Order of the Rainbow for Girls
Initiation

 
1948

Opening of assembly
Drill Leader and Musician, followed by Mother Advisor, enter the Assembly Room from West, marching in triangular formation along South side of hall until they pass the station of Hope, then turn North to center of room, East of the Altar, thence directly to the East; here the Drill Leader and Musician separate and bow to the Mother Advisor, who returns the bow and ascends the dais. Then Drill Leader and Musician assume their respective stations. During the opening, closing, initiation, installation, introduction, balloting, presentation of Flag; or at any time when floor work of any kind is being performed, the Musician should play a march appropriate to the work. All floor work should be accompanied by music.
The Mother Advisor shall plan the line of march, as best suited to the Assembly room, using the following line-up of officers:
South
1. Drill Leader.
2. Recorder.
3. Hope.
4. Love (Red).
5. Religion (Orange).
6. Nature (Yellow).
7. Immortality (Green).
8. Confidential Observer.
 
North
1. Faith.
2. Treasurer.
3. Charity.
4. Chaplain.
5. Service (Violet).
6. Patriotism (Indigo).
7. Fidelity (Blue).
8. Outer Observer.
9. Worthy Associate Advisor.
Mother Advisor: “All persons not members in good standing of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, the Order of the Eastern Star, or the Masonic Lodge, will please retire.”
Mother Advisor: “Sister Drill Leader, you will invite the choir to enter the Assembly Room.” Drill Leader goes to door where choir is stationed.
Drill Leader: “By order of the Mother Advisor of this Assembly, the choir will enter the Assembly Room.” Choir enters singing.
Mother Advisor: “Sister Drill Leader, you will invite the officers of this Assembly to enter the Assembly Room.”
Some suitable march is played, and the Drill Leader goes to the door where officers are stationed.
Drill Leader: “By order of the Mother Advisor of this Assembly, the officers will enter the Assembly Room.”
Some suitable march is played, and the officers enter the Assembly Room, following the Drill Leader. When march is over, the Mother Advisor will address the Drill Leader.
Mother Advisor: “Sister Drill Leader, you will conduct the Worthy Advisor to her station.” Drill Leader conducts the Worthy Advisor to her station. The Mother Advisor remains at her station by the side of the Worthy Advisor throughout the entire meeting of the Assembly whether for initiation or the transaction of business.
Worthy Advisor: “Officers, assume your proper stations.”
When all officers have reached their stations, the Worthy Advisor will seat them and proceed as follows: “Sister Confidential Observer.”
Confidential Observer, on being addressed, rises.
Confidential Observer: “Worthy Advisor.”
Worthy Advisor: “Inform the Sister Outer Observer that the doors are now to be closed and the Assembly will begin its study oi True Womanhood.”
Confidential Observer closes the door to the preparation room, returns to the outer door and reports: “Sister Outer Observer, the doors of this Assembly are now to be closed and the Assembly will begin its lessons of True Womanhood. You will guard against all who cannot make themselves known by our secret signs and passwords.” Confidential Observer closes the door, raps three times and is answered by Outer Observer giving four raps.
Confidential Observer: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister Drill Leader, you will present our Flag in the East.” Gives three raps, calls Assembly up.
Drill Leader marches West, thence North, thence East, observing square corners, to the position of the Flag, at Station of Patriotism, gives slight bow, secures the Flag, holding it free and aloft with both hands, right hand above on staff, carrying the Flag directly in front of her body, and at a slight angle, presents it in the East, at right of Worthy Advisor.
Worthy Advisor: “Sisters, you will join with me in giving the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Pledge
 
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sing one verse of ‘America.
During this singing, the Drill Leader will retire the Flag to the Station of Patriotism.
Worthy Advisor: “Sisters Hope and Charity.” Hope and Charity rise on being addressed, march straight to Altar and face the East.
Worthy Advisor: “Sisters Hope and Charity, you will approach the East and receive the Secret Word.”
Charity will leave Altar and advance to the East from her side of the Assembly Room, and Hope will advance to the East from her side of the Assembly Room, observing square corners. When on a level with the Worthy Advisor, they face West.
The Worthy Advisor will communicate the Secret Word to them, then they will return to Altar for further instruction.
Worthy Advisor: “You will satisfy yourselves that all present are members of this Assembly, or some regular Assembly. Visiting members must be vouched for by some member of the Assembly.”
Hope and Charity advance to West and proceed as instructed.
If Master Mason or an Eastern Star is present, Sister of Charity, after she and Hope have reached the West, facing East, may ask: “Will all Master Masons and Eastern Stars please rise ?“
Sister of Charity: “Mother Advisor, is there anyone present who will vouch for this guest (or guests)?”
When Master Masons and members of the Eastern Star have been properly vouched for, Sisters Charity and Hope proceed to take up the “Word” beginning their work in the North and South of the Worthy Associate Advisor’s station, and advancing toward the Worthy Advisor’s station, each on her respective side of the Assembly Room. Officers are not required to give the password. Hope and Charity must approach each member to receive the “Word.” As each member is approached, she will rise and give the password. If a member fails to give the password, but is known to be a member in good standing and can be vouched for, Sister Hope or Charity will report facing the Worthy Advisor’s station: “Worthy Advisor, a sister is present without the password.”
Worthy Advisor: “You will conduct her to the station of the Worthy Associate Advisor where the password will be communicated to her.”
Sister Charity or Hope will accompany the member to the station of the Worthy Associate Advisor, and after she receives the “Word” which she will communicate to Rope or Charity, she will be conducted to her seat.
After the “Word” has been taken from all members, Hope and Charity return to the East, communicate the “Word” to the Worthy Advisor and then return to the Altar.
