Barbara E. Adams Ritualistic Excellence Award Program

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.

Eligibility

• 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

Testing Categories

Sisters: Tested on Conductress' Ritual work (pages 58-76)

• Taking Candidate to Altar
• Having Candidate kneel
• Picking up Small Bible
• Giving Secret Work at Altar prior to Obligation
• After Obligation: taking Candidate to each Star Point
• Addressing Star Point and giving speeches
• Weaving the Labyrinth
• Ending with speech to Worthy Patron (page 76)

Brothers: Tested on Obligation (bottom of page 57 to page 59)

• Returning to East
• Seating the Chapter

Awards & Recognition

• All Participants: Certificate for effort
• 90%+ Scorers: Certificate, Pin from Worthy Grand Matron, recognition at Grand Chapter Session in June 2026

Judging Criteria

• Proficiency
• Demeanor
• Emotion and feeling for the work

Requirements for Participants

• 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

Resources Available

• Entry Form
• Scoring Sheet (general)
• Scoring Sheet for Obligation
• Copy of scoring sheet sent to each participant with testing appointment information

Contact Information

Grand Chapter Main Contact:

• Email: gs@paoes.org
• Phone: 717-361-5203
• Address: 105 Freemason Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

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

Required Materials

• Completed Entry Form
• Ritual (2009 version or new Ritual)
• Latest Standard Floor Work materials

Important Notes

• 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