Paso Robles representative to co-head statewide Order of the Eastern Star meeting
Statewide meeting will include leadership installation and public sessions
– Melvin Perez Jr. of Paso Robles will co-lead the 151st annual session of the Grand Chapter of California, Order of the Eastern Star, scheduled for Oct. 15 through Oct. 18 at the Visalia Convention Center.
Perez, who serves as the state’s Worthy Grand Patron, will preside alongside Worthy Grand Matron Alice Raymond of Costa Mesa. The theme for this year’s session is “Oh, The Places You’ve Been.”
The annual session brings together members from across California and other states for four days of meetings and events. “We look forward to the true spirit of hospitality and hope our members take with them the memory of inspiring friendship and fraternal fellowship,” said Raymond.
Perez said special guests will include high-ranking dignitaries from other jurisdictions, as well as California General Grand Chapter Committee members, General Grand Chapter Officers, and visiting Grand Jurisdiction guests.
Founded in 1895, the Order of the Eastern Star is the world’s largest fraternal organization that admits both women and men. The organization supports leadership, charitable services, and financial aid, including scholarships. Its guiding principles are based on five Biblical heroines. Women are eligible for membership, while men must belong to the Masonic Order.
The California Grand Chapter is divided into 31 districts, each with multiple local chapters. The state has more than 10,000 members across more than 100 chapters.
An open installation of the 2026 Grand Officers will close the event on Saturday evening. Teri Baughman of Loomis will be installed as Worthy Grand Matron, and Will McQuater of Riverside will be installed as Worthy Grand Patron.
Public events include the informal opening session on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and the Masonic Youth Session and Grand Installation on Saturday, Oct. 18. Registration is not required to attend these sessions.
“Our core purpose is to provide insight and understanding, while fostering community and demonstrating the values of charity, truth and loving-kindness,” said Raymond. “We have seen our members teach these values over and over as we traversed our great state this year. Our year has been filled with new ideas and updated traditions. It has been an honor to serve with and for our Order, and we look forward to seeing everyone at Grand Chapter in October.”
The California Order of the Eastern Star raises money annually for causes such as scholarships, Alzheimer’s and regenerative medicine research, and Brady’s K9 Fund, which provides ballistic vests for police and service dogs. The organization also operates a senior care facility in Yorba Linda for members and non-members.
For more information about the Order of the Eastern Star, local chapters, scholarships, or donation opportunities, visit oescal.org
or email California Grand Chapter Secretary Tammy Kinzy at gsecretary@oescal.org.