Sister of Charity: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command, and find all present entitled to be with us in our deliberations.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sisters Hope and Charity, since the Secret Word has safely arrived in the East, and all are entitled to be with us in our deliberations, you will give the sign of Rainbow and retire to your respective stations.”
Hope and Charity assume their stations. Worthy Advisor always remains standing until her command has been obeyed.
Worthy Advisor: “Members of the Masonic Fraternity and members of the Order of the Eastern Star, we are delighted to have you with us in our deliberations. It is because of the organization which you represent and because of the interest in the girlhood of our country that we have this Assembly. You are an inspiration and a help. We extend to you a cordial invitation to be present at all of our meetings.”
Note: If there are present Masons and Eastern Stars not accustomed to attending Assembly, if they have been properly vouched for, the Worthy Advisor may say, “All Masons and Eastern Stars, who are visiting for the first time, will please rise. You will raise your right hand and repeat after me, ‘I promise upon my honor that I will never reveal any of the secrets of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and that the cause of this Order shall have my earnest support’.” Worthy Advisor then seats them. “As sponsors of this organization, you are entitled to know the sign of Rainbow which I shall now give you. (Gives Sign. On entering and leaving the Assembly while in session, you should advance in front of the Worthy Associate Advisor’s station, facing the East, give the sign of Rainbow. This will be answered by the same sign from the Worthy Advisor, which gives you permission to be seated, or retire. You should also respond to all raps of the gavel.”
Worthy Advisor: “Worthy Associate Advisor.”
Worthy Associate Advisor, rises: “Worthy Advisor, I beg to serve you.”
Worthy Advisor: “Be advised, and through you, the Sister of Faith, who is seated near the Altar, the Sister of Hope, who is seated in the South, and the Sister of Charity who is seated in the North, that this Assembly of the Order of the Rainbow is about to be opened.”
Worthy Associate Advisor gives two raps, all officers stand.
Worthy Associate Advisor: “Sister of Faith, what does your station represent?”
Faith faces South and looks at the Worthy Associate Advisor.
Sister of Faith: “An inward acceptance of the Word of God.”
Worthy Associate Advisor: “Why is your station near the Altar?”
Faith looks at Bible on Altar.
Sister of Faith: “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.” Faith faces East.
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “Sister of Hope, what does your station represent?”
Sister of Hope: “The sun.”
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “What is the hour ?“
Sister of Hope: “The noon day, when the sun’s rays are the brightest.”
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “What is its meaning?”
Sister of Hope: “The light, the Bright Light, should always shine on our pathway.”
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “Sister of Charity, what does your station represent?”
Sister of Charity: “In olden times, a place of darkness.”
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “What does your station represent at this hour?”
Sister of Charity: “The Rainbow on the fringe of the clouds.”
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “What is its meaning?”
Sister of Charity: “That even while the sun is shining brightest, the storms of life will come; but through the storms will come the White Light of Promise, and after the storm, the Victory.”
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “Sister of Charity, be pleased to advise the members of this Assembly, by order of the Worthy Advisor, that the Assembly is about to be opened for any business that may come regularly before it.”
Sister of Charity gives three raps, calls Assembly up: “Sisters, this Assembly is about to be opened. Through prayer comes countless blessings. Let us face the Worthy Advisor and then bow our heads in prayer.”
All members face the Worthy Advisor, under the sign of the Rainbow, and then bow their heads in prayer.
Chaplain: “Our Father, we pray Thy blessings to rest upon the members of this Assembly, and upon our homes. In all our deliberations may we ever keep in mind gentleness and kindness, chief characteristics of womankind. May we endeavor to exemplify these virtues in our lives, and reconsecrate and rededicate ourselves anew to Thee. Bless the Girlhood of our Nation; may it feel and know its responsibilities and especially may it have Thy divine guidance through the early years of life. Bless, we pray Thee, the great Masonic Fraternity; bless the Order of the Eastern Star; bless our Masonic home at .... and the children therein; keep us from evil; teach us reverence, teach us to give to Thee each day a portion of our time. Then we shall have Victory, and praise Thee forever. Amen.”
Response by All: “Lord, help us to keep our promise.
Worthy Advisor gives one rap of the gavel and all are seated.
Worthy Advisor: “Worthy Associate Advisor, what is the symbol of this Assembly?”
Worthy Asso. Adv., rises on being addressed: “The Rainbow in the heavens spanning from the North to the South.”
Worthy Advisor: “What does it symbolize?”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “The ancient promise of God to His people that He will never again destroy the world.”
Worthy Advisor: “What does it further symbolize?”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “That out of every trial and temptation through which Girlhood may pass, there shall come a Rainbow of Promise and Victory.”
Worthy Advisor: “What are its rays?”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.”
Worthy Advisor: “Whence do they originate?”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “From the great source of the White Light, which is symbolized in our Assembly by the Holy Bible.”
Worthy Advisor: “By what color do we designate the Holy Bible?”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “It is white, the virgin color.”
Worthy Advisor: “What does it represent?”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “It is the symbol of True Womanhood.”
Worthy Advisor: “Be pleased to order the Holy Bible opened that its White Light may penetrate the heart of every member of this Assembly.”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Sister of Charity, by order of the Worthy Advisor, be pleased to order the Holy Bible opened that its White Light may penetrate the heart of every member of this Assembly.”
Sister of Charity: “Sister of Hope, by order of the Worthy Advisor, you will open the Holy Bible on our Altar.”
Hope gives three raps, goes North to the Altar, turns facing the East, with both hands opens the Bible at Ezekiel 1:28, places jewel upon open Book on lower side of right page, gives sign of Rainbow, steps back one step on right foot, turns facing South and walks slowly back to her seat. Soft music should be played during this service.
