Barbara E. Adams Ritualistic Excellence Award Program
Funding Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Barbara E. Adams Ritualistic Excellence Award Program
Funder: Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, Order of the Eastern Star
Overview: Recognition program honoring members of the Order of the Eastern Star who demonstrate excellence in ritualistic work. Participants are tested on specific ritual work and recognized for achieving high scores.
- Participants: Any Sister or Brother may take the test
- Encouraged: Those who have served or are serving as Conductress or Worthy Patron
- Award Criteria: Recognition given to those scoring 90% or better
Eligibility
Testing Categories
Sisters: Tested on Conductress' Ritual work (pages 58-76)
Brothers: Tested on Obligation (bottom of page 57 to page 59)
- All Participants: Certificate for effort
- 90%+ Scorers: Certificate, Pin from Worthy Grand Matron, recognition at Grand Chapter Session in June 2026
Awards & Recognition
- Proficiency
- Demeanor
- Emotion and feeling for the work
Judging Criteria
- Use 2009 version of Ritual or new Ritual
- Use latest Standard Floor Work
- Sisters may wear street length dresses or formal white attire
- Brothers may wear business or formal attire
- Bring Ritual to testing (one judge will mark errors in pencil)
- May have ONE observer of their choice in testing room
- Participants asked not to discuss experience with others to ensure fairness
Requirements for Participants
- Entry Form
- Scoring Sheet (general)
- Scoring Sheet for Obligation
- Copy of scoring sheet sent to each participant with testing appointment information
Resources Available
- Email: gs@paoes.org
- Phone: 717-361-5203
- Address: 105 Freemason Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Contact Information
Grand Chapter Main Contact:How to Apply
Application Process
1. Complete Entry Form
- Fill in and submit entry form online, OR
- Print and submit by mail
2. Form Submission
- Online Submission Requirements:
- Adobe 9.0 or newer required
- Some browsers open file in Word format (Submit button will NOT work)
- Download form and open with Adobe for proper submission
- Alternatively, copy file and submit as email
- Deadline: Submit before testing deadline (deadline date not specified in provided text)
3. Receive Testing Information
- Receive testing appointment information
- Receive copy of scoring sheet for your category
- Study appropriate pages in Ritual
4. Prepare for Testing
- Review Conductress' Ritual work (pages 58-76 for Sisters) or Obligation (pages 57-59 for Brothers)
- Arrange for observer if desired (one person maximum)
- Prepare appropriate attire
- Bring Ritual to testing
5. Testing Day
- Present ritualistic work before panel of judges
- Work will be marked for errors
- Avoid discussing experience with others after completion
6. Results and Recognition
- Scoring sheet provided after testing
- Notification of score
- If 90%+: Certificate and Pin awarded; recognition at Grand Chapter Session (typically June)
- If below 90%: Certificate awarded for participation
- Completed Entry Form
- Ritual (2009 version or new Ritual)
- Latest Standard Floor Work materials
Required Materials
- Form Technical Issues: If experiencing difficulty, print and mail form instead of submitting online
- Adobe Format Issue: Ensure form opens in Adobe, not Word
- Observer: One observer of choice allowed in testing room
- Confidentiality: Requested not to discuss testing experience with others
Important Notes
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