What is the International Order Of The Rainbow For Girls?

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a character building organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 21. It's purpose is to promote effective community, leadership skills and, most importantly, service to humanity.

   The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was established in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1922. The very inception and writing of the first Ritual, and the laws governing the Order, was the work of W. Mark Sexson, a 33rd degree Mason from McAlester, Oklahoma.

   Reverend Sexson was very active in several Masonic appendant organizations. Among his many offices, he held the titles of Most Worshipful Grand Master of a sovereign Masonic Grand Jurisdiction (1928) and Worthy Grand Patron for the Order of the Eastern Star (1925-1926), both in the state of Oklahoma. The degrees of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls were first exemplified on April 6, 1922, by the regular officers of South McAlester Chapter No. 149, Order of the Eastern Star, for a class of 171 girls at the Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester, Oklahoma.

   Today Rainbow Assemblies can be found in many jurisdictions around the world, including the United States, Australia, Brazil, The Philippines, Germany, Canada, Italy, and Japan, to name only a few. Nearly all states in the United States have Rainbow.