Sister of Hope: “Sister of Charity, the order of the Worthy Advisor has been obeyed.”
Sister of Charity: “Worthy Associate Advisor, the order of the Worthy Advisor has been obeyed.”
Worthy Asso. Advisor: “Worthy Advisor, your order has been obeyed.”
Worthy Advisor: “By authority of the Supreme Assembly of the Order of the Rainbow for Girls, I declare this Assembly duly opened. Sister Confidential Observer, you will be pleased to inform the Outer Observer that this Assembly is now open for any business that may come regularly before it.”
Confidential Observer goes to the door— gives three raps, is answered by four raps from Outer Observer. Confidential Observer opens the door and says: “Sister Outer Observer, by order of the Worthy Advisor, this Assembly is now open for its deliberations; you will admit none but those who are duly qualified and have permission from the Worthy Advisor.” Closes the door and gives three raps, Outer Observer answers with four raps, returns to station and reports: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor seats Assembly with one trap of the gavel.
 
Order of Business
For Regular Meetings
 
1. Opening of Assembly.
2. Introduction of Visitors.
3. Read Minutes of Previous Meeting.
4. Unfinished Business.
5. New Business.
6. Miscellaneous Business.
7. Receiving Petitions.
8. Balloting.
9. Conferring Degrees.
10. Good of the Order.
Formal Closing.
 
 
Initiation
 
Raps at the door are always given when door is opened and closed. Lights must never be dimmed.
Worthy Advisor: “Sister Recorder, have we conferring of degrees?”
Recorder: “Worthy Advisor  ... has been elected to receive the degrees.” Recorder will read the names and relationship.
Worthy Advisor: “Worthy Associate Advisor, be pleased to see if our candidate (or candidates) awaits (or await) admission.”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Sister Drill Leader,, you will ascertain if any one awaits admission.” Drill Leader repairs to the door where candidate is in waiting. Confidential Observer giving three raps, opens the door and Drill Leader inquires of the Outer Observer: “Who seeks admission to this Assembly?”
Outer Observer: “..., who is a daughter of a Master Mason, and, of her own free will, would be pleased to join the members of this Assembly in their vows.”
 If not the daughter of a Mason, but a daughter of an Eastern Star, omit the word “Mason” and say instead, “Daughter of an Eastern Star.” Should she be neither, simply say, “Who is a girl friend of ..., who is a Rainbow Girl.”
Drill Leader: “It is well, she will wait until her wish is made known to the Worthy Advisor.”
Confidential Observer closes the door and Drill Leader approaches the Station of Worthy Associate Advisor.
Drill Leader: “Worthy Associate Advisor, ... is in waiting to receive initiation at our hands. She is desirous of beginning her first lesson in our Assembly in order that she may be clothed with our secrets and understand the symbol of True Womanhood. She is a daughter of a Master Mason and comes properly recommended.” Drill Leader faces East, steps slightly to right.
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Worthy Advisor, ... is in waiting to receive initiation at our hands. She comes properly recommended and is desirous of beginning her first lesson in our Assembly, in order that she ma be clothed with our secrets and understand the symbol of True Womanhood.”
As Worthy Advisor speaks to Drill Leader, Worthy Associate Advisor is seated.
Worthy Advisor: “Sister Drill Leader, you will retire and conduct the candidate to the door of the preparation room.”
Drill Leader steps slightly to left, gives sign and retires, conducts candidate to inner door, gives four raps, and awaits response. Faith rises.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, there is an alarm at the door of the preparation room.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, you will go at once to the room of preparation beyond the inner door where you will find ... in waiting to receive initiation at our hands. You will question her as to her purpose, and the reason why she seeks admission. You will remind her that all who enter here must devote themselves to a life of Service.”
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, your wish is supreme.”
Sister of Faith turns to the left, marches West to the door of preparation room, responds with three raps, opens the door and stands in door saying: “Sister of the Outer World, I am Faith; I come to be your conductress. I represent that period in the life of Girlhood when all the world is bright and cheerful, and I will go with you on your journey throughout this initiation, and thence throughout life that you may have faith in God, in Man, in Woman, in Everybody, and in every righteous thing. What seek you here?”
Ill. Leader, answering for Candidate: “Like all others in the Outer World, she would know her Creator better, and she believes she will find that Way here.”
Sister of Faith: “You will wait in silence until the officers and members of our Assembly have been informed of your purpose in coming, and, if agreeable, you may enter. Yet remember that they who enter here and take our vows, enter a life of active service.
Sister of Faith, closing the door, returns to her station and reports to the Worthy Advisor: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed you; I have questioned ... as to the purpose of her coming, and I find it to be a worthy one. She, like all others, would know her Creator better, and she believes she will find that Way here. She has been reminded that ours is a life of Service.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith you will receive ... and conduct her on her way.”
Sister of Faith takes charge of the candidate, conducts her just inside the inner door, causes her to face the North, while Faith faces South. Drill Leader closes door and stands in line with candidate, returning to her station as Faith starts with candidate.
Sister of Faith: “..., I receive you under the sign of Secrecy ... Ever be reminded that our deliberations must be hidden from the profane. What you see and hear in this Assembly room is secret.”
At this time the choir sings, “My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” or other appropriate song. Faith takes left arm of candidate, they face East and remain standing in this position until the song is finished. All the way through the work Faith directs the candidate to give all the signs and passes. If only one candidate, Drill Leader returns to her station by going South, thence East. If there are several candidates, Drill Leader will form them in pairs, her position on the right of the last candidate, taking her right arm follows Faith throughout the floor work until after the OBLIGATION, Faith conducts candidate once around the Assembly Room, the second time around stopping at the Station of the Sister of Hope. Sister of Hope rises. Faith and candidate face Hope.
