retire during a ballot
and no member except the Sentinel may enter until the ballot is
closed. (AM 1976) (AM 1985)
As soon as the Associate Conductress has balloted and is on
guard behind Ruth's chair the officers and members ballot in
the following order: The Worthy Matron will say: "The Star
Point officers will ballot". All Star Point officers will rise at the
same time. Adah and Electa take one step forward, face South
and North respectively, then march West, keeping directly op-
posite until midway between Esther's chair and the Associate
Matron's station. Adah turns, forming an acute angle, marches
to the Altar, gives Salutation Sign, ballots and retires in proper
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form. Electa marches across the West until she reaches the
point where the preceding officer turned to enter the Laby-
rinth. Adah ballots first, then Ruth, then Electa, Martha and
Esther. After depositing the ballot, each voter takes one step
backward, turns and walks out of the Labyrinth between Esther
and Martha.

Immediately after Adah and Electa in marching West have

passed the chairs of Ruth and Martha, these officers follow
the same plan of march as did Adah and Electa. Then, im-
mediately after Electa passes Esther's chair going to the Altar,
Esther steps back of her Chair, marches to the turning point
used by the other officers enters the Labyrinth and proceeds to
ballot as the others. When Esther retires from the Labyrinth
she marches straight to her position at the right of her chair.
Adam and Electa march opposite each other returning to their
stations, so do Ruth and Martha. All Star Point officers should
SO time their steps that they reach their stations at the same time
and are seated at the same time.
After the Star Point offices have balloted, the Worthy Matron
requests the members on the South to ballot. The Secretary,
followed by the Marshal, Conductress and all the members
seated on the South side now ballot in proper form. They re-
turn to their places and are seated. The Worthy Matron then
requests the members on the North side to ballot. The Trea-
surer, following by the Chaplain, and the members seated on
the North side ballot in proper form, return to their places and
are seated. All members must approach the Altar, and retire ac-
cording to prescribed form, Ritual, Page 13. This means after
casting the ballot, take one step backward and turn (towards
Martha's Station) and walk out of the Labyrinth between Es-
ther and Martha. Members may ballot with either hand, being
careful not to break the triangle as they stand at the Altar. The
Salutation Sign must be made as described in the Secret Work.
The Sentinel ballots according to the Ritual, Pages 13 and 14.
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When all have voted the Worthy Matron strikes one blow of the
gavel and declares the ballot closed. Upon order of the Worthy
Matron, the Associate Conductress enters the Labyrinth and
picks up the ballot box (closing it if compartment is open).
She steps back into the circle of Star Officers between Esther
and Martha, then turns and bears the ballot to the West. (AM
1982). She places the ballot box on the pedestal in front of
the Associate Matron and faces East while the Associate Ma-
tron and Associate Patron inspects the ballot. When instructed
to do so, The Associate Conductress advances to the North
marching line, then to the Worthy Matron's station, observing
square corners, and places the ballot box on the pedestal in
front of the Worthy Matron while she faces West. The Wor-
thy Matron and Worthy Patron inspect the ballot, Ritual, Page
15. The Worthy Matron announces the result of the ballot and
then declares balloting closed with one blow of the gavel. The
Worthy Matron then destroys the ballot and returns the box to
the Associate Conductress who places it where she found it and
then returns to her station. To destroy the ballot is to place all
balls and cubes back in the outer compartment so that no one
can tell how the last ballot stood.

The Associate Conductress may carry the ballot box to every

member beginning with the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron.
The Associate Conductress ballots while the ballot box is still
placed on the pedestal in the East, after the Worthy Matron
and Worthy Patron have balloted and before she starts to carry
it to the officers and members. In this case the Sentinel is in-
vited in to cast his ballot after all members in the room have
voted, he must enter and retire in the proper form, according
to Ritual, Page 13. The Worthy Matron must state the report
of the Investigating Committee for this information, and repeat
the charge. The Sentinel ballots West of Esther's chair.
When the ballot box is passed each member must rise to ballot.
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They do not give the Salutation Sign when the ballot is passed.
It is advisable to have an Altar with a sliding shelf to hold the
ballot box. However, when the Altar is small, the Conduc-
tress may approach the Altar at the beginning of the ceremony
of balloting, entering the Labyrinth between Esther and Ruth.
Without giving a Sign, she moves the Bible to one side of the
Altar to make room for the ballot box. After the result of the
ballot has been announced and the ballot destroyed, the Con-
ductress enters the Labyrinth in the same manner as before,
to rearrange the Bible 1N proper position on the Altar, again
without giving a Sign and retires from the Labyrinth in proper
form between Esther and Ruth. Only the Conductress moves
the Bible.

When the Worthy Matron and Associate Matron inspect the

ballot box they show it to the Worthy Matron and Associate
Patron who observe the ballot without handling the box. The
Worthy Matron destroys the ballot. (Rules and Regulations,
Section 30.) It is necessary for the Worthy Patron or his pro
tem to be present at balloting. A ballot cannot be suspended
while it is pending. Members who are one year in arrears for
dues, yet who have not been suspended and have no charges
pending against them cannot be deprived of their right of ballot
or of holding office.
It is legal to ballot upon and initiate a candidate on the same
night unless your Grand Chapter law prohibits this. In any
case, it is not advisable that this be done because of embar-
rassment should the petition not be accepted and the petitioner
may be waiting in the anteroom to be initiated. However, if
the petitioner is leaving town, entering a hospital or in case of
some other emergency, it is permissible to initiate at the same
meeting following a favorable ballot.
It is the duty of the Secretary to inform the petitioner of her or
his acceptance or rejection by the Chapter.
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MEMBERS BY AFFILIATION
Members by affiliation have all the rights and privileges of
membership after their election. The Bylaws should be signed
as soon as possible thereafter. Under unfinished business, af-
filiated members should sign the Bylaws as follows: The Wor-
thy Matron will say: "If there are affiliated members present
who have not signed the Bylaws, will they please rise: Sister
Conductress, you will escort the member(or members) back of
Esther's chair." The Conductress will introduce the member
as follows: "Worthy Matron, I have the pleasure of presenting
Sister (or Brother) formerly of Chapter, who has been elected
to membership in this Chapter." The Worthy Matron, after a
few words of welcome, will say: "You will be conducted to
the Secretary's desk where you will sign the Bylaws of this
Chapter, after which you will be seated." (Rules and Regula-
tions, Section 26; also Bylaws, Chapter VI, Section 3, General
Grand Chapter)
When a member of a Chapter who has neglected to pay her
dues for years desires to affiliate with another Chapter, she
must first pay dues in her home Chapter and be reinstated. A
demit may then be requested and the demit and petition for
affiliation may be presented to the other Chapter.
A person cannot petition for affiliation in a Chapter in one state
while under suspension in another state. She or he must first be
reinstated to the Chapter from which she or he was suspended.
It is permissible for Grand Chapters to adopt their own cer-
emony for affiliation of members, but the Signs, Passes or any
part of the Secret Work or the Ritual must not be used in such
ceremony.

REINSTATED MEMBERS

Reinstated members have all the privileges of membership

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after being reinstated. It is not necessary that they sign the
Bylaws again. For reinstatement of members who have been
dropped for non-payment of dues, see Rules and Regulations,
Section 63. For restoration to membership see Rules and Reg-
ulations, Section 86.

