October 2, 2021
By Lorraine Gieringer
From jeans and t’s to crowns and gowns, MOIORG (Missouri International Order of the Rainbow for Girls) keep busy with family, friends, Rainbow meetings, service work, school, church, sports and so much more.
Recently we returned from our “Grand Assembly” annual convention that was themed “Be Someone’s Hero.” Miss Madi from Wentzville finished her year as our Grand Worthy Advisor (like the President) with Superheroes all around. She was also surrounded by 50+ Officers (ranging from 6 to 21 years) and we’re proud of their memory work, drills and hard work. During this past year, MOIORG raised over $9,000 for St. Louis’ Crisis Nursery and members were also asked to do more Random Acts of Kindness every day in every way than “normal.” At the convention, girls from across Missouri, as well as from several other states, packed over 75 “Boxes of Sunshine” with items an elderly shut-in might enjoy such as paper, pens, stamps, lotion, tissues, etc. And then there’s the fun at conventions – a video truck, swimming, a carnival, dancing, and a talent show during a big, fancy, formal banquet. At their home Assembly, girls plan their fun like miniature golfing, bowling, picnics, eating out, many crafts and even, maybe, a cooking challenge! Learning to be a leader and dependable, honest and having patience are modeled by older members and supporting adults. They also learn the importance of wisdom, education, confidence and showing respect. While becoming a leader and providing service, they make forever friends – some of the Rainbow friendships at this year’s convention were formed 1-60+ years ago! Yes, there are some of “yesterday’s” Rainbow Girls attending who are now 70-80+ years old.
We met at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri with approximately 375 Rainbow Girls and adults gathering. The Rainbow of Lee’s Summit won the annual Door Decoration Competition and one girl won an award for her Superhero shield, but then found she was receiving the Missouri Masonic Youth Award which is one of the highest awards given for “service without regard of reward.” The Rainbow of Belton won the first ever Assembly History competition which began our preparation for our International Birthday on April 6, 2022. At the Rainbow of Raytown, one member aged out into an adult role. Throughout the weekend girls competed in memorization challenges and enjoyed hearing their beautiful lessons performed by a girl or two from each local group who had been chosen to represent them. Six scholarships totaling nearly $15,000 were awarded as were many individual awards. Their youngest girls, our MOIORG Pledges ages 6 to 10, performed a beautiful joining ceremony, all from memory!
What are Rainbow Girls? It’s a Masonic organization “just” for girls! They mentor the Pledges and the Rainbow Girls pick up at 10/11 until they age out at 20/21 into an adult Rainbow role. “Those attending our convention are just some of Missouri’s Rainbow Girls,” explained Mrs. Dorleta Lodholz, their Supreme Deputy–much like the CEO of a Company. “We have just as many here as stayed home because their summer school, work, church or family schedule just couldn’t accommodate the convention this year.” Mrs. Lodholz continued, “Girls at this year’s convention traveled from St. Louis, North Kansas City, Belton, Raytown, Kennett, Kahoka, Lee’s Summit, Poplar Bluff, Rolla, Liberty, Waynesville, Republic, Centralia, Ashland, Joplin, Columbia, Springfield/Nixa, Harrisonville, St. Charles, and Wentzville but,” she cautioned, “many of those cities have girls in their groups representing two to six school districts plus we have a good number of home-schooled girls in our groups. We are excited as we look forward to celebrating our 100th International anniversary next year – this would be a great time to join one of the local groups!” (The website gorainbow.org has a zip code locator to find the Assembly nearest you.)
On Monday at the convention, a new Grand Worthy Advisor (President) was elected and installed. Serving Missouri Rainbow is Miss Elayna (age 19) from Columbia. She is a student at MU/Moberly Community College, majoring in Business. Her theme for the year is “Live Your Own Fairy Tale” and she’s serving with a lady who holds a position like an Honor Society President. Mrs. Erica (Mexico), State Dean, has a theme of “Learn to Dance in the Rain” and, together, they have State Service projects to raise funds for Ronald McDonald Houses and the Children’s Miracle Network. As each travel Missouri, they encourage members and others to support these projects in addition to their local charity selections. At the beginning of the article is Miss Emma who is the local Worthy Advisor for Rainbow in Belton. Emma is a 4th generation Masonic family member and a 3rd generation Worthy Advisor. Emma stays very active in a variety of activities, but always finds time to support Rainbow locally and on the state level. She loves the jeans and t-s as well as the crowns and gowns!
Find out more about Pledges and Rainbow Girls! The local groups are always accepting questions and applications for girls between the ages of 6 to 19. The group is faith-based but non-denominational. For more information on the application process, please use the zip code locator at www.gorainbow.org or email lg40kids@aol.com with your contact information. Happy Birthday MOIORG!
Rainbow Gets Girls Ready for Life…Get Ready for Life in Missouri Rainbow!