Sister of Hope: “Sister of Faith, what seek you?”
Sister of Faith: “Permission of the Sister of Hope to pass by.”
Sister of Hope: “Permission is granted to travel to the Station of the Sister of Charity.”
Sister of Hope is seated, and Sister of Faith, with the candidate, passes to the Station of the Sister of Charity. Sister of Charity rises.
Sister of Charity: “Sister of Faith, what seek you?”
Sister of Faith: “Permission of the Sister of Charity to pass by.”
Sister of Charity: “Permission is granted to travel to the station of the Worthy Associate Advisor.”
Sister of Charity is seated. Sister of Faith conducts the candidate to the Worthy Associate Advisor. Worthy Associate Advisor rises.
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Sister of Faith, what seek you?”
Sister of Faith: “Permission of the Worthy Associate Advisor to pass by.”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Sister of Faith, I can grant that permission only on condition that you tell me whither you are traveling.”
Sister of Faith: “We travel in search of a Pot of Gold which an ancient tradition says is at the end of the rainbow.”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Your search is laudable, and you have my permission to pass to the Worthy Advisor in the East who will direct you on your way.”
Worthy Associate Advisor is seated. Sister of Faith conducts the candidate to the Worthy Advisor, placing candidate in position in front of the Worthy Advisor. If Class of several a bow may be formed with Faith at North end of line and Drill Leader at South end of line, facing the East.
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, what seek you?”
Sister of Faith: “We are searching for a Pot of Cold which an ancient tradition says is at the end of the rainbow, and we have, permission from the Worthy Associate Advisor to approach the East, that you may help us on our way.”
Worthy Advisor: “My friend, before you proceed on your journey, it will be necessary for you to take upon yourself solemn pledges. Do you promise to obey the laws of this Assembly, being assured they will in no way conflict with those imposed on True Womanhood?”
Candidate: “I do.”
Worthy Advisor: “As a daughter of a Master Mason will you with God’s help always be true to the obligations of this Assembly, and under no circumstances violate the vows you make here or reveal any of its secrets?”
Candidate: “I will.”
Worthy Advisor: “Will you help make your own home and your town a kinder and gentler place in which to live, remembering that meekness and gentleness are those virtues which woman can most effectually use?”
Candidate: “I will.”
Song, any appropriate hymn.
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, you will travel with the candidate to the White Altar of the Holy Promise, and there place her in a kneeling position before her Creator and her friends; cause her to take the Holy Bible and press it to her heart, while in her left palm she holds the symbol of this Assembly. You will heed well her vows.”
Faith with candidate, or candidates, following, in single file, goes in straight line from Station of Worthy Advisor to Station of Hope, thence in a straight line across to the Altar, and causes her to kneel, pressing the Holy Bible to her heart, while in her open left palm, she holds a small jewel representing the colors of the Rainbow. As candidate is being taken to the Altar, choir may sing “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” When candidate is in position, Sister of Faith reports: “Worthy Advisor, the candidate kneels at the White Altar of the Holy Promise.”
Worthy Advisor raps the Assembly up, Worthy Advisor and Chaplain leave their stations and Worthy Advisor stands before the Altar in front of the kneeling candidate, Chaplain will take her place behind the kneeling candidate. If there are other candidates, they will be caused to kneel at Altar with left hand on shoulder of the one in front.
 

Obligation
 
See Secret Work
Worthy Advisor: “All Masons and Eastern Stars please remain standing. All members of the Rainbow please kneel, facing the Altar.”
Chaplain: “Our Father in Heaven, we implore Thy blessings on this sister (or these sisters) at the Altar. We pray Thee to bless each kneeling suppliant before Thee. Give them fully of Thy blessings, Gracious Lord, for they need Thee. Father, these are Thy children and we pray that they may come a little closer to Thee in these ceremonies. Bless all the Girls of America, Gracious Father, at this hour. They have many hard battles to fight, but Thou, our Father, can sustain them through these trials. Give unto them high ideals; may they be reverent and modest before Thee, and the World. Give them power in their homes for righteousness. Make their young lives an inspiration to every member of their family, and to all their friends, that those who shall know them shall be impressed with their lives of obedient service. Go with this sister every step of this initiation, show her that we teach Thy Truth, not only for this moment, but for life eternal. Amen.”
Response by All: “Lord, help us to keep our promise.”
Sister of Faith takes Bible and Jewel from new sister and places them on Altar, then Worthy Advisor extends to the new sister her right hand, saying: “Arise, Sister.”
All arise. Assembly standing, sings softly, “Nearer My God to Thee.”
Worthy Advisor: “On the Altar before you is the Holy Bible. It is the rule of right living for all. Its heroines are those who in the past have stood for the Trinity of Home, Church and Nation, and whose courageous deeds have ever graced the pages of human history. To be a wife, mother, sister or daughter, and to honor these stations, has ever been the mission of True Woman. Those who are regarded highest today, have round their greatest fields of service under one of these sacred names. Speak lightly or irreverently of none of them for they are the crown on the head of Womanhood. I bid you Godspeed in your travel, and beg you to heed the words of the Sisters of Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism and Service being assured as you hear their words of admonition that they have been culled from the treasure house of all the ages and those who will be guided by them are wise and they shall be happy and shine like the sun in the firmament.”
Worthy Advisor and Chaplain return to their stations. Worthy Advisor seats Assembly. Faith with candidate, crosses in single file to Station of Charity, thence straight across to the Station of the Worthy Advisor; thus completing the triangle in floor work. She pauses at the Station of Worthy Advisor. If there are additional candidates, Drill Leader will follow the line until they reach the East, then she will go to head of the line and conduct additional candidates, single file, to seats in the North. She will then say: “Girls, when we have more than one candidate, it is our custom to seat all but one girl. She has been selected as your representative. Let your thoughts go with her and may you feel that you, too, have hold of the hand of Faith, as this initiation is for each of you. So heed well the lessons that are given to you here. You may be seated.”