COURTESY DEGREES

Refer to the Bylaws, No. 7 and Rules and Regulations,

Section 23. Courtesy Degrees, when requested in another
jurisdiction, must be arranged through the respective Worthy
Grand Matrons of those jurisdictions by the Secretaries of the
Chapters. When Courtesy Degrees are desired by a Subordi-
nate Chapter under the jurisdiction of General Grand Chapter
such request must be made by the Secretary of the Chapter
through the Right Worthy Grand Secretary. No courtesy De-
grees are permitted in jurisdictions working under a different
Ritual than the one used in Subordinate and Grand Chapters
under the jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter.
INITIATORY CEREMONY

If there is to be an initiation ceremony, the room should be

properly prepared for the ceremony before the meeting is
opened, with all paraphernalia in place according to instruc-
tions given previously under the head of Chapter Room. The
Signet should be placed in the North-east at the right of the
Worthy Matron and in view of the candidates Conductress,
and the Worthy Patron, but not in such manner as to obscure
the Flag. There should be a sufficient number of small Bibles
placed on the North-east and South-east corners of the Altar
for the use of the candidates. It is not permissible to use cop-
ies of the New Testament only. The initiatory work is written
in the singular person and should be changed to the plural, as
circumstances require. No Rituals should be usedby an offi-

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cer in this ceremony, but the official Prompter should carefully

follow the degree work and be ready to assist any officer when
necessary.

The ceremony beginning on Page 49 of the Ritual should be

accurately followed. No additions are permitted and nothing
may be deleted from this ceremony. Certain permissions are
granted, such as: the choice of using music or the Scriptural
quotations during the march from one station to another; the
use of the gestures during the Star point lectures; the right of
the Worthy Matron to conclude the ceremony from Page 80 on
through Page 92 if invited to do so by the Worthy Patron; the
optional lecture (Pages 86, 90); the use of robes for members
during initiation; or the choice of additional regalia.
When the Associate Conductress has ascertained the names of
candidates waiting to be initiated, the Sentinel gives the alarm.
(Ritual, Pages 49 & 50). The Warder does not answer these
raps until she has reported the alarm to the Worthy Matron
and has received permission to do sO. When informed by the
Sentinel that the Associate Conductress wishes to enter with
her report, the Warder should inform the Worthy Matron who
will then give permission to admit the Associate Conductress.
When the Associate Conductress retires the second time to
prepare the candidates she gives the lecture to the candidate
(or candidates) only. There should be no others present in
the preparation room. She should also see that the candidates
do not enter the Chapter room wearing hats, gloves, heavy
coats, or carrying purses. Chapter members may be used to
form even couples and this is desirable so that the Associate
Conductress may assist. When there is only one candidate the
Conductress works alone. After the Conductress finishes her
lecture at the door she proceeds along the North marching line
and the Associate Conductress, when she reaches her station
remains there and is seated if she is not assisting in the cer-
emony. The Associate Conductress arranges the candidates in
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the preparation room in the order in which they are to march,

taking into consideration height and size so that their appear-
ance in the Chapter room will be pleasing. After the Associate
Matron has introduced the candidates to the Worthy Matron
she is seated. After the Worthy Matron hands the gavel to the
Worthy Patron and invites him to preside she does not use it
again until it is returned to her after the ceremony of initiation
1S completed unless she, by invitation, finishes the ceremony
as Ritual, Page 92.
The Worthy Patron receives the gavel from the Worthy Matron
and places it on the pedestal. When the Conductress reaches
the Altar, she causes the candidate to kneel. The Conductress
(and Associate Conductress, when working) take the Bibles in
their hands and the Conductress gives the instruction audibly,
using the wording from the first paragraph of the Secret Work.
As the wording is being given, they demonstrate the proper
manner of holding the Bibles. After the instruction is com-
pleted, the Bibles are placed in the hands of the candidate(s)
with the open edges facing up. The Conductress places the
Bibles over the left shoulder of the candidate(s) and the Asso-
ciate Conductress over the right shoulder of the candidate(s),
each being careful not to put both arms around the shoulders
of the candidate(s). When there are more than two candidates
the Conductresses place the first Bible with the candidate near-
est them, working toward the center of the Altar. When the
Obligation is completed the Conductresses remove the Bibles
from the same side as they were given starting with the mem-
ber at the center of the Altar. The Bibles are then placed on the
North-east and South-east corners of the Altar. (Am 1982)
The Obligation of our Order, voluntarily assumed, is perpetual
and there is no release from its vows. The Worthy Patron rises
when the Worthy Matron addresses him and he is not seated
until he returns to the East after the Obligation has been given
at the Altar. (Ritual, Pages 57, 58 & 59). If he recites the
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Scripture during the Labyrinth march, he must stand while

speaking. During the Obligation officers and members must
face the Altar and assume The Reverent Attitude. The Worthy
Patron says: "Arise my Sister" or "Arise my Brother," to each
new member as this is the first time the title of Sister or Brother
has been conferred upon them. Before the Obligation has been
given the term "candidate" is used. After the Obligation has
been given the term "Member, Sister or Brother" is used. The
Worthy Patron should be careful not to reach across the open
Bible but he may reach across a corner of the Altar and assist
the members to arise using the right hand only. When the Wor-
thy Patron takes his position on the East side of the Altar he
should proceed alone direct from his station to within two feet
of the Altar. He does not kneel at the Altar to give the Obliga-
tion. He instructs the candidate by saying: "You will repeat
after me the following Obligation." (Ritual, Page 58) (Secret
Work). Subordinate Chapters under Grand Chapters do not use
the words (General Grand), which are in the Obligation; this is
only for the use of Chapters under the immediate jurisdiction
of the General Grand Chapter.
When the Worthy Patron has assisted the new members to rise,
he steps back three steps from the Altar and says: "You are now
received." (Ritual, Page 59) He may indicate the positions of
the Star point officers as he names them. The Conductresses
with the new members remain standing at the Altar at the close
of the Obligation until the Worthy Patron seats the Chapter.
The Diagram of the Labyrinth and the fine print in the Ritual,
Pages 59 through 76 must be studied very carefully for instruc-
tions in conducting the new members through the Labyrinth
and to the Star Point officers for their lectures. The Signs are
held until the Pass is given whenever they are used in our Ritu-
alistic work. In forming the Circle of Prayer, the Worthy Pa-
tron, Warder, Sentinel and Organist remain in their respective
stations. (Ritual, Page 78) The officers join hands as soon as
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the Chaplain has reached the Altar. All members assume The
Reverent Attitude. When the officers have formed the circle
and joined hands, the Conductresses move forward with the
new
members to complete the circle. When the Chaplain says
the words "golden chain" the joined hands are raised shoulder
high as if links of a chain. (Ritual, Page 79) The dropping of
the hands should be timed so that the Worthy Matron drops
her left hand just as the Chaplain says "Amen". This whole
ceremony at the Altar should be deliberateand dignified. Each
step of the instructions should be performed carefully. The
Chaplain should give the prayer slowly enough to enable the
officers to drop their hands one by one and finish at the conclu-
sion of the prayer.
It is impressive when the Conductresses advance in a straight
line to close the circle. Care should be taken to have as much
of the full distance between the East and the Altar as possible
when marching to and from the Altar. Officers in the circle
assume the Attitude of Prayer as hands are lowered and remain
in this position until the prayer is finished. The first verse of
"Blest be the Tie" or an appropriate ode may be sung. At the
conclusion of the first verse, the officers start to move away
from the Altar to return to their stations.
During the singing of the hymn the Chaplain remains standing
at the Altar facing East. The Worthy Patron does not seat the
Chapter until all are in their proper places for the conclusion of
the initiatory ceremony. The Conductress holds the Sign until
the Pass is given. (AM 1976)
The Secret Work (17) is given between the Worthy Patron and
Conductress but when the Cabalistic Word and the Cabalis-
tic Motto are given, the Conductress should address the new
members, as this is instruction for them. Only the Conductress
gives the Cabalistic Motto (Secret Work 17). A second refer-
ence to (17) is for the use of the Examining Committee in the
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 Book of Instruction
examination of a visitor. The Worthy Patron uses the Cabalis-
tic Motto Ritual on Page 91, first line (Secret Work 18). The
Conductress only communicates the backgrip after
of
which,
the
if there tois
candidates
more than one candidate, she passes
her position near the Signet. When it is time to members.
sign the Bylaws
The
the Conductress turns to the left with the new
Associate Conductress and others follow in the same march-
ing order to the Secretary's desk. The hearty welcome may be
applause so that the meeting may be closed inextend
properaform. A
social hour may follow and all members may warm
welcome to the new members. There is no recess at the con-
clusion of the degree work and members may not retire at this
time unless the permission is granted by the Worthy Matron
and due form is used. The Worthy Patron seats the Chapter
before returning the gavel to the Worthy Matron.
Since Chapters are given the right to place pedestals in front, at
the side or back of the Star Point chairs, the handling of the em-
blems will be guided by the position used. If the pedestal is at
the side of the chair, the officers should go back of the chairs to
pick up the emblems rather than reach across the vacant chair.
If this is done, the officer should return to her former position
before she starts to explain the emblem. Each officer waits until
the Conductress has passed to the next station before she places
the emblem back on her pedestal and is seated. If the pedestal
is at the back of the chair, she may turn and pick up the emblem
without leaving her place beside the chair. If in front, the em-
blem can be easily reached. The emblems are always taken up
with the right hand and rest on the palm of the left hand while
the officer explains their significance. Adah and Esther take the
sword and scepter with the right hand and the veil and crown
with the left hand to illustrate how these are placed together.
Grand Chapters may handle the emblems and use the gestures
or not as they wish, but Subordinate Chapters under the juris-
diction of General Grand Chapter should use the emblems and
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the gestures when giving the work of the Star Point officers.

