The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 7 - Rituals 561
A difference to the Masonic or Eastern Star ritual can be noted in the
procedure of balloting; in an Assembly of the Order of Rainbow for Girls, it
needs two black balls to reject a candidate, not just one. Furthermore, the
expression for lodge room is "Assembly Room." As in Craft Masonry, the Flag
of the United States plays an important role and is positioned at the station of the
officer Patriotism. The Order of the Rainbow for Girls has seven degrees which
are communicated at the same time. When dignitaries are introduced, there are
either the "Supreme Honors" given, which consist in making the sign of the
Rainbow three times, returning the hand to its natural position and bowing (p.
10), or the "Grand Honors", which are given by placing the right hand on the left
breast and bowing (p. 10). Corresponding to the Craft ritual, there are an
Opening and a Closing Ceremony.
Opening Ceremony
At the opening of the Assembly, the Drill Leader and the Musician, followed
by Mother Advisor, enter the Assembly Room from the West, marching in
triangular formation (the triangle was a symbol of the lodge) along the South
side of the hall, turning North at the station of Hope to the center of the room,
then East of the altar, and thence directly to the East. Here, Mother Advisor, to
whom the two officers bow, ascends the dais; the others assume their stations.
Mother Advisor asks all persons not members in good standing of the Order of
the Rainbow for Girls, the OES or the Masonic Lodge, to retire. Then, she asks
the Drill Leader to invite the choir to enter, and afterwards the officers of the
Assembly. While a march is being played, the officers enter in line according to
a prescribed formation. Sister Drill Leader conducts the Worthy Advisor to her
station. Then, the Worthy Advisor asks all officers to assume their proper
stations. Afterwards, she orders the Confidential Observer to inform the Sister
Outer Observer that the doors are now to be closed, because "the Assembly will
begin its study of True Womanhood" (p. 25).
Now, Sister Drill Leader marches West, thence North, and thence East,
observing square corners (p. 26), to the Station of Patriotism, taking the Flag and
presenting it in the East. The sisters all join with the Worthy Advisor in giving
the Pledge of Allegiance. While one verse of "America" is sung, the Drill Leader
retires the Flag to the Station of Patriotism.
Then, the Worthy Advisor calls Sisters Hope and Charity to approach the
East and receive the Secret Word (p. 26). The two officers approach, observing
square corners (p. 26). On a level with the Worthy Advisor, they face West. The
Worthy Advisor communicates the Secret Word to them, and they return to the
altar for further instruction. The Worthy Advisor asks them to verify that all
present are members of this or some regular Assembly. If Master Masons or
Eastern Stars are present, who are properly vouched for, they are given a special
cordial welcome by the Worthy Advisor: