Rainbow History

Rainbow History

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls History

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG) was founded in 1922, by William Mark Sexson, a Christian minister and active member of the Masonic Lodge. The Rev. Sexson had spent his life dedicated to both fraternal organizations, and his ministry, and became aware of the need for a youth organization for young women who were from a Masonic or Eastern Star home. Today, membership is open to any girl regardless of Masonic affiliation.

Reverand W. Mark Sexson, our Founder

W. Mark Sexson, the founder of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, was a Christian minister, and active member of the Masonic Lodge. He initially founded Rainbow for young women that were from a Masonic or Eastern Star home. The teachings that he wrote in the Rainbow Ritual are based on Christian scriptures and teachings, as his experience in the ministry gave him insight into the lessons that would be most meaningful and important to youth.

In the book of Genesis, after the flood, God made a covenant with people that He would never again destroy the earth, and placed a Rainbow in the heavens as a symbol of that covenant. The Rev. Sexson believed that this symbol of God's love was an appropriate symbol for the Order, so the Rainbow and its colors provided the inspirations for both The International Order of Rainbow for Girls and for the lessons that are taught in the ceremonies of the Order.

While the teachings and ceremonies of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls use Christian scripture, and often quote Jesus' words from the New Testament, Rainbow is open to young women of all faiths. Membership requires only the belief in a Supreme Being, and prospective members can be assured that there is no pressure to become Christian during the Initiation ceremony, or as an active member. The Christian lessons are simply used to show basic values that are integral to many religions.