When Adah is demonstrating her sign during the lecture and

using the veil, she should drop her hands completely between
signs as she is demonstrating that two people Adah and her
father were handling the veil at different times.
The Signs should be given in a natural, easy and graceful way
always striving for accuracy and suiting the action to the words.
The lectures should be delivered in an impressive manner, but
with affectation, and withsincere interpretation. The important
thing to remember is that the officer is teaching the lessons of
the Order of the Eastern Star to others and that the initiatory
work should always remain a pleasant and permanent memory.
If flowers or ribbons are used for the ceremony of Initiation,
the Conductresses take the flowers or ribbons from the mem-
bers before the Altar Ceremony and place them in a convenient
place nearby. After the Altar Ceremony the Conductresses re-
turn the flowers or ribbons to the members. Brothers should
receive only a boutonniere. In Chapters when the Bibles used
at the Altar are given as gifts to the new members, this pre-
sentation should be made after the conclusion of the ritualistic
ceremony. Presentation may be made by the Worthy Matron,
the Worthy Patron, or any other officer or visitor selected.
After the ceremony of initiation has begun, the Sentinel should
not interrupt with an alarm, and no one should enter or leave
the Chapter room except in an extreme emergency and then in
proper form. No one is permitted to enter or retire from the
Chapter Room informally or through the preparation room
door. The proper color of Adah's veil is the "blue of the sky
when all clouds have vanished." It is advisable to select a
sword for Adah's use which does not have too long a blade as
this type may be handled more easily. After the Conductress
and the Associate Conductress, if the latter is assisting in the
ceremony, have passed Adah's station with the new members,
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Adah places the sword and veil united on her pedestal and in
united on her
like manner Esther places the crown and scepter
pedestal after her lecture.
The point of the sword is placed toward the Altar and the head
of the scepter is on top of the crown and the scepter points
toward the North-east. There is only one veil at Adah's station.
The only authentic picture of the proper way to drape the veil
on the sword is found on the paper Signet which is presented
to the chapter at the time of its Institution. It is pictured on the
blue point. There is only one proper way 1n which to place the
emblems on the Star Point pedestals. (Ritual, Page 3) The
General Grand Chapter requires the emblems to be used in the
Chapter room.
The General Grand Chapter permits the Conductress to use a
copy of the Secret Work during her term of office. When she is
no longer the Conductress she should return it to the Secretary
of the Chapter. She should sign a receipt when taking it into
her possession and upon returning it the Secretary should give
a her a receipt.
Candidates should not be seated in the East for the Worthy
Patron's work unless crippled or ill. If it is impossible for a
candidate to walk through the initiatory ceremony, she or he
may be obligated at the Altar and then seated in the Chapter
room for the remainder of the ritualistic work. (Rules and
Regulations, Section 40) A candidate who cannot kneel may
be seated at the Altar and hold the Bible in regular manner and
take the Obligation.
"It is permissible to pass between the Altar and the East during
the initiatory ceremony when welcoming candidates. This is a
Ritualistic ceremony and the Bible should not be closed."
Neither the Most Worthy Grand Matron nor any other officer in
an Eastern Star Chapter, Grand or Subordinate, has the author-
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ity to initiate a Master Mason on sight, or without application

and election in regular form.
The initiatory work begins when the Associate Conductress
reports a candidate in waiting and she is directed to retire and
prepare the candidate for the ceremony of initiation. After this
time no one is permitted to enter the Chapter room until the
ceremony has been concluded.
The proper preparation of a candidate by the Associate Con-
ductress is to remove hat, gloves and wraps of the candidate to
be initiated; to answer necessary questions and to instruct the
candidate to follow and do as directed.

The Conductress and Associate Conductress should keep to a

straight line with the new members when the Star Point of-
ficers deliver their lectures so that there is a perfect triangle at
the station of each officer. (See Diagram of Labyrinth) The
Conductress escorting candidates to the preparation room (if
robes are used) after the signing of the Bylaws does not give
the Salutation Sign nor upon returning to the Chapter room, as
this is part of the initiatory work.
The Worthy Patron is not required nor permitted to repeat
aloud, as part of the work during initiation. (Secret Work 18)
It is permissible for a Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Past Ma-
tron or a Past Patron from another Grand Jurisdiction working
under the General Grand Chapter to preside during the Initiation
when invited to do so by the presiding officer of the Chapter.
Presentation of personal gifts should not be made in the Chap-
ter room at the conclusion of degree work but may properly
take place during the social hour. Many times only part of a
class of new members will be remembered and this may cause
embarrassment or disappointment to those who do not receive
this recognition.

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It is not permissible for a Chapter to use slides in the cer-
emony of initiation. The Worthy Patron in giving his charge
to the new members must use the Signet authorized by the
General Grand Chapter. Photographs must not be totaken of the
the Wor-
correct movements of the several signs and given
thy Matron for guidance. Pictures must not be taken during
any ritualistic ceremony except during an open installation.
INSTALLATION CEREMONY

