where is the masonic library you visit, and is it open to the public?

Harmon

Greetings All,

I joined OES after being in the youth division for 10 years, including becoming a Grand Companion. At 18 my mother asked if I was ready to join and I told her no. I wanted to wait until the time was right for me . Just a day before my 21st birthday, I was initiated into this wonderful organization. I did not research prior to joining because my family members did not make a big deal of affiliations, they embrace the organization as a whole (meaning the ideals of it). Two of my uncles are PHA masons, one of my aunts is an International F &AM OES and my mother, another aunt and I are AF & AM. I've done a lot of studying after I joined, which included going to the Masonic library for several hours on weekends. My family feels finding a chapter/ lodge is like looking for a second home, you know where you fit in. If at anytime I did not feel like I was at home, I would have packed up and moved on.

What was the force behind you wanting to become a Mason or OES? Did you research your organization before joining or did you join simply because family members or friends were in it?

Harmon

My grandfather was a Master Mason in N.C. And to tell you the truth I really didn't think to look into what affiliation because I thought a Mason is a Mason. But anyway I remember going to several dances as well as boat rides with my girlfriend because her father was a Mason. And again I never thought to ask what affiliation. But as I started getting older I started to feel like something was missing, like I needed to do more and a co-worker who is a Brother, told me that he was a Mason, we had talks before because I saw his Masonic items(ring, medallion and pics). And then a ex co-worker whom I worked with for almost 15 years was a neutral friend of us both and that's when I started my walk. I must admit I am doing a lot of research on masonry and people can be very cruel to us who walk in this light and I don't care with affiliation of light your traveling in people are cruel!!! One of my girlfriends told me that we are slaves in this organizations! Because this is what the slaves did so we fellowing in there foot steps! That really offended me! I just thank GOD when I hear of a brother or sister say they are Brothers or Sisters, I know that we are strong in numbers and when we put fourth our knowledge, the nay sayers seem not to matter anymore! Am I'm proud to be an EASTERN STAR, I think my light tells it all. Peace and blessing to all who travel in this light!! P.S. when my dad passed away I found out my great uncle is a Mason also and he is Wilmington N.C.

What was the force behind you wanting to become a Mason or OES? Did you research your organization before joining or did you join simply because family members or friends were in it?

Harmon

I joined the organization after being invited to visit several lodges and being recommended. After I did a little research I felt that it was a great organization for me as I was already following some of the principles or so I thought. Now having been in the order I should have come to the light sooner. In addition I have good friends and family members that were and are masons and stars.

What was the force behind you wanting to become a Mason or OES? Did you research your organization before joining or did you join simply because family members or friends were in it?

Harmon

When I was asked to become an Eastern Star, I was clueless. I was though very active in community service projects in college and then came home and was working with Harlem Dowling Children Services. My family had never heard of it and I put my faith into my Patron at the time.

It was amazing how many times I walked past a Masonic building and I didn't pay it any attention until I transferred from the White Plains D.M.V to the Harlem D.M.V. For two weeks I was asked to research the archives of the building. Amazingly during my walks downtown that Masonic Emblem appeared everywhere so of course I had to start asking more questions.....

The day I became an Eastern Star, I just through myself into it...I connected with the elders quickly especially with me working in the same building as the temple. Hmmm.... when I think back to those days....I worked, I mean I really worked to prove myself to the elders and to gain respect. Respect came early for me when I conducted the OES initiation verbatim and Grand Officers were present...as time progressed..I didn't know I was being watched. Years later as the PM of the Chapter I was asked to be the Grand Instructor of the School of Instruction......so ......for me, even though I didn't have lineage I made this organization mine and I still represent with the same passion.........

Sis TinaMarie Campbell

I recently met a man who mentioned Freemasonary in a conversation... the conversation started like this,
I asked him, " What is one thing you hate and fear the most" He answered, freemasonary. Upon asking
him what that was, he answered, they are really exclusive and are really like keeing it within their own school
and family. I asked him if his strong feelings against this group was because in some ways he wants to
be part of this exclusive group. And he answered.... " maybe"
And so here I stumbled upon the very group. I read about this group thru the welcome page and I feel I am
in the right place. BTW, it didnt work out between us. I dont think he was ready to be loyal and committed to one...

Jessy

I am not sure how OES works for you in New York. Is your membership pending upon a Masonic Relation in good standing? Or simply by sponsorship? Here in BC Yukon we need a Master Mason in GOOD STANDING dead or alive to join Eastern Star. My family comes from Wales so this is why I joined it is more about the spiritual seeking of the Tree of Life and Shamanistic work for me. Here a grave majority are Christians and not so much followers of Christ for there is a difference. Myself I am Pagan and do not believe in the same as my members. I do hold true to supreme beings for me they are what is important. Does your chapter allow the holy book of other faiths or only the Bible. I know soooo many Q & A's yet that is what it is about true communication between brothers and sisters.
Traci

I joined because I thought being a Mason sounded cool and I wanted those Masonic "Hookups". As time passed, I became a Mason. I found-out there are no Hookups BUT I now love the group for what it stands for.