The Officers of Richlands Star Chapter No. 342
Within the Order of the Eastern Star you will come to learn that it’s teaching consist of only five degrees. However these degrees tell an important yet meaningful lesson. Your journey first starts with the understanding of Adah - the Daughter. Then with Ruth - the Widow. Followed by Esther - the Wife. You will then grasp an understanding and start to see things clearer as the journey continues with Martha – the Sister. While this journey may seem overwhelming, its lessons are scriptural, its teaching reflects morals, and their purpose is truly beneficial. Finally, as the journey comes to an end with Electa - the Mother. It is here, that you now come to understand your place and purpose not only within the world but truly within the Order of the Eastern Star.
The Order consists of two types of Officers, those that are Elected and those that are Appointed. The Chapters Elected Officers consist of the Worthy Matron, Worthy Patron, Associate Matron, Secretary, Treasurer, Conductress, and Sentinel. The Chapters Appointed Officers consist of the Associate Conductress, Associate Patron, Warder, Chaplain, and Marshal. There is however another group of Appointed Officer to this Order. This group is known as the “F.A.T.A.L - Ladies of the Order”. They consist of Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa; and there teachings are that of: Fidelity, Constancy, Loyalty, Faith, and Love.
Elected Principal Officers
Worthy Matron
She is the Presiding Officer of the Chapter. Her focus is to govern over the Chapter, and its prosperity. Which depend greatly upon her judgment and discretion. Her responsibilities to God for the faithful discharge of her duties should ever prompt her to do her work in the spirit of faith and prayer. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five pointed star and gavel rest perfectly within its center. It signifies Authority. Her station is in the East.
Associate Matron
She assumes the duties of the Worthy Matron in her absence. Her focus is that of pleasure and fulfillment to the Worth Matron. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of the Sun rest perfectly within its center. It signifies the “Light”. Her station is in the West.
Conductress
She leads visitors and initiations. Her focus is that of assistants. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of a Scroll and Baton rest perfectly within its center. They signify fulfillment to make the first impressions permanent. Her station is in the South.
Elected OfficersWorthy Patron
He's a Master Mason who provides general supervision for the Worthy Matron. He’s known as the advisor to the Worthy Matron. His collar is made of silk. Banded together with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A Masonic Square and Compass on top of a five-pointed Star rest perfectly within the middle of his chest, hanging from his collar perfectly within its center. They signifies the relationships which exist between the Masonic Fraternities and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Secretary
She takes care of all correspondence and minutes for the chapter. Her focus is that of penmenship to the chapter by recording all that may come before it. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of cross feathers rest perfectly within its center. They signify Intelligence. Her station is to the left of the Worthy Patron in the South-East.
Treasurer
She takes care of monies of the Chapter. Her focus is that of charity. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of cross keys rest perfectly within its center. They signifies security and trust. Her station is to the right of the Worthy Patron in the North-East.
Sentinel
He sits next to the door outside the chapter room, to make sure those that wish to enter are members of the Order. His focus is that of guardianship. Therefore he’s ARMED at all times. His cord is weaved from nylon. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of drawn swords rest perfectly within the center of his chest hanging from its cord. They signify Protection.
Appointed Officers
Associate Conductress
She prepares candidates for initiation, assists the conductress with introductions and handles the ballot box. Her focus is that of Attention to Deal by way of proper instructions to Orders in due and ancient form. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of a single baton which rest perfectly within its center. If signifies direction towards good discipline.
Associate Patron
He's assumes the duties of the Worthy Patron in his absence. His collar is made of silk. Banded together with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. The Star of David with a five-pointed Star rest perfectly within the middle of his chest, hanging from his collar perfectly within its center.
Chaplain
Leads the Chapter in prayer. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of an open bible which rest perfectly within its center.
Marshal
She presents the Flag and leads in all ceremonies. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of cross batons which rest perfectly within its center.
Warder
She sits next to the door inside the meeting room, to make sure those that enter the chapter room are members of the Order. Her focus is that of entry and vacancy control. Her sash is made of silk. Laced with the colors of Red, Green, White, Gold, and Blue. A five-pointed Star along with the emblem of a white dove which rest perfectly within its center. It signifies peace.
Adah
She shares the lesson of "Duty of Obedience" to the will of God. The sword and veil represents the virtue. Her sash is made of velvet. Its color is Blue, trimmed in gold. The emblem of a triangle and within it the Sword and Veil rest perfectly within its center.
Ruth
She shares the lesson of Honor and Justice. The sheaf of barley represents whose virtue is adherence to religious principles. Her sash is made of velvet. Its color represents that of pure Gold, it’s also trimmed in gold. The emblem of a triangle and within it a sheaf of barley rest perfectly within its center.
Esther
She shares the lesson of Loyalty to Family and Friends. The crown and scepter represents a strong woman, one who embodies the virtue of loyalty. Her sash is made of velvet. Its color represents that of pureness, it’s trimmed in gold. The emblem of a triangle and within it is a crown and scepter which rest perfectly within its center.
Martha
She shares the lesson of Faith, Trust in God, and Everlasting Life. The broken column represents the virtue of “endurance in trial.” Her sash is made of velvet. Its color is Green, it’s trimmed in gold. The emblem of a triangle and within it the “broken column” rest perfectly within its center.
Electa
She shares the lesson of Charity and Hospitality. The “golden cup” represents the virtue of “endurance of persecution.” Her sash is made of velvet. Its color is crimson, trimmed in gold. The emblem of a triangle and within it the empty cup rest perfectly within its center.