The Ritual (Pages 93 to 151 inclusive), gives detailed instruc-

tion for installation of officers of Subordinate, Grand and Gen-
eral Chapter and this instruction must be followed exactly. The
retiring officers of a Chapter or a Grand Chapter must have
opened the meeting according to the Ritual or in the case of
a Grand Chapter according to their adopted form after which
a recess iS declared for the ceremony of installation. In open
installation the retiring officers remain in their stations until
the recess is declared and the outgoing officers retire. (Ritual,
Page 96)
The first board of officers of a Subordinate Chapter under the
General Grand Chapter must be installed by the Most Worthy
Grand Patron or his appointed Deputy.
The retiring Worthy Matron holds her authority until the gavel
is placed in the hands of the newly installed Worthy Matron.
However, it should be the rule that the incoming Worthy Ma-
tron is responsible for the planning of the installation ceremony,
the program, decorations, refreshments and all items concern-
ing the installation. The incoming Worthy Matron shall select
the Installing officers. The expenses for installation should be
approved by vote of the Chapter, or included in the annual bud-
get, which has been adopted. If flowers and gifts are presented
these presentations must be made after the ceremony of instal-
lation is completed. Presentations of past officers' jewels are
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also made after the acceptance remarks of the Worthy Matron

and Worthy Patron. Escorts for the Worthy Matron are permit-
ted between Electa's station and the East and for the Worthy
Patron between Adah's station and the East. No escorts are
permitted to enter the Labyrinth. This is the privilege of the
Installing Marshal only. (AM 1976)
The Worthy Matron is escorted to the Altar in the same man-
ner as all other officers to be installed, entering the Labyrinth
between Adah and Ruth. When the Installing Marshal leaves
the Altar she should conduct her on the North side of the Altar
directly to the East to receive the Grand Honors. In the same
manner, when the Installing Marshal escorts the Worthy Patron
she conducts him on the South side of the Altar directly to the
East to receive the Grand Honors. All other officers leave the
Labyrinth between Martha and Electa.
The officers may follow the Marshal single file or she may
offer her arm to each officer. When escorting officers the Mar-
shal should offer the arm, which will bring the officer on the in-
side next to the Altar, i.e., she should offer the Worthy Matron,
Secretary, Marshal, Associate Matron and Associate Patron the
left arm; and should offer the Worthy Matron, Chaplain and
Treasurer the right arm.
The Star Point officers, the two Conductresses and the Warder
and Sentinel are always led single file to their stations. The In-
stalling Marshal after passing between Martha and Electa turns
East and leads the Conductress and Associate Conductress
across the East to the Conductress station. After the Installing
Marshal has left the Conductress at her station in the South
she may offer her right arm to the Associate Conductress in
escorting her to her station in the North by continuing across
the West.

When the Installing Marshal invests each Star Point officer

with the badge of office, each Sister will turn slightly to the
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left so the Marshal may pass in the back of the line of officers.
As soon as each officer has been invested with the badge of
office she will face East and the Marshal returns to her position
at the left of Adah. If the Installing Marshal uses a baton she
may place it on the Altar while she invests the officers with
their badges.
When the Installing Marshal has presented each officer to the
Installing Officer she steps back slightly so that the officer
stands alone at the Altar. The Ritual gives no permission for
more than one Installing Marshal. There may be a Brother
assisting the Installing Officer in the East. In a Subordinate
Chapter installation there should be an Installing Marshal, In-
stalling Chaplain, Installing Organist and if a closed meeting,
an Installing Warder and Installing Sentinel. Only members of
the Order of the Eastern Star may assist in any of the ritualistic
ceremony work. Vocal and instrumental music is permitted.
In a Grand Chapter the Installing Grand Officer presides with
such assistants as she or he may appoint. This privilege should
not be abused as too many assisting officers destroy the beauty
and impressiveness of the ceremonies.
At a Grand Chapter session the ceremony of installation takes
place before the Grand Chapter is closed and the retiring of-
ficers retain their stations until the Grand Chapter is in proper
order for installation. All officers hold their stations until their
successors are elected, appointed and installed. At a Grand
Chapter session, if the installation has been opened to non-
members by vote of the Grand Chapter, an adopted closing
ceremony may be used.
At an open installation the Grand Conductress closes the Bi-
ble informally, the benediction is repeated in unison, and the
Grand Marshall makes the proclamation formally closing the
Grand Chapter session.

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a If the installation has been a closed ceremony the Grand Chap-

ter is closed in ritualistic form according to the closing cer-
emony adopted by the Grand Chapter.
It is necessary to install re-elected officers.
When installing officers in the Grand Chapter, the Labyrinth
should not be woven when taking the five Star Points to their
several stations. The Labyrinth should not be woven any time
except for initiation. Grand Representatives and Grand Depu-
ties are not to be regarded as Grand Officers in defining Grand
Officers for Installation.
When a Worthy Matron must leave her Chapter jurisdiction,
the Associate Matron, who is Acting Worthy Matron, has au-
thority to plan the ceremony of installation and appoint the
Installing Officer without consulting by letter the wishes and
ideas of the Worthy Matron.
The ceremony of installation cannot be interrupted for any kind
of addenda. All courtesies must be given after the completion
of the ritualistic ceremony. When the recess to prepare the cer-
emony 1S called, the Bible is not closed and no one is permitted
to cross between the East and the Altar. This recess is only to
place the badges on the Altar, to place the chairs in a semicircle
in the West and for the officers to make any other necessary
preparations. (Rules and Regulations, Section 4.)
In an open installation non-members must be instructed to re-
move hats, gloves and wraps. In a closed installation held on
the stated meeting night, the Chapter is opened in regular form
by the retiring officers. When ready for the installation, the
Worthy Matron, if she is to preside, introduces the installing
officers. Those who are Past Matrons and Past Patrons are en-
titled to be escorted to the East.
If the Worthy Matron is not to preside she receives the Install-
ing Officer in the East, presents to her the gavel and invites
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her to preside. The Installing Officer presents her assisting

officers. A recess is called and when all is ready the Install-
ing Officer calls the Chapter to order and proceeds with the
ceremonies of installation. The newly installed officers close
the Chapter in the ritualistic form.
If the Chapter has voted to hold an open installation and it is
held on a stated meeting night the Chapter must be opened and
closed in ritualistic form. The retiring officers open the Chap-
ter and the new officers close the Chapter using the form for
Open Installation, Ritual, Page 96.
If the ceremony of installation is held at a special meeting and
it is a closed meeting of the Chapter the retiring officers open
and close the Chapter in ritualistic form as if it were a stated
meeting. If the installation is open by vote of the Chapter and
it 1S held at a special meeting called for this purpose it is not
necessary to open the Chapter in ritualistic form but the cer-
emony for open installation on Page 96 of the Ritual is used.
It is not permissible to have formations within the Labyrinth
to escort any officer and any escorts allowed must be outside
the Labyrinth. The ceremony must not be interrupted by an in-
novations or additional courtesies, the only exception being a
flower ceremony for the Star Point officers which is permitted
by the Ritual. Other courtesies may be given after the ritualis-
tic ceremony is completed.
All officers enter the Labyrinth between Adah and Ruth and
with the exception of the Worthy Matron and the Worthy Pa-
tron who immediately go to the East, leave the Labyrinth be-
tween Martha and Electa. The Installing Marshal should cau-
tion the officers before entering the room to be sure that she or
he has taken the proper seat in the semicircle of chairs in the
West. The Installing Marshal may lead single file or offer her
arm
when escorting an officer. When there is more than one
officer to be escorted at the same time she should always lead
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single file. The Conductress remains standing at her station in

the South until the Associate Conductress reaches her station in
the North, then both are seated at the same time. The Star Point
officers wait until all are in their respective stations and they
are then seated at the same time by the Marshal.
Trustees cannot be installed in a Subordinate Chapter, as the
Ritual makes no provision for the installation of Trustees in a
Subordinate Chapter. All elected and appointed officers must
be in good standing before they can be installed.
The Worthy Matron should acknowledge, in open Chapter
meeting, the receipt of all Chapter property. It is the duty of the
Secretary to collect and check on this property. "It is not legal
to appoint and install a non-member of a Chapter to serve as an
officer. It is quite proper for a non-member to serve pro tem."
(General Grand Chapter 1934)
ELECTIONS

General Grand Chapter Bylaws, Chapter 1, Section 4, Sections

(g) and (h) define the procedure for the election of officers and
in Rules and Regulations, Sections 1, 2 and 3.
A member cannot hold the offices of Secretary and Trustee at
the same time.

If the Associate Matron leaves, possibly not to return, the Wor-

thy Matron does not have the power to advance the elected
officers in line or to fill the Associate Conductress' station with
a substitute. She may appoint a pro tem for each meeting if
she so desires.
It is legal to elect officers by acclamation in Subordinate
Chapters. A Dispensation cannot be issued to elect officers in
advance of the time fixed by the Rules and Regulations gov-
erning Subordinate Chapters. (General Grand Chapter 1934).
Any sister in good standing is eligible for the office of Worthy
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 Book of Instruction
Matron or any other office, which the Ritualpermits a Sister to
hold. (AM 2003)
VACANCIES

It is not necessary to declare the first four offices vacant in

case of removal of one officer. It is only necessary to declare
a vacancy 1n the office held by the Sister or Brother who has
moved. (Rules and Regulations, Sections 5, 6 and 7.) (Juris-
prudence Committee, General Grand Chapter 1934). When
there 1S a vacancy in one of the first four offices in the Chapter
a Dispensation must be gotten from the Most Worthy Grand
Matron or the Right Worthy Grand Secretary to fill the vacancy
in a chapter under the jurisdiction of General Grand Chapter
and if the Chapter is under the jurisdiction of a Grand Chapter,
the Worthy Grand Matron of that Grand Chapter should issue
the Dispensation to fill the vacancy, unless she delegates this to
the Grand Secretary.
When there is a vacancy in an appointive office the Worthy
Matron shall appoint a member at a stated meeting to fill the
station. If it is early in the term a member may be installed
as a regular officer in that station. The Worthy Matron may
appoint other members protem for the balance of the year if
that vacancy occurs near the end of the term. A person must
be a member of the Chapter to be installed in any office in the
Chapter. The Worthy Matron may appoint a visiting member
protem if there is no one in her Chapter to fill the station. She
may appoint a visitor at each meeting until such time as there is
a member of her own Chapter who can fill the vacancy.
JEWELS

The Chapter decides who shall purchase the jewels for the re-
tiring Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron if this presentation is
not provided for in the Chapter Bylaws. This presentation is
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not obligatory but has become a custom in most Chapters. If

the Worthy Matron of a Chapter moves from the jurisdiction
of her Chapter and another takes her place until the end of the
year, both Sisters may be considered eligible to receive Past
Matron's jewels.
Any Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron elected at a stated meet-
ing of a Chapter, and having been installed into that office,
shall have the title of Past Matron or Past Patron even though
circumstances do not permit her or him to complete the term of
office. (AM 1982) Any member installed as Worthy Matron
or Worth Patron is entitled to receive a jewel of the Chapter
sO desires as the election and installment makes her or him
eligible to receive such a jewel. However, the jewel is given
in appreciation of services rendered and if an officer does not
serve for any part of her or his term or no service is rendered
the Chapter may withhold the presentation of a jewel.
GRAND HONORS

Grand Honors may be given in an open meeting since they

are not a secret sign. Only those mentioned in the Ritual are
eligible to receive Grand Honors. Ritual, Page 17. No other
member or officer is entitled to receive this recognition, except
a Worthy Matron or Worthy Patron at the time of installation
and Grand Representatives at a Grand Chapter Session. Only
those who are eligible to receive Grand Honors are escorted to
the East through the Labyrinth. (AM 1976) (AM 2006)
A Past Grand Matron who holds any other office must be intro-
duced as a Past Grand Matron if she is to receive Grand Hon-
ors. In Grand Chapter, Past Grand Matrons and Past Grand
Patrons may be escorted to the East and extended the Grand
Honors at any time after the Grand Chapter has been declared
open for the transaction of business. This rule applies to Sub-
ordinate Chapters also.
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MEMBERSHIP

Eligibility for membership in the Order is described under

General Regulations, Page 161 of the Ritual under the title of
Membership. Honorary membership is fully explained in the
Rules and Regulations, Section 60.
A Mason, not a member of the Order, cannot be admitted to
witness the Secret Work upon taking an obligation of secrecy.
Only affiliated Master Masons are eligible to membership and
must be initiated in the regular way.
FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP See Ritual, Page 165.
The standing of a Sister is not affected by the expulsion of her
husband from the Masonic Order. Northing but her own mis-
conduct affects her standing. (Ritual, Page 165).
EMERITUS MEMBERSHIP An Emeritus title is an
Honorary Title.
CHARTER MEMBERS - Constitution Article X (c). The
officers whose names appear onthe Dispensation for the for-
mation of a Chapter when legally installed after a Charter has
been granted constitute the first board of officers. After a Char-
ter has been granted they are entitled to be called the first Past
Matron and Past Patron as explained in Rules and Regulations,
Section 56; Constitution, Article (c).
RESTORATION OF MEMBERSHIP - Rules & Regulations,
Section 86.

DUAL MEMBERSHIP - Those holding membership in a

Grand Jurisdiction, which does not permit Dual Membership,
cannot hold Life Membership in another jurisdiction without
forfeiting membership in the Grand Jurisdiction in which re-
siding. (Rules and Regulations, Section 25.)
AUSTRALIA, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, SCOTLAND
Bylaws of General Grand Chapter, Chapter VI, Section 3 (c).
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Also Rules and Regulations, Sections 23 and 24.

It is not permissible for any Chapter under the jurisdiction of
the General Grand Chapter to invite any Chapter using a dif-
ferent Ritual from that used by the General Grand Chapter to
confer the degrees by courtesy; nor can any Chapter under the
jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter confer the degrees by
courtesy on members from a jurisdiction using a different Ritual
from that used by General Grand Chapter. All other courtesies
shall be extended to visitors from Grand Jurisdictions, using a
different Ritual from that used by General Grand Chapter.
The eligibility of a daughter or a sister is in no way affected
by marriage, and after she has received the degrees, she can
by her own act alone be deprived of the privileges of the Or-
der. Membership in a Masonic Lodge in any country or state
whose Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, is recognized
by the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, within whose
jurisdiction the Chapter is located, is sufficient and gives him,
and his eligible relatives, the same Masonic relations as though
membership were in this country.
A lady must be eighteen years of age before she is eligible to
the degrees even though she is married.
The widow of a Master Mason who marries a man not a Mason
and is thereafter divorced, the court restoring to her the name
of her first husband, is not eligible to the degrees as the widow
of a Master Mason, since when she married again she creased
to be the widow of a Master Mason.
The petition of a lady whose first husband dies a Mason in
good standing, but whose present husband is not a Mason,
cannot be received since she lost her identity as the widow of
a Mason when she re-married, rendering her ineligible to the
degrees of the Order.
A Sister holding a demit and whose husband is not now an
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affiliated Master Mason may become a member of a Chapter
by affiliation.
A Husbands forfeiture of Masonic connection does not affect
the wife's eligibility for affiliation.
The petition of the sister of a man who died before he received
the Master Mason degree cannot be received.
A Chapter cannot accept the petition of a lady whose husband
iS a member in good standing in the Scottish Rite, who has
taken his demit from the Blue Lodge. Both Ritual and Consti-
tution require him to be an affiliated Master Mason.
The widow of a man who has taken the first and second degrees
in Masonry only is not eligible to petition for membership in
the Order. Both Ritual and Constitution define the qualifica-
tions for membership.
A daughter of a Master Mason in good standing at the present
time, adopted by a father not a Mason, is eligible to member-
ship in the Order of the Eastern Star. The adoption did not
destroy the right of eligibility.
A legally adopted daughter is eligible to receive the degrees if
the son of her parent is a Master Mason. (Stepbrother)
A person with only one hand may be initiated. She or he can
explain the Signs even though she or he cannot give them.
A person partially blind and able to discern colors may be admit-
ted to the Order if she or he has the proper Masonic affiliation.
A totally blind person can receive the degrees of our Order.
PROXIES AND VOTES

See Constitution, Article VI, Section (e) and (f). Bylaws Chap-
ter 1, (4). Rules and Regulations, Section 57, Section 74.