Drill Leader seats additional candidates, taking a seat with them at the East end of the line, as their companion and guide. Worthy Advisor addresses the candidate, who with Faith stands before her station.
Worthy Advisor: “Faith will lead you on. She will teach you to stand firmly in the valley or on the mountain top. She is a girl’s best friend. Sister of Faith, you will conduct our sister to the station represented by the Sister of Love.”
Sister of Faith takes left arm of candidate and conducts her once around room, entering Bow from North, passing back of the Altar to the Station of the Sister of Love. The Sister in the station will rise as Faith enters Bow with candidate.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Love, by order of the Worthy Advisor I present to you this young woman that she may be instructed in her first lesson.” Faith steps back one step with right foot.
At each station Faith stands at left of candidate.
Sister of Love: “My sister, the first station in your travel is called Love, its color is red and I entrust you with this color for safekeeping. Ever since the first ray of light shone into the face of Woman, love has been a silken cord, strong as a chain of steel, binding creation together.
St. John said: ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ And Jesus said, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord the God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.’
“Love is the fulfillment of every law. Love your Father and Mother; love your home and every member of your family and above all love your Creator. Love will open to you the beauty of every virtue. It will help you see in sorrow and bereavement that which you can never see unless you abide in Love. Love cannot die. All else may forsake you, but on the very threshold of death, when every ray of light is about to be extinguished, Love’s ray will linger. My young woman, if you would begin to be immortal even while you live in mortal flesh, remember that Love is of God and when you love, you are like Him. Will you remember this?”
Candidate: “I will.”
Each officer of the Color Stations shall remain standing until her color is attached to the Altar. Faith steps forward with left foot.
Sister of Love: “Take, then, this color, symbol of woman’s love and devotion, and carry it to the Altar of the White Light and lay it thereon.”
After each lecture the candidate accompanied by Sister of Faith takes the color to the Altar and attaches it to the Altar cloth. Sister of Love is seated. Song, some suitable hymn, one verse. After each hymn is sung, Faith at the Altar, reports to the Worthy Advisor and awaits for her command.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, conduct our sister to the station represented by the Sister of Religion.”
Sister of Faith turns to the left, marches to Charity, thence East, South, West, North entering Bow between Station of Faith and Service, to Religion. Sister of Religion rises.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Religion, by order of the Worthy Advisor, I present this young woman that she may be instructed in her second lesson.”
Sister of Religion: “My sister, the second station in your travel is called Religion. Its color is orange, symbolizing the heroic in religion. It resents the practice of those who make religion a form of slavery and encourages those who teach religion as Love and Service. I entrust you with this color for safekeeping’
“Religion is defined in the New Testament by St. James:
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
“It is a life that finds its greatest exemplification in purity of living and in purity of action. Religion is found implanted in the hearts of all people, even though they have not received direct revelation from God. We would impress upon you the beauties of Religion as exemplified by its Great Author, whose life was one of gentleness and kindness. He never brought a tear to the eye, nor an ache to the heart of any one because of any act of His. He was gentle and forgiving. Finding those who were troubled or who had sinned, He forgave them, for He came not to call the righteous but the sinner to repentance. You should be religious. You should be identified with some Church. You cannot fight the battle and win the Victory and have the promise unless you heed well this lesson. Will you heed this lesson?”
Candidate: “I will.”
Sister of Religion: “Take, then, this color and carry it to the Altar of the White Light, and lay it thereon.”
Sister of Religion is seated.
Song, some suitable hymn, one verse.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, conduct our sister to the station represented by the Sister of Nature.”
Sister of Faith conducts the candidate to the Station of Nature. Sister of Nature rises.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Nature, by of. the Worthy Advisor, I present this young woman that she may be instructed in her third lesson.”
Sister of Nature: “My sister, the third station in your travel is called Nature. Its color is yellow and entrust you with this color for safekeeping. It represents Nature when she is in the very height of her glory and the transforming power symbolized by this color, begins her process of turning the landscape into gold. Nature is out-of-doors and you must not forget that a portion of your time belongs there. In the quietness of the field, under the shade of the trees, among the wild flowers that bloom, or where the birds sing their sweetest songs, these must all be made a part of that gentle life of devotion that you are to live. For it is in the freedom of field and out-of-doors away from the crowds that you may commune with God. Get His lessons there, let them be impressed upon your young life. Drink them into the very depths of your soul, for you will need them in the after years of responsibility. Do not let your social activities or any other claim deprive you of the joy of the open field and the out-of-doors. Nature has a great healing power. She has wonderful secrets and she has them for you. Will you try to learn her secrets while in your girlhood?”
Candidate: “I will.”
Sister of Nature: “Take, then, this color and carry it to the Altar of the White Light and lay it thereon.”
Sister of Nature is seated.
Song, some suitable hymn, one verse.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, conduct our sister to the station represented by the Sister of Immortality.”
Sister of Faith conducts the candidate to the station of Immortality. Sister of Immortality rises.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Immortality, by order of the Worthy Advisor, I present this young woman that she may be instructed in her fourth lesson.”
