Order of the Eastern Star

Chapter 402

Bixby Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 402, was originally chartered in 1922. Mrs. Lana Lowman Wise was the first Worthy Matron. She is referred to as the Mother of Chapter 402. In 1988 the Bixby Chapter consolidated with the Radiant Chapter in Sapulpa. By 1989, the Bixby Chapter began the process of reorganizing and applied for reinstatement of Chapter 402. Bixby Chapter 402 was re-chartered and returned to Bixby in 1991. Mrs. Nan McKissack was the first Worthy Matron under the new charter.

Recent projects of the Bixby Order of the Eastern Star include participation in Bixby police and fire department projects, Camera for Cars and Teddy Bear Program. The Chapter, also, provides birthday treats for residents of Bixby Manor Nursing Home and raise funds to purchase uniforms for local participants in the Special Olympics.

Eastern Star Background

The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world that both men and women can join. It was established in 1850 by Rob Morris, a lawyer and educator from Boston, Massachusetts who had been an official with the Freemasons. It is based on teachings from the Bible, and is open to people of all monotheistic faiths.

It has approximately 10,000 chapters in twenty countries and approximately one million members under its General Grand Chapter. Members of the Order are aged 18 and older; men must be Master Masons and women must have specific relationships with Masons. Originally, a woman would have to be the daughter, widow, wife, sister, or mother of a master Mason, but the Order now allows other relatives as well as allowing Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters to become members when they become of age. - Wikipedia, 06 June 2008