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An officer of the General Grand chapter, who is also a Past

Grand Matron or Past Grand Patron, is entitled to only one vote
in the General Grand Chapter.
A Past Grand Matron or Past Grand Patron holding a proxy iS
entitled to cast her or his vote and also the votes to which she
or he is entitled as proxy.
The proxy of a Worthy Matron of a Subordinate Chapter need
not be a past officer, but must be a member of the same Chapter
and will be returning to the Chapter within three months.
REGALIA, BADGES AND COLORS
The Ritual describes the proper Regalia, Badges and Colors to
be worn by officers, Ritual, Pages 18, 19, 20, and 21. (Bylaws,
Chapter VII, Sections 1,2,3).
Only present officers of the General Grand Chapter and Past
Most Worthy Grand Matrons and Past Most Worthy Grand Pa-
trons are entitled to wear the Star within the Pentagon within
the Circle.

Only present officers of a Grand Chapter and Past Grand Ma-

trons and Past Grand Patrons are entitled to wear the Star with-
in the Pentagon. Past Grand appointive officers are not eligible
to wear the Star within the Pentagon after the term of her or his
appointment is over. Only those past officers who have been
elected and installed and have presided in the East are eligible
to wear the Star within the Pentagon.
Flag Bearers are not called officers and they are not entitled to
wear a badge of office. The Ritual states the names of the of-
ficers entitled to wear a badge of office. Chapter Officers may
be used in the Flag Ceremony.

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STAR

The white point of the emblematic Star is always down.

(General Grand Chapter 1955).
RAPS

The Raps are fully explained. (Ritual, Page 16.)

When the Associate Conductress returns from ascertaining
that a candidate is in waiting, the Warder and Sentinel give the
Raps. (Ritual, Page 49.)
The Raps are given by the Warder and Sentinel when the As-
sociate Conductress retires to prepare the candidate. (Ritual,
Page 50.)
After the Conductress has given five raps the Associate Con-
ductress responds with one Rap, which is answered by the
Conductress, then the Conductress opens the door. (Ritual,
Page 52.)
The Raps should not be given by the Conductress upon at-
tending the Preparation Room door the second time. (Ritual,
Page 53)
After the customary Raps have been given by the Warder and
Sentinel, the door is opened, the cause ascertained, no Raps
should be given after the door is closed. All alarms are report-
ed to the Presiding Officer and permission granted before the
Warder responds with the answering Raps. The door is always
opened by the officer on the inside of the room.
RITUALS
Constitution, Article XII.

A Grand Chapter may sell Rituals purchased from the General

Grand Chapter to its Subordinate Chapters at any price fixed
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by the Grand Chapter itself.

The Constitution governs the Ritual. (Constitution, Article XIV.)
It is compulsory that every person owing allegiance to the Or-
der follow its teachings. The fine print is explanatory and must
be obeyed. The Ritual clearly indicates that which is optional,
and only these optional portions can be omitted.
(Constitution, Article XII) The Ritual and Secret Work are
copyrighted, and officers and members under the jurisdiction
of the General Grand Chapter are forbidden to copy any part of
the Ritual or Secret Work. Such violations must be reported to
the Most Worthy Grand Matron that she may force respect for
our Ritual and rights, and enforce the penalty of forfeiture of
membership or obtain redress under the copyright law.
SECRET WORK AND SIGNS

Ritual, Page 165. (Constitution, Article XII.) Bylaws, Section

4. Chapter VII; and Section 1 (e), Chapter VIII.)
Much thought and attention must be given to the perfection of
the proper use of the Signs and Secret Work by officers and
members. The Signs and Passes should be rehearsed at all
meeting nights when the initiatory work is not given with the
exception of elections and installations. The ability to give the
Signs, Passes, and Secret Work correctly is the means of admit-
ting members to other Chapters as visitors.
According to the Ritual and Secret Work, the Salutation Sign
is given by members on entering or retiring from a Chapter
while in session, and by the Conductress when she attends at
the Altar in opening and closing the Bible. The Worthy Matron
does not give the response except when members are entering
or retiring nor does she give the response when the Bible is
opened or closed. The Salutation Sign is given witheyes upon
the open Bible at the Altar when members are balloting. In
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giving the Salutation Sign, the thumbs are not crossed, but are
placed side by side.
In giving the Salutation Sign there is no law concerning
which thumb is next to the body. There is nothing written in
the laws of General Grand Chapter directing that the Signs be
made in three motions. This seems to be an unwritten law in
some Grand Jurisdictions. They can easily be made in three
motions.

The Attitude of Prayer is described on Page 16 of the Ritual

under the heading "Altar Services". This Attitude is assumed
when the Conductress enters the Labyrinth to open and close
the Bible in the opening and closing ceremonies, when the
Worthy Patron gives the Obligation; during the Prayer Circle
around the Altar, during the initiatory work, during a Memo-
rial Ceremony or at any time when special reverence is to be
shown. It is not to be confused with the Salutation Sign.
The Salutation Sign is described in the Secret Work. According
to the Ritual, Page 83, the Salutation Sign is always given to
the presiding officer not the officer in the West when mem-
bers enter or retire from the Chapter while it is in session.
SENTINEL

Ritual, Pages 122 and 148 gives permission for the election of
a Sentinel or a Grand Sentinel by using the Term "selected."
A Sister may serve as Sentinel of a Subordinate Chapter unless
the Bylaws of the Chapter prohibit. (Ritual, Page 164). The
Sentinel remains outside the door of the Chapter until the Wor-
thy Matron sends the invitation for him to enter and ballot.
SIGNET

There is no General Grand Chapter law against the Signet

hanging on the wall of the Chapter room.
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The only authorized Signet for use by Chapters owning alle-

giance to the General Grand Chapter is the one promulgated
and furnished by the General Grand Chapter.
The position of the Signet is at the right of the Worthy Matron.
The position of the Signet is in the North-east of the Chapter
room. It may be placed on a stand on the floor or it may hang
on the wall.

TITLES
Constitution, Article II. Bylaws, Chapter IV (h).
Ritual, Page 17, under the heading of Grand Honors and Pages
94, 95 and 127 of the Ceremonies of Installation given the
titles Past Grand Matron, Past Grand Patron, Past Matron and
Past Patron. On Page 127 there is a reference to the use of the
words "worthy." This word is not used with a Past Matron,
Past Patron's, Past Grand Matron's or Past Grand Patron's title;
it is used only for General Grand Chapter Officers. It is incor-
rect to say - Past Worthy Matron, Past Worthy Patron, Past
Worthy Grand Matron, or Past Worthy Grand Patron.
TRIALS

