A world of rainbows

There is no doubt that we took the correct decision to cancel the Grand Installation. It is important that the reverence and tradition of the Grand Installation is not lost and that the appropriate dignity and honour is accorded our incoming Grand Master.

I am most grateful to the SMC General Manager, the Grand Secretary, Deputy Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer and the Grand Master Elect in the main, for their kind consideration of this most important occasion in our calendar. I acknowledge that others worked with this group to realign hotel bookings and other arrangements so that we were not disadvantaged financially, and of course, we also acknowledge the uncertainty these changes have made to the employment arrangements of our highly regarded SMC staff.

Together we will prevail and please note that all event bookings at Sydney Masonic Centre will be transferred to October unless our Grand Secretariat is otherwise notified. We can now all look forward to making our final arrangements and attending our Grand Installation over the period 15–17 October 2021. Kind regards to you all,

Grand Master

Rainbow Girls 90th birthday

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was finally able to celebrate its 90th Birthday, ‘Wonderful World of Rainbow’ session in the Grand Lodge Adelaide on 23 January 2021. This event had originally been planned

for May 2020, however the pandemic had other ideas.

The session was called to order by Supreme Deputy, Mrs Lorraine Rayner, who read a message from Supreme Worthy Advisor, Judy Fontenbury of Tennessee, and declared the meeting a Grand Assembly for the purpose of celebrating this very special occasion.

Videos from two of our Cumberland sisters were shown on a large screen when it was time for their parts, however we missed all of those who had planned on travelling.

The officers entered and performed a drill to the Disney tune Fantasmic.

A Crowning Service was presented by nine Dad Masons for Leila Rodeghiero, our Grand Worthy Advisor for this session. This ceremony is performed in the Philippines for the Grand Worthy Advisor and in some assemblies for the Worthy Advisor.

A service depicting the nine decades of Rainbow was performed by the girls with the assistance of our Past Worthy Advisors. The information used was researched from the many boxes of old minute books and letters by Mrs Debbie (Puckridge) Rodeghiero, a Past Worthy Advisor, and was woven into a fantastic script by Felicia Rodeghiero PGWA.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs started the fun event then came Pinocchio, Peter Pan, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, Hercules, The Princess and the Frog and finished with Moana and Frozen.

A display of memorabilia was set up in the Great Hall with a special display of items belonging to our Founder, Mrs Frances Livermore, and letters from Oklahoma from Rev. Mark Sexson, the Founder of the Order.

The Instituting day of Sydney Assembly No 1, Order of the Rainbow For Girls. Founder Mrs Frances Livermore and Mrs Ruth Palmer of Keystone Chapter, Michigan stand in the centre. Mrs Palmer conducted the Instituting Ceremony on 26 April, 1930.