International Free & Accepted Modern Masons, Inc . and Order of Eastern Star, is a world-wide fraternity.  Organized in 1950 by the late Dr. William V. Banks; a very prominent Attorney and a Mason with high ideals.  His dream became a reality at the birth of this new Masonic Organization.

The order of the eastern star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women may belong. Worldwide, there are approximately 1 million members under the General Grand Chapter.

Eastern star is a social order comprised of persons with spiritual values but it is not a religion. Its appeal rests in the true beauty of the refreshing and character-building lessons that are so sincerely portrayed in its ritualistic work. A deep fraternal bond exists between its members. It is the wholesome relationship of sisterly and brotherly love brought about through high principals exemplified in our lives which make us near and dear to each other.

While this is an Order composed or people of deep spiritual convictions, it is open to all faiths, except no faith. The personal welfare of our members is vital to all of those in the Eastern Star and it is considered a privilege to help another member whenever we can.

Purpose: The stated purposes of the organization are: Charitable, Educational, Fraternal and Scientific; but there is much more to it than that. Dr Rob Morris, the Poet Laureate of Masonry, founded the Order using beautiful and inspiring biblical examples of heroic conduct and moral values. These portray the noble principles which should adorn the personal lives of Eastern Star members. Eastern Star strives to take good people and through uplifting and elevating associations of love and service, and through precept and example, build an Order which is truly dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness.

Projects : Concrete evidence of the charitable nature of the organization as it affects other is the millions of dollars which have been raised within the membership to support national, jurisdictional and local charities. Many Grand Jurisdictions have homes for their senior members.

            Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, and the daughter of Amram and Jochebed. She was a prominent participant in the history of Exodus, and was known as a prophetess. She prophesied before Moses's birth that her parents would give birth to the person who would bring about their people's redemption.

            Miriam is a biblical heroine endowed with many qualities inspiring to young women today, a little girl with protective instinct, who unasked, watched over her baby brother floating in the reeds of the Nile to ensure his safety; and intelligent enough to trick and aristrocratic Egyptian princess into returning baby Moses to his home and into the care of his real mother as nursemaid instead of killing the baby as per Pharaoh's orders. She makes her first appearance in the Bible soon after the birth of Moses. Pharaoh had declared that all newborn male infants had to be killed and Moses' mother did her best to hide him for as long as she could. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. Then Pharaoh's daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her slave girl to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” “Yes, go,” she answered. And the girl went and got the baby's mother. (Exodus 2:3-8)

            Miriam had faith when others did not, despite the adversity of Pharaoh's decree against the first born male children and her brother, Moses, and later against the fast approaching Egyptian army. In fact, so certain was Miriam's faith in her prophesy of victory that she even brought her musical instruments so she could celebrate that victory. In the Passover story, Miriam led the women in grateful song and dance, after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. She took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her, with tambourines and dancing. Miriam, however, incurred the wrath of God when she and Aaron opposed Moses. He cam down in a pillar of cloud and asked them how they dared speak against his prophet. The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them. When the cloud lifted from above the tent, there stood Miriam, leprous, like snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had leprosy. (Numbers 12:9-10) Mosses interceded with God on Miriam's behalf and after 7 days, God healed her. Miriam died at Kadesh during the second encampment at that place before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. 

      On September 8, 2003 seven ladies came together under Aaron Lodge #509 to create Marium #599. These seven, focused young women were Phyllis Shepherd, Tamieka Johnson, Norita Persaud, Bridgette Dilbert, Sherita Wilson (Abram), Lili Ortiz, and Rosa James.  The brothers from Aaron #509 handpicked the first group of ladies, envisioning a young chapter of women to be their Lodge Sisters. By 2004 only 2 of the 7 original members remained.

      In July of 2004, Karla Hammond was appointed Worthy Matron, and thus started a new beginning for Marium.