The History of Rainbow

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was founded in 1922 by Reverend W. Mark Sexson, a Christian minister and active Mason in McAlester, Oklahoma. At the time, he recognized a need for an organization that would help young women develop character, leadership, and a sense of purpose. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of faith, hope, and charity, he created a beautiful and symbolic set of ceremonies designed to help girls grow into strong, compassionate, and service-minded leaders.

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On April 6, 1922, the first Rainbow Assembly was initiated with 171 girls in attendance. The organization quickly grew, spreading across the United States and eventually to several other countries. Over the decades, Rainbow has helped generations of girls build confidence, embrace service, and create lifelong friendships — all within a safe and supportive environment rooted in timeless values.

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The name "Rainbow" itself reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, hope, and unity. Just as each color of the rainbow has its place, so too does each girl in the Order. Rainbow welcomes girls of all religious and cultural backgrounds, united by shared values and a desire to make a positive difference in the world.

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In Rainbow, girls take on leadership roles, perform ritual work, plan events, volunteer in their communities, and represent their Assemblies at local, state, and even international events. These experiences help young women become effective leaders, confident public speakers, and thoughtful citizens. Many former Rainbow Girls credit the organization for shaping their personal and professional lives — including public officials, educators, businesswomen, astronauts, and entertainers.

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Rainbow’s impact has also been deeply felt here in Arizona. Since 1924, Arizona Rainbow has been a vibrant part of our communities, guiding young women from across the state on their journey of growth and service. Generations of Arizona girls have worn the Rainbow sash, learned the lessons of the seven colors, and carried those lessons into every chapter of their lives.

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Today, more than 100 years after its founding, Rainbow continues to evolve while staying true to its original mission: to help girls become leaders who serve with heart, live with integrity, and treat others with kindness and respect. We are proud of our past — and even more excited about our future.

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Formation of Arizona Rainbow

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March 6, 1923 was an important date to future Rainbow Girls in Arizona, for from that time Mrs. Elizabeth Wingar (Jr. PGM) was officially commissioned by the Supreme Worthy Advisor, Mr. W. P. Freeman, and Mrs. W. Mark Sexson, Supreme Recorder, as a Deputy for the Order of Rainbow for Girls in the State of Arizona, whose duty it was to originate the Order in Arizona.

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 The Assembly was sponsored by the Royal Arch Masons, of which Mr. A.B. England, a personal friend of Brother Sexson, was the High Priest.  The First Assembly, Phoenix Assembly No. 1, received their Letters Temporary April 7, 1923 and with twenty eight (28) of the thirty three (33) girls the Assembly was Instituted on April 14, 1923 with these newly obligated Rainbow Girls.  

 Phoenix Assembly No. 1 received its Charter on July 14, 1924.

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 The First Grand Assembly in Arizona was held on December 28 and 29, 1934 at the Masonic Temple in Phoenix, Arizona with Dorothea Garrett, from Phoenix No. 1 serving as the Acting Grand Worthy Advisor and all of the Grand Officers were the current officers serving Phoenix Assembly No.1

 

 After the Acting Grand Officers, from Phoenix No. 1, exemplified the ritualistic work, Mrs. Elizabeth Wingar, Supreme Inspector, Proclaimed the Grand Assembly of Arizona Organized.

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