Called to Order: Margaret Lavering and Incoming Most Worthy Grand Matron Isabel McLelland, front right at the head of a meeting of Eastern Star members yesterday.

Stars of a little white magic.

It is not a religion or cult, but a gathering of 500 women in white frocks is clearly something more than coincidence.

The Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal organisation based upon Christian principles and the values of humanity.

Five hundred members have come to Tasmania from interstate and overseas for the order's national conference.

At a special ceremony at the West Point Convention Centre tomorrow Isabel McLelland, of Rosevears in northern Tasmania will be sworn in as the new Most Worthy Grand Matron, the national head of the order. She replaces Margaret Lavering , of Brisbane.

"The order is based on what you could call the five heroines of the bible - Adah, Ruth, Ester, Martha and Elect Lady ," Mrs McLelland said.

"Each point of the star ( the order's logo) represents one of those great ladies. Each point teaches us something about our daily lives, and we try to live up to their teachings."

The order originated in the United States more than 170 years ago, reaching Queensland in 1912 and then spreading throughout the country. The first Tasmanian Chapter was formed on the North-West Coast 40 years ago and there are now four in the state with a total of 200 members.

Although the order is mainly for women about 25 per cent are men.

Members raise money through raffles, coffee mornings anf barbecues. They also do volunteer work with hospitals and charity organisations. "We're not a secret society, but we're a society with certian secrets which are only known to members of the order," Mrs. McLelland said.

Yesterday the order announced tit would donate more than $310,000 to charities, hospitals and research organisations around Australia.

(Courtsey of The Mercury - Hobart, 8th June 2001, Reporter - Kane Young)

United Grand Chapter at Wrest Point Hotel - Hobart

Distinguished Members.

{left toRight} Most Worthy Grand Patron Elect, 2001- 2003

Bro. J. Fitzgerald

Most Worthy Grand Matron, 1999 - 2001

Sis. M. Lavering

Honourary Member of United Grand

Sis. Janae Harpool [ USA ]

Most Worthy Grand Matron Elect, 2001 - 2003

Sis. I. McLelland

Most Worthy Grand Matron & Most Worthy Grand Patron

United Grand Chapter of Australia

2001 - 2003

All Worthy Grand Ruth's 1985 - 2001

{L to R} Sis.Jean Hammer (1985), Sis.Sadie Copeland (1987), Sis.Jean Cooper (1989), Sis.Susan Wilson (1991), Sis.Bea Horne (1993), Sis.Berryl Rowbottom (1995), Sis.Shirly Lockhart (1997), Sis.Pamela Webber (1999), Sis.Margaret Tucker (2001)

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