Exploring the Masonic Brotherhood and Its Female-Derived Organizations: Eastern Star and Rainbow Girls

Within my family, there is a rich tapestry of involvement with organizations deeply rooted in Masonic tradition. My close relatives, including my great uncles and aunts, were actively involved in various fraternal organizations. My mother, particularly, played a significant role in one of these groups known as the Rainbow Girls. This article aims to delve into the relationships and connections among these organizations, particularly how the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) functions as the female counterpoint to Freemasonry, and the role of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in fostering youth leadership and community service.

Freemasonry: A Foundation of Brotherhood and Ethics

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that brings together men from diverse backgrounds to focus on moral and ethical development, community service, and personal growth. Members engage in various charitable activities, ceremonial rituals, and meetings that are designed to promote these ideals. The fraternity has a long and rich history, spanning centuries, and has established itself as a global network of men who share a common set of values and principles.

The Order of the Eastern Star: Bridging the Gender Gap

The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is an organization that is often considered the female counterpart to Freemasonry. While it includes both men and women, it is primarily associated with the Masonic fraternity. The OES serves as a bridge for women to participate in Masonic activities and to share the values of charity, truth, and brotherly love with their male counterparts.

Eligibility: Membership in the OES is open to both women and men who are Master Masons or meet specific criteria, such as having a Masonic affiliation through a relative. Women can join if a male relative is a Freemason. Rituals and Symbols: The OES has its own set of rituals and symbols that align with the moral and ethical principles of Freemasonry. Formal Meetings: Formal meetings often require attendees to wear traditional evening dress. For men, this typically includes a dinner suit or tuxedo, while women wear evening gowns. This attire plays a symbolic role in these events and reflects the tradition's emphasis on formality and respect.

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls: Shaping Future Leaders

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (also known as Rainbow Girls) is a youth organization for girls aged 11 to 20. This group is closely affiliated with Freemasonry, drawing many of its members from the same Masonic families as the Order of the Eastern Star. The organization is designed to provide leadership training and community service opportunities to its members, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement.

The Rainbow Girls organization emphasizes values such as Love, Faith, Virtue, Charity, Truth, and Justice, which are also key principles in Freemasonry. This ensures a seamless transition from the younger generation to the adult members of the OES, creating a cohesive familial and fraternal network centered around these shared values.

Family Involvement and Personal Connections

My mother and sister-in-law were members of the Order of the Eastern Star through my father, who was a Freemason. Although women can only join the OES if a male relative is a Freemason, my own involvement through my father has deepened my understanding and appreciation for these organizations. I am a life member of the Freemasons, but my relationship with the Grand Lodge of Scotland (GLoScotland) has been strained due to their policy on recognizing transgender members.

One of the fondest memories I have of the OES is from when my parents attended a formal meeting, and I was allowed to wear my mother's elegant evening dresses. My mother had six of these dresses, each representative of a different office or point of the star, and they were all different colors. These events instilled in me a fondness for long dresses, a passion that persists to this day. The formality and tradition of these meetings have left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the rich heritage and values of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Conclusion

Your family's involvement in these organizations reflects a strong tradition of Masonic affiliation, with the Order of the Eastern Star serving as a bridge for women and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls focusing on youth development. These groups, all connected through Masonic roots, share common values of charity, truth, and brotherly love. Understanding the relationships and connections between these organizations can provide valuable insights into the broader landscape of Masonic heritage and its ongoing impact on individual and community life.