It is important to read the Rules and Regulations, Sections

67, 68, 73, 74, 75 and 84. It is advisable also to read Sections
64, 65 and 66, referring to discipline, conduct of members and
the penalties, which may be applied against those who have
violated the principles, and accepted standards of desirable be-
havior consistent with the moral teachings of our Order.
A Chapter cannot censure or punish a member unless upon trial
she or he has been found guilty. A conviction by any court,
Federal, State or Municipal, of any criminal offense, without
mitigating circumstances, is grounds for suspension or expul-
sion, owing to the nature of the crime.
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An accused must be present at the Trial in person or by repre-
sentative, but if he fails to attend or send a representative, the
Worthy Matron must appoint some member of the Chapter to
try the case for him.
The Worthy Matron, or her legally appointed Deputy, shall be
the judge of the competency of the testimony presented at a
trial of a member of her Chapter but no Worthy Matron shall
preside at a trial of a member to whom she iS related.
A Past Grand Officer is amenable to the laws of the Order and
to the Bylaws of the Subordinate Chapter of which she or he is
a member, or may be residing.
AMENDMENTS

Constitution, Article XV defines procedure in regard to amend-

ments to the Constitution. Chapters X, XI and XII refer to
the Ritual and Bylaws. Section 92 refers to amendments to the
Rules and Regulations of the General Grand Chapter.
AMENDMENTS, ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS

All proposed amendments, alterations or additions to the Book

of Instruction as promulgated by the General Grand Chapter,
shall be submitted in writing to the Right Worthy Grand Secre-
tary no later than eight (8) months prior to date of the opening
of the General Assembly. Immediately upon receipt, the pro-
posal shall be sent to the Jurisprudence Committee.
If a proposal is not in proper form when received, it will be
returned to the proponent with suggestions from the Jurispru-
dence Committee for corrections as to form.
The Jurisprudence Committee will make any suggested chang-
es for proper form within thirty (30) days after receipt and the
proponent shall have thirty (30) days to resubmit to the Right
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Worthy Grand Secretary's office the corrected Resolution. If

the proponent has not resubmitted within thirty (30) days it
shall be deemed submitted as originally proposed, and could
be declared out of order at the Assembly.
The Right Worthy Grand Secretary shall cause all such pro-
posed amendments, alterations and additions to be printed and
mailed to each Grand Secretary of each member Grand Chapter
and to the Secretary of each Subordinate Chapter under the im-
mediate jurisdiction of the General Grand Chapter at least six
(6) months before the date of opening the General Assembly.
It shall be the duty of each Grand Secretary and Secretary of
each Subordinate Chapter under the General Grand Chapter to
send notice of all such proposed amendments, alterations or
additions to all voting members of the General Grand Chapter
in her or his Jurisdiction not less than two (2) months prior to
said opening date of the General Assembly.
At the ensuing Assembly all such amendments, alterations and
additions previously sent to the Jurisprudence Committee in
a timely manner will be reported on with recommendations
made by the Committee. A vote shall then be taken and all
such amendments, alterations or additions which are approved
by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting, shall
become a part of the Book of Instruction immediately upon the
close of the Assembly.
APPEALS

An individual member of a Grand Chapter cannot appeal from

an action of the Grand Chapter against her or him to the Gen-
eral Grand Chapter. Redress should be secured in the Grand
Chapter itself. Chapters subordinate to a Grand Chapter can-
not appeal from the decision of the Worthy Grand Matron to
the General Grand Chapter. When a Worthy Grand Matron

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gives her decision on subordinate Chapter affairs, the Chapter
may appeal to the Grand Chapter through the Committee on

"*Appeals and Grievances." Rules and Regulations, Section

85, refers to an appeal for a new trial.
BYLAWS

The Bylaws of General Grand Chapter, Chapter VI (c), Rules

and Regulations, Section 58, Section 87, refer to and describe
model Bylaws.
The acts of a Subordinate Chapter are legal when not in con-
flict with the Constitution, Rules and Regulations of the Gen-
eral Grand Chapter, when the Bylaws have not been submitted
for approval.
When the Bylaws say a two-thirds vote if required, it means
two-thirds of the members present and voting.
DEMITS

Rules and Regulations, Sections 50 and 51 explain demits.

Dues of a member may be remitted by a majority vote of the
Chapter, and when so remitted, the member becomes clear on
the books and demit may then be granted. The length of time
a demit is held does not affect its legality.
When a person has present a petition for affiliation in a Chap-
ter, together with a demit from another Chapter, and has been
regularly elected to membership, although she or he has not
been introduced in the Chapter, she or he cannot later ask to
have the demit returned without paying up dues and having
another demit granted.
If a member is clear on the books and not under charges, a
Chapter has nor right to refuse to grant a demit upon request,
on the grounds that the member is not worthy of being recom-
mended to another Chapter.
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DEPUTIES

All Deputies appointed by the Most Worthy Grand Matron for

conferring the degrees should be Brothers. A Deputy of the
Most Worthy Grand Patron is appointed only to assist in the
organizing of Chapters and not to decide questions of law. All
decisions of law should be referred to the Most Worthy Grand
Patron until the Chapter is chartered; after the Chapter is char-
tered the decisions must be made by the Most Worthy Grand
Matron. Constitution, Article X (e).
Deputies are not recognized in any Grand Chapter but their
own. Their status is that of committee members, appointed
by the Worthy Grand Matron. There is not place in the Ritual
where Deputies are mentioned. Deputy Lecturers, Deputy
Marshals, Deputy Instructors and Deputy Grand Matrons have
no status as officers I any Grand chapter but their own and they
are not entitled to be escorted as such. As Past Matrons or Past
Patrons they are entitled to be seated in the East.

DISPENSATIONS

A Chapter under Dispensation has the same rights reference to

jurisdiction as a chartered Chapter.
A corps of officers working under a Dispensation may legally
act on petitions and confer the degrees.
A Worthy Grand Matron, or the Most Worthy Grand Matron
may not issue Dispensation to receive or ballot upon petitions
at a special meeting or at an earlier hour than that which is set
in the Bylaws of a Chapter.

DUES - FEES - PER CAPITA TAX

Constitution, Article X (h) states the required fee for a Charter.

Bylaws, Chapter IV (d) refers to dues and assessments.
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 Book of Instruction
Rules and Regulations, Section 14, states the minimum fee for
Degrees. Section 21, refers to Return of Fee. Sections 48 and
49, Sections 61, 62 and 63 all refer to Chapter Revenue.
A Chapter may vote to remit the dues of member or vote to
exempt the member from payment of dues.
The Bylaws of Chapter should state when a member becomes
delinquent for non-payment of dues. A member is in good
standing until suspended by the Chapter.
If a member suspended for non-payment of dues pays back
dues and petitions for reinstatement, there is no reason for
return of the dues if petition is rejected. In the payment of
these dues the petition was only discharging the legal liability.
(Rules and Regulations, Section 63.)
Although the Chapter is under no obligation to return the initia-
tion fee of the candidate who is elected but refused to receive
the degrees, the Chapter should return the fee.
A Chapter is not required to pay a per capita tax on Honorary
Members.

JURISDICTION

Rules and Regulations, Section 17 and 18, refer to jurisdiction

of a Chapter. Where there is no concurrent jurisdiction waiv-
ers must be obtained.

WAIVERS

Bylaws, Chapter VI, Section 6 and Rules and Regulations,

Section 18, refers to Waivers of Jurisdiction.
When it is desired to secure a waiver of jurisdiction from a
Subordinate Chapter 1n another state such waiver must be se-
cured from the Subordinate Chapter holding the material. A
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 Book of Instruction

waiver by the Grand Matron of the other state is insufficient.

To secure such a waiver, the Grand Matron should present a
request for the waiver to the Grand Matron of the state wherein
is located the Chapter holding the material, giving the names of
the prospective members and Chapter in whose favor the waiv-
er is sought. The Grand Matron will then present the request
to the Chapter and, if granted, the waiver will be forwarded
to her. She will then forward the waiver to the Worthy Grand
Matron making the request (for record), after which the waiver
will be forwarded to the Chapter desiring 1t.
In the General Grand Chapter the request is made through the
office of the Right Worthy Grand Secretary.
MISCELLANEOUS

EXTRANEOUS DEGREES - There are no higher degrees of

the Eastern Star.

