Marc Strong

PRAIRIE CITY – Marc Strong of Prairie City recently was named Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter, Oregon Order of the Eastern Star.

Strong is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Esther Chapter 11 in Baker City, a Master Mason of Blue Mountain Lodge 34 in Baker City, a 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason and an Al Kader Shriner.

He was elected two years ago to be in the Grand Line (statewide officers) of the Grand Chapter of Oregon Order of the Eastern Star. He received the Worthy Grand Patron title last June at the organization’s annual meeting in Pendleton.

Order of the Eastern Star is a fraternal and social organization dedicated to charity, truth and loving kindness. Both men and women are welcome to join.

Although not a part of the Masonic fraternity, membership in Eastern Star is based on a Masonic affiliation or relationship, a belief in God and a desire toward self-improvement and knowledge acquisition.

Local Eastern Star chapters select charities within their own communities. Some statewide projects the organization has undertaken include cancer research, scholarships for ministerial students, general youth scholarships and supporting homes for aged members. Order of the Eastern Star also holds frequent formal events and ceremonies.

According to Strong, Grand Line officers are required to travel as they support the statewide organization, which has about 7,300 members in roughly 90 locations. Strong said that he has traveled about 85,000 miles in his two years of voluntary service thus far. He anticipates logging in about 50,000 more miles and 1,300-1,400 hours for the group by next June.

He added that “all line officers try to better the organization from their efforts,” with most formulating a project toward that goal.

For his project, Strong chose a raffle, with the prizes to be automotive-related – a four-wheeler, tires and gas cards. With the proceeds, Strong said he plans to help out the Shriners Hospital Transportation Fund, as well as support cancer research in Oregon. See the sidebar for details on the raffle.

Strong said that Eastern Star has donated over $1.4 million for cancer research to Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.

“All of the monies donated to this organization benefit people in many Oregon communities. All of our donations stay here in Oregon for charities we choose to support,” Strong added.