Order of Rainbow for Girls

 

The Order of Rainbow for Girls was founded in 1922 in McAlester, Oklahoma as a fraternal and social club for girls, aged 13—20, related to members of Masonic lodges  or to members of the Order of the Eastern Star. It operates principally in the United States, but also in Australia, Canada, Guam, Mexico, and the Philippines. There were 1.1 million members in 1994.

The Order of Rainbow for Girls clearly illustrates the extent to which Christianity influences Adoptive Masonry. It was founded by a clergyman, the Reverend Mark W. Sexton, the rituals are based on the ninth chapter of Genesis, and Sister Faith, one of the officers, advises candidates that “The Altar is the most sacred place in our Assembly Room. Upon it rests the Holy Bible, symbol of white light, from which we derive strength to sustain us through life.” During the initiation ritual, the Bible is opened so that “its White Light may penetrate the heart of every member of this Assembly.” A hymn entitled “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” is sung, and three girls are chosen to represent Faith, Hope, and Charity.

There are two degrees, the Initiatory and the Grand Cross of Color. The colors of the rainbow are said to symbolize life, religion, nature, immortality, fidelity, 2atrotism, and virtue, and to derive from the White Light of the Bible. Introducing a more worldly note, the initiate is portrayed as traveling to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, as she progresses around the seven stations that symbolize the colors and their attributes. At the station of Charity, she is shown a pot of gold, which also contains a Bible and a miniature lambskin Masonic apron. Reverting to Christianity, the Mother Advisor counsels the initiate to keep a Bible beside her bed at night, open to the ninth chapter of Genesis, which contains the story of the Flood, and the rainbow.

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