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Order of the Golden Circle History
Early
in the year 1907, certain gentlemen of the Ancient and Accepted
Order of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern
Jurisdiction of the United States of America conceived the idea of
forming a Ladies Auxiliary to the Jonathan Davis Consistory of
Washington, DC. They felt that, as in other branches of Masonry,
their wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters could be of great
assistance to them and furthermore could partake of such courtesies
as these Sublime Princes could offer their feminine relatives.
To 111. Andrew Laster, 33° , whose untiring zeal was known to these
brethren, was given the task of organizing the Auxiliary. Furnishing
with the names of certain ladies, prominent in Eastern Star
Chapters, he proceeded to organizing the auxiliary, hereafter to be
known as the Ladies Auxiliary to Jonathan Davis Consistory. The
growth at first was discouragingly slow, but Mr. Laster was of the
stuff that pioneers are made, so he visited the ladies urging them
to attend and sought out new members.
At many times, only two sometimes one attended the meetings, but he
never lost courage. The first president, Mrs. Sarah P. Alexander,
labored assiduously until called from the city, when the vice-
president, Mrs. Mary Alice Parker, assumed the reins of the
government. In October 1907, the Auxiliary received a new impetus,
new members were added the old ones took on new zeal, and the
auxiliary started on it present course of success. About this
time the now Sov. Gr. Commander, Robert L. Pendleton, 33° , who was
then the Illustrious Deputy for the District of Columbia, conceived
the idea of conferring degrees upon the Ladies of the Auxiliaries in
existence at that time, thus brining them into closer relationship
with the Brethren of the Scottish Rite.
The title of " Order of the Golden Circle, Auxiliary to the Scottish
Rite Freemasonry" having been selected and the ritual prepared by
I11. Pendleton, the matter was presented to the Supreme Council for
the Southern Jurisdiction and adopted by the Body. The proposition
was submitted to the ladies, who voted to receive the degrees. All
ladies, who at that time were members of the Auxiliary, were to be
eligible, but thereafter the membership to be limited to those only
possessing Scottish Rite relationship.
May 6, 1908, Ill R.L. Pendleton, assisted by Ills. James 0.
Bampfield, Richard Gates, W.H. Severson and Andrew Laster conferred
the degrees upon the above named officers. The obligations, signs,
and motto were given. The ladies named their assembly, The Richard
Howell Gleaves Assembly, NO. 2, Order of the Golden Circle. This
Assembly was named after the late Richard Howell Gleaves, one of the
most prominent Masons in the United States. Born in the early part
of the 19th century in that grand old commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
in his early manhood, he went to the State of South Carolina.
During the stirring days of reconstruction, he played a prominent
part, at one time being the Lieutenant Governor of the State. He was
a typical gentleman, courtly and of the Old World type of courtesy.
He played a prominent part in the history of Negro Masonry, and the
very prosperous condition of Negro Masons of the District of
Columbia today is
largely due to his tireless efforts. The Ladies felt that no better
or fitting memorial could be given him from them than to have his
name on their banner under the motto "Peace and Unity." After the
officers had received their degrees, notices were sent to the
remaining members of the former Auxiliary, and on Tuesday, May 12,
1908, the Auxiliary
was now known as The Order of the Golden Circle.
A more beautiful sight cannot be imagined robed in white, blind
folded, fifteen ladies were led into the room by the Loyal Lady
Guide. After passing through the ordeal of fire and water, the
beautiful and sacred obligation was assumed by them, we trust to be
kept in all its significance. 111, Deputy Pendleton explained the
password and sign. This Assembly was a plant of slow but sturdy
growth; it comprised a number of ladies who seemed to be of one
family circle. A code of by-laws was adopted in June, 1908, making
the Assembly beneficial after years' membership and limiting the
benefits to sick dues. They agreed, too, to do charity work in
hospitals and to relieve suffering humanity as best they could in a
simple way-such as carrying fruit, flowers, magazines, etc.., to the
sick who had no friends to provide them.
The symbol, pass and motto of this degree are significant. The Dove
within the golden circle signifies the hope that peace shall reign
always within our precincts; the Circle, endless union we shall
have. Peace be with you!" Can there be a more beautiful sentiment?
May it ever abide with us. May strife or dissension never sully the
snowy pinions of the Dove! |
