Rancho Bernardo woman becomes an Eastern Star state officer

Longtime Rancho Bernardo resident Divona Roy became affiliated with Eastern Star as a young girl due to her membership in its youth programs and her mother being a member.

Decades later, Roy has been selected to be a state officer in the philanthropic fraternal organization.

“I was surprised to be asked,” Roy said when tapped to be named Grand Martha of the Order of the Eastern Star of California. She was installed for a one-year term during the organization’s 151st statewide convention in Visalia on Oct. 18.

“Divona is a dedicated member of our Order, who has also been a leader in her community for many years,” said state leader Teri Baughman, Worthy Grand Matron. “I was thrilled when she agreed to serve our state this year.”

The office of Grand Martha means lots of travel for Roy as she visits the more than 4,000 members in the 100-plus chapters across the state, especially to meet with all of the chapter Grand Marthas to work on philanthropic projects.

“I am looking forward to meeting the members of California as we travel the state this year, “ Roy said. “The Order of the Eastern Star of California supports many worthwhile causes, and part of my responsibility will be to spread the word about the great work done by our Order.”

Two of its projects are especially near to Roy’s heart. They are Brady’s Fund, which provides ballistic jackets for police dogs, and Eastern Star’s scholarship program that provides funds not only for high school students so they can attend college, but to non-traditional college students. It also provides money for members’ piano lessons since music is an important part of their meetings, she said.

Other philanthropic endeavors include raising money for Alzheimer’s and regenerative medical research, and operating a senior care facility for members and non-members in Yorba Linda.

As for what a Grand Martha is, Roy said it is one of 18 officer positions. The organization’s operating principles are based on the strengths and truths of five Biblical heroines. Three are from the Old Testament — Adah (who represents obedience and is symbolized by the color blue), Ruth (religious principles, yellow) and Esther (loyalty, white). From the New Testament are Martha (endurance in trial, green) and Electa (endurance of persecution, red). Electa, she said, is a name created for the “elect lady” in 2 John.

Being selected for Grand Martha was especially meaningful for Roy since Martha’s color is green — the same as that for Poway High, where Roy taught English for 37 years before retiring in 2021.

The Order of Eastern Star was formed in 1850 by Rob Morris, who was a Freemason, and the order became associated with the Masonic Fraternity in 1873.

While it has a Biblical foundation, Roy said those of any religious affiliation may join as long as they believe in “a higher power.” Therefore, while many of its members are Christians, there are also Jewish and Muslim members, for example. Women and men can join.

Roy said her involvement began as a youth, when she joined Rainbow Girls and later Job’s Daughters chapters in San Diego. For a while, her mother was the youth groups’ adviser and her mother’s Eastern Star chapter was their sponsor.

“I grew up in San Diego. We lived in Mission Village, overlooking the stadium,” she said.

It was that early exposure to Eastern Star as its members joined the girls during fundraisers, that she credited with wanting to join their ranks as an adult. They also had the girls visit elderly Eastern Star members who were shut-ins and bake treats for them.

“(Members) would also play the piano for us at meetings,” Roy recalled.

Roy joined the Order of Eastern Star 46 years ago.

“I met all kinds of people who had really good values, were positive, would do things in the community and wanted to grow and develop themselves,” Roy said. “They also had a lot of social gatherings.”

While raising her two children with husband, Norm, limited Roy’s availability to be active during the early years, around 20 years ago she joined the Escondido Chapter (the closest to the RB, where she has lived since 1996) and increased her involvement. Over the years she has been the chapter’s leader twice.

For more information about California’s Order of the Eastern Star, its local chapters, membership, or how to apply for scholarships or contribute to its several funds, visit oescal.org.