The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
07 September 23
Rainbow Gets Girls Ready For Life
Rainbow is a non-profit organisation that strives to give girls the tools, training and encouragement to let their individual spirits shine bright. It provides members with a safe, fun and caring environment where responsible older girls can interact and mentor younger girls.
When and why did Rainbow begin?
In 1922, Rainbow was created for young women whose fathers were members of a Masonic Lodge, and their friends. Although a Christian Minister name W. Mark Sexson founded the organisation and wrote the ceremonies, today leaders of Rainbow respect and welcome girls of every Faith. Their main focus is on the spiritual principals of being a kind and caring person. While the Rainbow practices and programmes continue to evolve, the basic principles of faith, hope and charity remain a cornerstone of this youth group.
Coming to Australia
Mrs Frances Livermore learnt of the Order and the first Assembly, Sydney No.1 was opened on 28th April, 1930. Australia continued as one jurisdiction until 1966 when it was split into two Grand Jurisdictions, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and Queensland. There was an Assembly in Western Australia in the 1950s and members travelled by sea to visit.
Who can be a Rainbow Girl?
Rainbow is open to girls from 10 to 20 years. On reaching 20 they are awarded honorary membership known as “ Majority.”
There are Pledge Groups which are open to girls from 7 to 10 years.
How to join and what happens then
To join Rainbow a girl must complete a Petition Form. This is read and balloted upon and then there is a Joining Ceremony. The Rainbow meetings are open to Majority Rainbow Girls, Freemasons, Eastern Star, Amaranth, Parents and Legal Guardians. We welcome visitors as this is encouraging for the girls and helps to build their confidence and public speaking skills.
Structure of Rainbow
There is an Advisory Board which is made up of Majority Rainbow Girls, Freemasons, Eastern Star, Amaranth, Parents and Legal Guardians. Advisory Board members do not need to have a daughter in Rainbow but may be interested in assisting the youth of our community. You will be very welcome.
The headquarters of Rainbow is in McAlester, Oklahoma, the Birthplace of the organisation and home of Rev. W. Mark Sexson. There is a Temple which houses all the records and information of all members past and present as well as a beautiful memorial garden at McAlester Cemetery. These two places are quite an attraction for visitors.
We have two Assemblies in Australia. Cumberland Assembly No.2 which meets at the Blacktown Masonic Centre and Friendship-Dilkara Assembly No.74 which meets at the Hawthorn Masonic Centre in South Australia.
For assistance with meetings please contact Supreme Deputy Mrs Lorraine Rayner - 0417082631 - email: [email protected]
Cumberland Assembly - Meets 4th Sunday however in October they will meet 8th and 29th. The 8th will be a PLEDGE INITIATION and the 28th will be OPEN INSTALLATION. Mother Advisor -Ms Talese Skinner - [email protected]
Friendship-Dilkara Assembly - Meets 1st & 3rd Fridays however in September they will meet 17th September to welcome the Most Worthy Grand Matron & Most Worthy Grand Patron of the United Grand Chapter of Australia to witness the MAJORITY SERVICE for two members.
Mother Advisor - Mrs Kimberley Rodeghiero - [email protected]
Youth neglected invites decay, youth trained and shown is the cement and steel in a new structure