Aspara Chapter #43 was established June 15, 1973 in the Oakland area. They are a chapter of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Adoption International Jurisdiction, Inc.
The following excerpt is taken from the Internet “About Order of the Eastern Star”
“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 principles exemplified in our lives which makes us near and dear to each other.
While this is an Order composed of 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.
Purposes: 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 the 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.”
The original members of Aspara # 43 were Sister Harriet Jones, Sister Mae Harper, Sister Annie Townsend, Sister Elizabeth Townsend, Sister Ethel Townsend , Sister Deloris Townsend, Sister Barbara Artist, Sister Vernetta Diggs, Sister Nazarine Williams, Sister Catherine Jones, Brother Roosevelt Jones, Sister Geraldine Townsend, Sister Jacquelyn Williams and Sister Mary Pritchard.
Their meetings were held in the Odd Fellows Hall located on highway 10 on Birch Lane. This was an ancient building and in a state of disrepair. However, Saunders Supply Company provided materials for an upgrade to assist them until they could find a new place to meet. In 1995 they moved into the old Masonic Lodge # 53 building adjacent to Saunders Supply which now houses Masonic Lodge # 7 and Aspara # 43.
Social Services would provide them names of families that needed support and in turn they provided food and clothing for them. During Christmas and Thanksgiving they would pull names from the Angel Trees for support from the Order. They volunteer with the local volunteer fire department to assist during the fish fry events. They also provide scholarships for local students to attend various colleges across many states. As a charity organization they strive to give help wherever it is needed.