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The real origin of the Eastern Star, like Masonry, will always be shrouded in mystery. Many researchers believe it
had a French origin as early as 1703. By some, this is claimed to be the first inception of "Female Masonry" or "Androgynous
Degrees" -- (degrees for both men and women).
There appeared at this time, to be a demand for "Side Degrees" or Degrees conferred on ladies, and quite a list sprang
up -- "Heroines of Jericho", "Danger in the Dark", "Tall Cedars of Lebanon", etc. These were extensively used but soon fell
into decay, for lack of lasting worth.
As to the real origin of Eastern Star Degrees in its Initiatory form, there is not the least shadow of doubt that the
honor belongs to Dr. Rob Morris and its real origin comes under the First Era.
Dr. Morris had traveled many years. He had written many books on Masonry which are now valued references in many Masonic
Libraries.
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. But by the laws of that Ancient Order, women are not eligible for its degrees. Knowing he could not
change the Ancient Landmarks of Masonry, Dr. Morris sought some method by which women could share with the Masonic Brother
the same inspiration that "prompts man to noble deeds."
Although he harbored these feelings for years, it wasn't until 1850, while confined to his home after an accident,
that Dr. Morris fully developed the Eastern Star Degrees in their present initiatory form.
During this time, he carefully thought out the symbolism and significance of the floor plan and the corps of officers.
He conferred the degrees upon his wife and daughters, and some neighbors, presumably having an idea to clothe the ladies with
certain words or signs whereby they might make themselves known to Master Masons.
These signs and so-called mysteries of the Order were communicated freely to all Master Masons and their relatives.
Dr. Morris and other prominent Master Masons gave many lectures and conferred the degrees on many ladies throughout the nation.
Our Inspiration
for Greatness…
Dorothy
Riley’s Story
THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH DEPARTMENT
“The Queen of the South shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation
and condemn them: for she came from the utmost part of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater
than Solomon is here”…. Luke 11:31
The QUEEN OF THE SOUTH is a complimentary segment of the Order of the Eastern Star degree.
The Queen of the South degree is designed to compliment the members who have previously received the five degrees of the Order
of the Eastern Star, by giving them an intimate bond and a token of recognition whereby they may know Masons and be known
to them.
Daughter Dorothy Riley complimented the Order of the Eastern Star as International’s Associate to Daughter
Pernella Tubbs for many years. During the year 1967, Illustrious Dr. William V. Banks, 33 ˚ founder and Supreme President
(deceased) separated the degrees and appointed Daughter Dorothy Riley to establish a Queen of the South Department.
Princess Dorothy Riley traveled from state to state appointing and electing Grand Queen Bathsheba’s and
in 1972 the Supreme Queen of the South Department was chartered and the work began by-laws, rituals, guidelines, executive
boards and committees were enacted.
Princess Riley needed time to promote plans and programs to the membership. She was allotted 6:00 am sessions
at the Supreme Convention for this purpose. Some members complained~~~”too early”, but they kept coming, and come
they did! This department grew, grew and flourished. Presently we have Palaces in twenty-eight states, governed by six National
Districts.
From the early bird two-hour session Monday-Friday at the Supreme Convention, the request for a National Convention
for the Queen of the South Department was granted by our Supreme President, Illustrious Dr. George Mathews, 33 ˚.
History
making began January 5, 1995 at the Castlegate Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia and continued as follows;
| 1996 Tennessee |
1999 New York |
2002 Alabama |
| 1997 New Jersey |
2000 California |
2003 New Jersey |
| 1998 Illinois |
2001 Florida |
2004 New York (returned to Supreme) |
Well eight national conventions later, some members were still complaining: “to close to the holidays,
weather to inclement to travel, hard to get flights/etc.,” but, we keep on going, going, gone! We are now back with
the Supreme Convention on Thursday. We thank God for the faithful; however, if each of us will be the wind beneath the Queen
of the South Department’s wings we all can soar to higher plains. |
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Know Where You Came From!
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