Masonic-sponsored youth organisation / United States
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a Masonic-sponsored youth organisation for girls and young women, founded in 1922. Its Assemblies develop leadership, service, public speaking and friendship; membership is not a Masonic degree.
This guide places International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in United States within the wider Masonic family. It focuses on public purpose, participation and safeguarding rather than treating the organisation as another degree. By Beyond the Craft Editorial Team · Published 14 June 2026 · Last reviewed 21 June 2026 · 8 min read.
What it is
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is part of the wider Masonic family rather than a degree beyond Master Mason. Its age, family or sponsorship rules and safeguarding framework matter more than a conventional progression chart.
Why people explore it
Young women seeking leadership practice, community service, friendship and structured responsibility.
What not to assume
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is connected with the Masonic community but does not confer Craft membership or make a participant a Freemason.
Documented chronology
A youth organisation with Masonic support
Rainbow’s public identity centres on leadership, service and sisterhood for girls and young women. Masonic sponsorship and adult support connect it with the Masonic family, but it remains its own youth organisation. [1]
It should not be described as a female Craft Lodge or a preparatory Masonic degree. A member gains Rainbow experience, not Freemason status. [1] [3]
History without overloading the page
The reliable public history dates Rainbow to 1922 and W. Mark Sexson in Oklahoma. That is enough to give readers a real historical anchor without padding the page with romanticised origin language. [2]
As with other youth orders, local records and jurisdictional histories may add detail. This guide should therefore distinguish the broad origin from the rules and culture of a particular Assembly today. [1] [2]
Commitment and family questions
Assembly life can include ceremonies, elected offices, service projects, charity, public speaking, social activities and jurisdictional events. The leadership value comes from regular participation, not merely nominal membership. [1]
Families should confirm current age range, adult supervision, costs, travel, meeting frequency and safeguarding expectations with the local Assembly or jurisdiction. [1] [3]
Who may value it
Rainbow may suit girls and young women seeking friendship, service, leadership practice and a supportive fraternal-style structure. [1]
It may not suit someone looking for an adult mixed order or for Freemasonry itself. Eastern Star, Amaranth and Craft Lodge membership are different categories. [3]
Key distinction
Rainbow is youth leadership with Masonic family support, not a girls’ version of Craft Lodge membership.
Key questions
Frequently asked questions
What most distinguishes International Order of the Rainbow for Girls?
Rainbow is youth leadership with Masonic family support, not a girls’ version of Craft Lodge membership.
Who may join International Order of the Rainbow for Girls?
Age, sponsorship and local eligibility are governed by the organisation; membership does not confer Masonic status. Ask the local group directly about age, sponsorship, safeguarding, adult leadership and the current programme.
How should its history be understood?
Rainbow is generally dated to its Oklahoma founding by W. Mark Sexson. Its institutional history should be read through the development of the present organisation and its public youth or family purpose.
What should I compare with International Order of the Rainbow for Girls?
Start with DeMolay International and Job's Daughters International. Compare age range, leadership, safeguarding and programme rather than treating the organisations as Masonic degrees.
- International Order of the Rainbow for Girls: official site ↗International Order of the Rainbow for Girls · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: current identity, youth leadership, membership enquiry.
- Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library: Rainbow overview ↗Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: 1922 founding context, W. Mark Sexson, Masonic youth history.
- Grand Lodge of Ohio: charities and Masonic youth groups ↗Grand Lodge of Ohio · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: Masonic youth context, Rainbow comparison, family-order distinction.
Continue exploring
Related Reading
An organisation for Master Masons with qualifying military or uniformed-service connections, focused on patriotism and Masonic fellowship.
United States guideOrder of the Amaranth in the USAA fraternal and charitable organisation for eligible adults with specified Masonic relationships.
United States guideJob's Daughters InternationalA youth leadership organisation for girls and young women with its own ceremonies, service and elected offices.