Sister of Immortality: “My sister, the fourth station in your travel is called Immortality. Its color is green and I entrust you with this color for safekeeping. It may seem strange that we should direct your mind to the thought of death, you so young, so fair, your years so tender, every hope and every ambition, just begins to bud and bloom in your life. But, however fair, however hopeful, we would teach you the lesson that death is no respector of persons. It lays its hands upon the flower and tree; it takes the babe and the mother; it regards not youth, nor youth’s ambitions. Death, my young woman, with all its solemnity may come to you, but your soul is immortal. Even though your body may die, you shall live forever. It is well to plan and build and imagine for these are a part of your life. But in the midst of all of them, remember that whatever your plan may be, or whatever fruit it may seem to bear, the wise girl is one who ever remembers that the last enemy is death.
“It was the Master of Life, who said ‘I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.’ Do you begin now to prepare for Life Eternal?”
Candidate: “I do.”
Sister of Immortality: “Take, then, this color and carry it to the Altar of the White Light and lay it thereon.”
Sister of Immortality is seated.
Song, some suitable hymn, one verse.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, conduct our sister to the station represented by the Sister of Fidelity.”
Sister of Faith conducts the candidate to the Station of Fidelity. Sister of Fidelity rises.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Fidelity, by order of the Worthy Advisor, I present this young woman that she may be instructed in her fifth lesson.”
Sister of Fidelity: “My sister, the fifth station in your travel is Fidelity; its color is blue, in all ages the symbol of loyalty. I entrust you with this color for safekeeping. Great confidence has been placed in you by selecting you as a member of this Assembly. Your father, your mother, your girl friends, all have the utmost confidence in you. They believe in your fidelity. Those who have been true to each other and to their work have been the greatest heroes or heroines in all ages. Your word when given should be sacred, and under no circumstances should you ever create distrust by violating it. Fidelity is the greatest manifestation of the strength of human character. Even the plan of the Infinite One, although possessing all power and all authority, involves the individual in whom we may have absolute trust and confidence. For God gave His promise to many like you in the ages past and it was loyalty and faithfulness to Him that has given us our beautiful story of the Christian Religion. If you would lay a foundation for true happiness every day you live, heed the lesson of this station and begin at this moment to be true to every vow. Do you begin that foundation now?”
Candidate: “I do.”
Sister of Fidelity: “Take, then, this color and carry it to the Altar of the White Light and lay it thereon.
Sister of Fidelity is seated.
Song, some suitable hymn, one verse.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, conduct our sister to the station represented by the Sister of Patriotism.”
Sister of Faith conducts the candidate to the Station of Patriotism. Sister of Patriotism rises.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Patriotism, by order of the Worthy Advisor I present this young woman that she may be instructed in her sixth lesson.”
Sister of Patriotism: “My sister, the sixth station in your travel is Patriotism. Its color is indigo and I entrust you with this color for safekeeping. It is an intensified color because it demands even your life on the altar of sacrifice, if need be, for your country. The world is too prone to think, when we speak of the battles fought, that the manhood of the nation must form its first line of defense, but equally strong and true, has always been that line of defense formed by Womankind. Hers is the first battle, and hers is the first victory. It is the sister that kisses the brother good-bye, placing her sweet benediction upon his lips. He marches away under flying colors to the sound of martial strains; but she, in the silence that follows, fights the first battle. Womanhood stands back of the ranks and holds up the Flag at home, for if it were not for Womanhood and the love that is centered in her realm, there would be nothing to incite him to deeds of bravery on the field of battle. At this station you re-dedicate your life to your country and its Flag, the stars and stripes, symbol of American civilization, enlightenment and Liberty. Ever lift your voice in its defense and if, in the years to come, you should be the wife and mother of a home, let the lessons of the Flag be sacred, and let them be taught therein, that whether the future shall have war or peace, it shall have patriotism, for to that program you dedicate your life. Will you be true to your Flag and defend it always?”
Candidate: “I will.”
Sister of Patriotism: “Take, then, this color and carry it to the Altar of the White Light and lay it thereon.”
Sister of Patriotism is seated.
Song, any patriotic hymn, one verse.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, conduct our sister to the station represented by the Sister of Service, that she may be instructed in her seventh lesson.”
Sister of Faith conducts the candidate to the Station of Service. Sister of Service rises.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Service, by order of the Worthy Advisor, I present this young woman that she may be instructed in her seventh lesson.
Sister of Service: “My sister, you have arrived at the seventh station in your travel, that of Service. Its color is violet and I entrust you with this color for safekeeping. It is the only ray of light that has healing power. Learn this lesson early in your life that they who give themselves to service are the crowned queens of every Assembly, not only in this institution, not only to this Assembly, but to every organization with which you shall be identified. In your church, your school, or any social activity, be reminded that it is the service you perform that will turn into pure gold, and for it and it alone, you will receive just recompence of reward. Be of some service each day. Let it grow with you as the days pass. Let it become a part of your movements to and fro, for you can never know the meaning of Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, or Patriotism, until you have offered yourself as a living sacrifice. This very day there is some one you can help. Every day of your life, before the sun goes down, you can find a girl who needs your help. Will you try to make your life one of service?”
Candidate: “I will.”
Sister of Service: “Take, then, this color and carry it to the Altar of the White Light and lay it thereon.”
Sister of Service is seated.
Song, some suitable hymn, one verse.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, I have obeyed your command.”
Faith and candidate remain at the Altar until after the Worthy Advisor gives her address.
Worthy Advisor: “My sister, you have now taken the seven vows representing seven mile-posts in your journey to the end of the rainbow. You stand beside the Altar. On it is the White Light, representing the crystallization of all colors. It will shine on your pathway as you journey on. But remember, my girl, that your success at the end of the journey depends upon you and your own ability to understand and apply the various lessons you have received. Thus far in your travels Faith has been your constant companion. She has led you and spoken for you. As you journey onward, you must, with her aid, depend on yourself, for you can never know the meaning of the treasure without individual effort. Sister of Faith, conduct our sister on her way. She will find it difficult to pass, but a girl never fails if she will hold firmly the hand of Faith. Be of good courage and return. Farewell.”
