Regardless of how you look at it, the Eastern Star around the world is far-from being at the forefront of technological communication. There are definite exceptions, yet the typical chapter and grand chapter is rather behind on the internet bandwagon.
However, the first question many sisters and brothers have on the tip of their tongue is: “Is that a bad thing?”
The knee-jerk response is that, “Well, it’s not a bad thing!” Yet the big picture goes further than that – according to a Pew Research Center poll this summer, 85% of American adults use the internet. Between 18-49 years-of-age, 95% use the web, though the number drops in the 50-64 bracket (85%), and further in the 65+ range (58%). Yet, even in that 65-and-over group, over half is “online”, and that number is growing steadily.
So the long answer is: Getting the Eastern Star online is a vital avenue of communication to thousands of members, to the public, and to potential members.

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Mark T. “Bull” Jones, Sentinel, Dave Langham Chapter, Alabama

Our family’s Masonic journey began in 2009 when after a decade of considering the Lodge and wondering why none of the Masons in my family had asked me to join. I seriously thought that there had to be something wrong with me! Eventually, though, the desire to be a part of something larger than my self – something like I felt in my days in the U.S. Navy back in the 1980’s – became overwhelming and in July of that year I submitted my petition to the Lodge nearest our Tillman’s Corner, AL home. George U. Potter Lodge, #912, F. & A.M. With nothing less than amazement I discovered that I was worthy of the fraternity!

At a recent Star meeting, our Grand Worthy Matron asked all who thought that the Order of Eastern Star had something to offer to a prospect to stand. I, like everyone else, jumped to my feet and was proud to stand with Kathy as a member in good standing of our wonderful Order. Our mutual goal, as stated by our Grand Worthy Patron is to initiate at least one more new member than we lose this year.

Jerold J. Samet, Editor

A few years ago, while visiting Vesper Chapter in LeMars, Iowa, I discovered a very large picture of “The Eastern Star Corner” in the Woman’s Building at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Because of what I had read in the 1892 and 1895 proceedings of General Grand Chapter, I immediately knew the historical significance of the picture and was surprised and delighted when the chapter presented the picture to me at the close of the meeting.