EASTERN STAR LODGE #1 I.O.O.F. PICTOU - N.S.
OUR HISTORY
It was the time of the Crimean War. During this time of Pictou’s history we were a very busy seaport involved in shipbuilding and much more. To be exact that date was June 29th 1854, when Eastern Star Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows was instituted at Pictou, Nova Scotia. It is now No. 1 on the registry of the present Grand Lodge of the Maritime Provinces and has a proud distinction of being the oldest Lodge in the order of the maritime jurisdiction, and one of the oldest lodges in Canada. Starting out the Lodge was not as strong as some, but to quote the orders historian, good work was done. This was shown during the severe winter of 1866 When the Lodge organized and operated an extensive charitable work which provided food and clothing for numbers of people not connected with the order. As a result public sympathy was awakened for Oddfellowship, and the order became firmly established in the community. Today Eastern Star is still hard at work. We enjoy helping in the community and the fellowship when we meet in our Lodge. On June, 29, 2004 Eastern Star celebrated its 150th anniversary
WHAT WE DO
We work to raise funds for the diffusion of benevolence and charity. Our organization's focus is to help community organizations and people in Pictou, but we also support charitable organizations that work in our province, country and around the world. We have had major fundraisers such as in 1999 when Eastern Star made a five year commitment to raise $2.500.00 for the ship Hector "Come on Board" campaign. No need is too great or small, and we help many organizations by donating funds in their humanitarian efforts. We donate thousands every year to people and organizations who work to better the world for all.