Sister of Faith takes the candidate, while music is played softly, and marches with her to the Station of the Worthy Associate Advisor; as she marches she says: “I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice ,pf one that spake.”
The Worthy Associate Advisor steps down from her station to the left in front of candidate, placing her hands firmly upon the shoulders of the candidate while speaking.
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “My sister, thus in olden times did God show Himself to His people. Thus did they prostrate themselves before His presence. You seek to find the Pot of Gold; alas, so many do the same, and so few find it because they are unprepared. Since last you passed this station, many have gone by, but few have reached the Station of Hope. I have seen envy, hatred, jealousy, and false pride. I have seen flattery and deceit. All have failed. Between you and the Station of Hope the way is difficult. None but the pure in heart can pass. You, like all others, may have some burden, some distress. You must leave it here. Purify your soul by a new resolve, that with God’s help, every burden may be lifted—remember my girl, you cannot be happy, if you hide some sin in your life. Leave, then, your burden at this station if you would arrive at the Station of Hope.”
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Associate Advisor, I can vouch for this girl. I have heard her vows, she will be true, may we pass?”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Sister of Faith, you may pass.”
Sister of Faith conducts candidate on to the Station of Hope and as she marches she says: “And I saw no Temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb, are the Temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it; for the Glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk m the light of it; and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.”
Stops at the Station of Hope.
Sister of Hope steps to the left from her station, placing her left arm lovingly around the shoulders of candidate and says in encouraging tones: “My sister, Hope always awaits you. On the sunlit hilltops above the valley of doubt, and girls sometimes doubt; in a corner in your heart when the tempter comes; in your conversation when evil words creep in, I am always there. I will never sleep I will never die. I will stand with your mother at your awakening in the morning and pray with her while you sleep at night. Hope drops arm and steps right and back one step. Sister of Faith, conduct our sister once more past the Station of the Worthy Associate Advisor, under the sign of the Rainbow, as a symbol of victory; then to the Station of Charity where she will receive her traditional lecture and be entitled to know the contents of the Pot of Gold.” As Faith and candidate approach the West, the Worthy Associate Advisor will rise. Faith causes candidate to face the Station of Worthy Associate Advisor. Faith then gives the sign of Rainbow. Worthy Associate Advisor responds with the same sign, which gives them permission to pass by.
Sister of Faith: “How abideth Faith, Hope and Charity, these three, but the greatest of these is Charity.”
Stops at Station of Charity. Here Drill Leader joins Faith, with other candidates.
Sister of Faith: “Sister of Charity, by order of the Worthy Advisor I present this young woman that she may be instructed in her final lesson.”
Sister of Charity: “My sister, we now receive you as a member of this Assembly.”
Charity steps down and shakes hand of candidate thus showing a cordial welcome: “I will explain to you our traditional lesson. Ever since you were a little child you have heard the ancient tradition that at the end of the rainbow is a Pot of Gold. Across the plains and over the mountains, where the end of that mystic symbol seemed to touch the bosom of Mother Earth, countless hundreds have gone in search of its hiding place. None have ever discovered the actual spot where the rainbow touches the earth. It always vanishes as the searcher approaches, or its position changes, and it is seen farther on. Those who have sought the truth of this legend have grown weary and tired and have fainted along the journey. To us the Pot of Gold is none other than the heart of the American girl, deeply impressed in early life with its responsibilities. On the station before you is a vessel representing the traditional Pot of Gold and you are now entitled to know its contents.”
Lifts cover from Pot of Gold. “It is filled with the treasures of life and we have accepted you into our Assembly with the hope that you will always regard them as truly sacred to you personally in your future life. The Pot of Gold has been hidden from the eyes of many, who have searched for it in the past. It is yours today if you will accept it.
“One of the treasures contained in it is the Holy Bible, the Sacred Book of our faith. Guard it always as a most precious treasure, for it will teach you how to live, and knowing how to live you will know how to die.” As each treasure from the Pot of Gold is explained, Charity holds it up in full view of the candidate and then it is handed to Faith, who holds it until lambskin is presented. At this time Faith hands back treasures to Charity and ties apron on left wrist of new member, tape next to the. hand, apron pointed toward the shoulder.
If a large class, Drill Leader assists Faith.
“Another treasure is the Flag of our country, the symbol of American Liberty and Independence. Hold blue field of Flag in right hand. It is your duty to be true to it in every thought, word and deed, and to defend it with your life if necessary. Another treasure is the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, the great charters of American Civilization, both of which were written by Freemasons. Read and study them for they are priceless to the American girl, especially to her who is from a Masonic or Eastern Star home. Another treasure we find in the Pot of Gold is a list of names of Masonic Presidents of the United States. The first on the list is George Washington, who was first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen—Father of his Country. Not only was he great as a soldier and statesman, but he was great as a Freemason. As such, he laid the chief cornerstone of the Capitol of our country. Last, but by no means least, we find this miniature lambskin apron, in the center of which is a star. I give it to you as your own. It is a sacred symbol that binds. To your father, if he were a Mason, the lambskin apron was sacred, and though you may never fully know its meaning, it will be dear to you because he loved it, and to him it was priceless. Keep it always. Charity pauses, until lambskin is tied on arm of candidate, or candidates. There are other treasures in the Pot of Gold that you will find in a life of Service. The ones we have discovered are only a few of the many contained in it. Keep in mind that the great Fraternity which has sponsored this Assembly has preserved them for you.
“You will now be conducted to the Station of the Worthy Advisor, who will be pleased to instruct you in the secret work of the Order.”
Sister of Faith takes the candidate, or candidates, single file, back to the Worthy Advisor.
