About Us
Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest Fraternal Organization in the world to which both women and men can belong. The real origin of the Order of the Eastern Star will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it has a French origin dating back to as early as 1703; however, the foundation of Eastern Star Degrees in its initiatory form is attributed to Dr. Robert Morris.
The history of the Order is divided into three Eras. The first era extended from 1850 to 1866 under the leadership of Dr. Rob Morris, poet laureate of Masonry. The second era extended from 1860 to 1876 under the leadership of Robert Macoy of New York. The third era extends from 1876 to the present time,
established the General Grand Chapter was.
Never quite satisfied that all the good in Masonry should be confined to men, Dr. Morris felt that Masonry should be for the whole family. However, by the laws of Masonry, women were not eligible to receive its degrees. This prompted Dr. Morris to seek some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brother the same inspiration that “prompts man to noble deeds.” It was in 1850 that he fully developed the Eastern Star degrees. He then conferred the degrees upon his wife, daughters, and some neighbors.
Dr. Morris founded the Order using beautiful and inspiring biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. The women he chose are Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa. These women portray the noble principles, which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. The Order strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth, and loving kindness. .
Precious Jewels Chapter # 794
In the summer of 2004, two sisters recognized the need to form an additional Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. These ladies met with two other sisters of the same belief and the formation of a new chapter began. The four women were Sister Pheon Brown, Sister Tilnisha Rosser, Sister Keysha Thompkins, and Sister Vanessa Johnson. The name chosen was Precious Jewels.
These four women brought with them four ladies that petitioned for membership into the Order. On November 6, 2004 Precious Jewels, finding that these four petitioners exhibited the prescribed conduct and moral values, initiated Janetta Enis, Aisha LeBlanc, Pamela Bell, and Katina Evans. In June 2005 Precious Jewels had her second initiation and Shirley Barker-Tucker and Brenda Lupoe were made members of the Order of the Eastern Star.
After much internal discussion amongst the membership related to the focus and mission of the Order, Precious Jewels took the initiative to obtain information about the process for chartering a chapter with the Order of the Easter Star, Modern Free and Accepted Masons of the World, Electa Grand Chapter. Shortly thereafter, Precious Jewels received her U.D. charter and on November 20, 2008 became Precious Jewels Chapter # 794. The chartering members were Pheon Brown, Vanessa Johnson, Pamela Bell, Keysha Thompkins, Tilnisha Rosser, Kisha Frank, Brenda Lupoe, Shirley Barker-Tucker, Keisha Russell-Thompson, and Janetta Enis. Our current Worthy Matron is Sister Vernae Washington
Throughout the years of service, Precious Jewels Chapter # 794 has strived to make positive impacts in the lives of others. We approach every task with the belief that hard work and good methods will definitely get results. With this belief, Precious Jewels has done community service with places such as Achor Center, Aids Walk Atlanta, Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Georgia Public Broadcasting and Hands on Atlanta. We also sponsor a variety of social activities for chapter members and their family and friends and fundraisers.