The White shrine of Jerusalem is not a higher degree of the

Eastern Star. Neither the Queen of the South, nor the Ama-
ranth degree is a part of the Eastern Star.
A Grand Matron cannot give a Secretary authority to exclude
from the minutes of a meeting what transpire in the meeting,
giving only motions.
The Order of the Eastern Star should not be referred to as a
"Woman's Organization."
The copy of the Proceedings sent to the Secretary is for the use
of the Chapter.
The Birthday of Brother Rob Morris, August 31st, shall be a
Festal Day of the Order.
The Worthy Matron and other officers cannot use the Seal on
unauthorized documents.

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The Secretary conducts the correspondence as directed by the
Worthy Matron and the vote of the Chapter.
Members of Subordinate Chapters under the jurisdiction ofhon-
the
General Grand Chapter; as such, are not eligible to any
ors of offices in the General Grand Chapter. (General Grand
Chapter 1916). Past Matrons and Past Patrons of these Chap-
ters are eligible.
The Voting Sign of the Order is the uplifted right hand.
Beer, liquor and intoxicating beverages must not be served nor
sold at Eastern Star gatherings.
All members should read the following passages of Scripture:
Judges, Chapters 11-12; Ruth, Chapters 1-4; Esther, Chapters
1-10; John, Chapter 11; Matthew, Chapter 17-21; Second Epis-
tle of John.

EASTERN STAR
GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICE

(This is optional with Grand Chapters and Subordinate

Chapters under General Grand Chapter.)
(Worthy Matron) Sisters, Brothers and Friends, we have
gathered at this solemn place and time to perform the final rite
which affection has prescribed for our departed Sister. She
who was with us but yesterday, has been summoned hence by
a messenger who cometh sooner or later for us all. She has
indeed passed beyond the reach of praise or the touch of cen-
sure. It is not therefore, to her that we tender this, our hearts
saddest offering.
We are here in acknowledgement of sacred ties now severed,
of memories tenderly cherished and hearts touched with sym-
pathy for loved ones bereaved.
Our Sister has finished her allotted task in the conflict of life.
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 Book of Instruction

The Chapter of her earthly sojourn is closed, but her many vir-
tues shall not go unrecorded.
For a time we have walked with her in the pilgrimage of life
and around the same Altar We have learned the lessons of our
Order.

The brittle thread, by which we are all bound to life, is broken,

and the uncertainty of human life as taught by the lesson of
Martha has indeed come to pass.
(At this point one red rose is placed on the casket.)
This red rose is a symbol of the fraternal love we shared. It
brings to us the lesson of Christ, who by the sacrifice of His
life, taught us to love one another. Let us pray
(Worthy Patron) - Our Father which art in heaven, in whom are
all the issues of life and death, we come to Three in this hour of
sorrow to lift the burden of life from our departed Sister, and to
ask that her trustful faith in Thee be not forgotten.
We pray Thee to look with tender compassion upon these Thy
Children, whose household has been broken by this provi-
dence.

Sanctify this bereavement to the good of us all. We now com-

mit the soul of our departed Sister to Thy care, hopefully look-
ing to a reunion with her in that house not made with hands,
eternal in the heaven, where separation and death are known no
more, forever Amen.

ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR

FORMER MEMBERS
ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
This service should be introduced with some information re-
garding our former Sister or Brother. Proper wording should
be used, i.e. Sister-he/she, etc.
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 Book of Instruction

W.M. Sisters, Brothers and Friends: We have gathered here

to pay tribute to (insert name) our former Sister/Brother who
pas passed through the Labyrinth of Life. We were privileged
to have walked with him/her for many years through life.
Through our Order, dedicated to Charity, Truth and Loving
Kindness, we have learned many valuable lessons of life, many
which wereportrayed by our Sister/Brother.
Let us unite in prayer:

Chaplain. Our heavenly Father, we come to Thee in this time

of remembrance dedicated to the memory of our departed
friend. Comfort all hearts that are heavy laden and ease the
burden of sorrow. Though our fraternal circle of friends has
been broken, may we have the trustful faith to know that we
will always have the love and care if Him whose hand we hold
as we walk Life's highway. Help us to serve in the spirit of
Him whose Star in the East has taught us to do Thy will on
earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
(Music or reading may be introduced at this time)
W.P. The lessons to be presented here remind us of God's in-
finite love and caring. Year by year, we see flowers like these
blooming in all their glory and then fade and pass away but
we know that in the proper season they will bloom again. So
it is with our lives, we know that with the words of Jesus, 'I
am the Resurrection and the Life" we, too, are confident of
Eternal Life.

(The Star Points will present flowers and evergreen as per the
service for members)
Adah. The Blue Ray of Adahsymbolizes Fidelity, and the great
love of a daughter who willingly gave her life for her father's
honor. This blue flower is placed as
and in memory of our departed friend.
a symbol of faithfulness

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Ruth. The Yellow Ray reminds us to be faithful to duty as

Ruth-one of the most beautiful books of the Bible. The yellow
flower is placed as a symbol of abiding love and faith for those
who will someday welcome us to our Eternal Home.
Esther. The White Ray of Esther symbolizes light, purity and
joy. The White flower symbolizes the way Esther risked her
life itself to protect her family and thus the Hebrew Race was
spared.
Martha. The Green Ray of Martha symbolizes Hope and Im-
mortality. The evergreen iS placed as a symbol of her trustful
faith that Jesus could do all things if you only have faith, and
with God all things are possible.
Electa. The Red Ray of Electa represents a Mother's Love.
Electa was known for her Charity and Hospitality. The Red
flower is placed here to remind us of one of God's Greatest
Commandment - that we love one another.
W.M. Let the beautiful words of our Star Points remain in our
hearts as we go from this place. May the memories of our
former sister/brother shared by many be a constant source of
comfort to family and friends. Let us close our service with
prayer.
Chaplain. Our Father which art in heaven, we are grateful for
the comfort and hope we receive from You in our times of sor-
row. We ask your special blessing upon the loved ones left be-
hind give them comfort and peace. We lay all our burdens and
sorrows in Your Hands as we place our trust in you. Amen.

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 Book of Instruction Index
Page

Altar Services 19
Amendments 64

Amendments, Alterations and Additions 64

Appeals 65

Ballot, The 32

Business of Chapter 8

Bylaws 66
2
Chapter Room
21
Closing of Chapter
39
Courtesy Degrees
Demits 66

67
Deputies
67
Dispensations
67
Dues, Fees, Per Capita Tax
Elections 53
4
Examinations of a Visitor
Grand Honors 55

Grand Honors - 50 Year Members 55

Graveside Funeral Service, Eastern Star 70-71

39
Initiation Ceremony
48
Installation Ceremony
54
Jewels
68
Jurisdiction
7
Legal Meetings
38
Members by Affiliation
56
Membership

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 Book of Instruction Index

Page

Miscellaneous 69
Officers 11
Opening Ceremony 12
Order of Business 26
Petitions 28
Preface -
Proving of a Chapter 15
Proxies and Votes 58
Raps 60

Reception of Most Worthy Grand Matron,

Most Worthy Grand Patron,
Grand Officers and Visitors 22
Regalia, Badges and Colors 59
Reinstated Members 38
Report of the Investigating Committee 31
Rituals 60

Secret Work and Signs 61

Sentinel 62
Signet 62
Star 60
Titles 63
Trials 63
Vacancies 54
Visitors 3
Waivers 68
Work of Warder and Sentinel 16

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