Sister of Faith: “Worthy Advisor, our sister has been conducted to the Sister of Charity, where she has received the lecture on the traditional Pot of Gold, and she now awaits your further pleasure.”
Faith steps up on lower step, faces South, while giving Secret Work. After the grip is given she resumes her place at side of candidate.
Worthy Advisor instructs her in the signs and secret passwords. Secret Work must be obtained from Worthy Matron or Master of Lodge, or Mother Advisor.
Closing admonition to be used at close of initiation by the Worthy Advisor, after she has given the candidate the Secret Work.
Worthy Advisor: “My sister, you have now finished your travels, and have received the secrets of this Assembly.
“You have passed through the seven degrees of our Order. You have learned that no life is complete without a knowledge of Love, Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism and Service. I hope these lessons have made a lasting impression upon you and that you will truly live the life that you have obligated yourself to live. You have finished your initiation and will be required to sign the By-Laws of this Assembly.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, you will conduct our sister (or sisters) to the Recorder’s desk, where she will sign the By-Laws of this Assembly, then return her to her present position.”
Faith conducts candidate to Recorder’s desk. Candidate signs By-Laws and is returned to Worthy Advisor’s station, facing East. If more than one candidate, Faith stands to South of candidate at Recorder’s desk and Drill Leader conducts each candidate back to place in the East.
Worthy Advisor: “My Sister, it gives me great pleasure to present to you Mrs. ..., our Mother Advisor, who will now be your Mother Advisor, also.”
Mother Advisor: “My dear girl, I am happy to welcome you into our Assembly. We sincerely hope that your initiation into the Order of Rainbow will be one of your most pleasant memories. Let Rainbow have a real place in your life. Let it make you stronger and better every day and give you a new interest in your church and school.
“We all love the pages of the Holy Bible, and as a Rainbow girl, I want you to open your Bible at the 9th Chapter of Genesis every night and leave it lying open in your room as a symbol of the thought that you are asking God to watch over you while you sleep. When you arise in the morning, after looking upon its open pages, you should close The Book.
“May you respond most graciously and most unselfishly to the call of Love as it comes to you in opportunities of Service. Again, I welcome you to the Assembly.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, cause our sister to face the West.”
Faith and Candidate turn facing West, Worthy Advisor gives three raps, calling up Assembly.
Worthy Advisor: “Sisters of the Rainbow, you will greet our new sister and hail her with the sign of the Rainbow.”
Assembly standing gives the sign of the Rainbow, to which Faith has candidate respond with same sign.
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Faith, you will now seat our sister in the Assembly.”
 
 
Closing
 
If there has been initiation the Worthy Advisor will instruct the officers in the color stations to release their colors. This should be done in unison and facing Altar. Colors are released from the Altar, folded nicely and placed upon the pedestal at each station.
Worthy Advisor: “Sister of Charity, you will re-cover the Pot of Gold that its contents may remain forever secret and hidden from the outside world. Color Stations, you will please retire your colors.”
Worthy Advisor: “Officers, our labors being over, the time has come for us to depart. Gives three raps of gavel, and Assembly rises. Worthy Associate Advisor, you will be pleased to inform the sisters of this Assembly that it is about to be closed, and that its deliberations must be forever sacred and secret from the outside world.”
Worthy Associate Advisor: “Sister of Charity, you will be pleased to inform the sisters of this Assembly that it is about to be closed.”
Sister of Charity: “Sister of Hope, God said: ‘This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations; I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the Earth.’ You will advise the members of this Assembly that it is about to be closed.”
Sister of Hope: “Sisters of this Assembly, the storm clouds of the North vanish under the rays of the sun at noonday; and in the words of the Sacred Writer: ‘And the bow shall he
in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the Earth.’ Be advised that this Assembly is about to close. This command is given by order of the, Worthy Advisor, and you will now face her station under the sign of the Rainbow, while we engage in prayer.”
Assembly faces the Station of. the Worthy Advisor, gives the sign, holding position till close of prayer.
Chaplain: “Our Great Creator, Our Father, we thank Thee for the deliberations of this Assembly, and for its lessons. Implant them in our hearts that we may heed in our life their principles. That the lessons taught at our stations, symbolized by the colors of the Rainbow shall ever be the seven cardinal truths in our lives, and that we may be rededicated to them and strengthened by them to meet whatever responsibilities the girlhood of our nation must meet. Bless us, we pray Thee, bless our fathers and our mothers, our homes, our schools, our Church, our Nation, bless those who are less fortunate than we are, and help us to help them every moment we can. Fill our hearts with sympathy and in loving kindness may we give ourselves to our country for service and Thine shall be the praise forever, Amen.”
Response by All: “Lord help us to keep our promise.”
Worthy Advisor: “Worthy Associate Advisor, you will please have closed the Holy Bible, symbol of, White Light.”
Worthy Asso. Adv.: “Sister of Charity, by order of the Worthy Advisor, you will please have the Holy Bible, symbol of White Light, closed.”
Sister of Charity: “Sister of Hope, by order of the Worthy Advisor, you will please close the Holy Bible, symbol of White Light.”
Sister of Hope approaches the Altar and gives the sign of the Rainbow. In closing the Bible she raises both sides at the same time, then lays the closed Bible down. With a slight bow she retires.
Worthy Advisor: “Let us sing ‘Blest Be the Tie That Binds’.”
Worthy Advisor: “Sister Confidential Observer, be pleased to advise the Outer Observer that this Assembly is now closed and that peace and harmony are in every heart.”
Confidential Observer, opening door with raps: “Sister Outer Observer, this Assembly is now closed and peace and harmony are in every heart.
Still standing at the door: Worthy Advisor your command has been obeyed.”

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