On June 29, 2025 a new chapter for Virginia IORG began with the installation of Grand Officers, Grand Representatives of Virginia, Board and Committee members in Harrisonburg, VA as we begin our “Choose Your Destiny with Virginia Rainbow” Grand Term. Led by Grand Worthy Advisor Emily C., and joined by newly installed Supreme Deputy in Virginia (Executive Officer) Mom Erin Pendleton, the “Choose Your Destiny” year kicked off with a ‘Brave’ inspired theme. Telling the young ladies that “It’s not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves” (William Shakespeare), GWA Emily revealed that her mascot would be the Black Bear, her term Charity would be dedicated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, and her service project would focus on both a fall and spring month of service to our Masonic Lodges. GWA Emily even obtained some added assistance from past Supreme Deputy Dad Joe Grist in ‘reaching new heights’! It is going to be another exciting year for the ladies of Virginia IORG!

Rainbow Girl Reports:

Sam F (Norfolk Assembly No. 15)

I had the honor of attending 2025’s Grand Assembly: Leading Ladies Lighting The Way. The
event took place from June 27th to June 29th and wrapped up Grand Worthy Advisor Elise’s
term. She had an amazing term and managed to raise over $18,000 for charities. There were
many girls in attendance, even some from out of state. It was a tearful goodbye to an amazing
GWA but we can’t wait to start a new chapter for VA Rainbow!

One of the most notable events was the Grand Officer Installation, where Grand Worthy Advisor
Emily was appointed to serve the ensuing term. Her new Grand Line, including Becca and
Alaina from our assembly, were installed and it is definitely going to be a wonderful term. Emily’s
theme is inspired by the movie Brave: Choose Your Own Destiny. In addition, our new Supreme
Deputy, Erin Pendleton, was installed and we are thrilled to begin working with her. GWA Emily
and our new Supreme Deputy are going to have a great term! Let’s reach new heights together!

It was a weekend of celebration and admiration, cheers and tears, and memorable farewells and exciting new beginnings at the 2025 “Leading Ladies Lighting The Way” Grand Assembly in Harrisonburg June 27-29, 2025. In the last 12 months, the ladies of Virginia IORG, led by Grand Worthy Advisor Elise, were able to raise over $18,000 in charitable donations, including over $5,000 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, along with performing hundreds of hours of service hours and increase membership by more than 20%! It was an outstanding weekend for all in attendance!

On Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Newport News Scottish Rite Temple, the Grand Worthy Advisor Elise and her team of Leading Ladies (and Adults) provided an outstanding meal and show, raising funds for the Virginia Rainbow for Girls Foundation, Inc. Fun was had by all in attendance.

Grand Worthy Advisor Elise shared remarks Saturday, November 9, 2024 to the Grand Lodge of Virginia entitled “Take it from an old man,” (based on a song from the musical, Waitress) to thank the Grand Lodge for their wisdom, kindness, and generous support of Virginia International Order of the Rainbow For Girls. “When you think you can’t, you can…take it from an old man.” We enjoyed remarks from OES, Amaranth, Job’s Daughters, and DeMolay as well! The weekend was well attended by many of our Rainbow girls and supportive family and adults. #proudmemberofthevirginiamasonicfamily