At Manassas Assembly’s last meeting, one of the girls gave a presentation and led a discussion on the Love initiation lecture. During the discussion, I gained a deeper understanding of several important points.

One thing we talked about was the word “safekeeping” in the bow lectures. This reminds the initiates that, as Rainbow Girls, we are entrusting them with these lessons and the values they represent. It emphasizes that the teachings of the Order are something to be treasured and carried forward.

We also discussed the reference to “Laws” in Love’s lecture. These can be compared to the Ten Commandments, serving as guiding principles for living a life centered on love. The lecture teaches that love helps us through times of sadness and grief, and reinforces the idea that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

Another meaningful point is that even if Religion, Nature, Immortality, Fidelity, Patriotism, and Service have disappeared or been forgotten, Love remains. Love endures regardless of circumstances and continues to exist when everything else has faded.

This idea also connects to the Service initiation lecture, which teaches that you cannot truly understand the lessons of the other bow lectures until you have experienced Service. Together, these lessons show that love and service are inseparable. Love inspires us to serve others, and through service we come to fully understand and live the values represented by each of the Rainbow virtues.

~ from notes by Catalina, Manassas Assembly #13

After a presentation on the Love lecture, I gained a deeper appreciation for its meaning and symbolism. I learned that Love’s color is red, representing the strength and depth of love. The lecture is entrusted to each initiate for safekeeping, reminding us to keep the lessons of love sacred and to carry them with us throughout our lives.

We also discussed how love is like silk. It is beautiful, gentle, and strong all at the same time. Another important lesson is that God sacrificed His only Son to save us, and through our faith we are always connected to Him. The lecture reminds us to love God and Jesus with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as we love our own families.

Love is something we can continue to grow throughout our lives. As we mature, we learn to love more deeply, not only the people around us, but also the blessings and opportunities we receive each day. During times of sadness, hardship, or grief, love provides comfort and reminds us that we are never truly alone.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of living with a spirit of selflessness rather than thinking only of ourselves. Love cannot die; it remains with us regardless of the choices we make. If we ever feel ourselves losing sight of love, we should turn to those who care about us. They can help guide us back to God, who is the greatest example and source of unconditional love.

The greatest lesson I took away from the presentation is to choose love every day. To love God, love others, and strive to show kindness and compassion in everything I do.

~ from notes by Evelyn, Manassas Assembly #13

Today, my Assembly began giving station presentations. Emily presented on the station of Love, and I learned several meaningful lessons from her presentation.

One of the most memorable ideas was that love is like silk, delicate and gentle, yet incredibly strong. This symbolizes the strength of the love we are called to have for others and for God. Emily also explained how God’s sacrifice of His Son made it possible for our souls to become immortal. In return, we are called to love God with all our hearts and with everything He has given us.

Another important lesson was that even when we do not get along with someone or find it difficult to like them, we should still treat them with kindness, respect, and dignity. God places many people in our lives, and He is the one we should trust and love above all else because He continually loves, forgives, and guides us, even when we make mistakes or act selfishly.

Love is powerful enough to change the way we see the world. It helps us find hope during times of sadness, gives us strength through grief, and reminds us that we are never alone. Even if we sometimes wish we could ignore love so we could focus only on ourselves, true love never disappears. It continues to guide us and calls us to be better people.

The presentation also showed that love is the foundation of every virtue. Without love, we cannot fully live out God’s plan or practice the other lessons taught in the Rainbow lectures. The love we share with others leaves a lasting impact that continues even after we are gone through the memories and lives of those who loved us.

Overall, this presentation reminded me that love is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It inspires us to do our best, to care for others, and to live with compassion every day, no matter what challenges we face.

~ from notes by Darcy, Manassas Assembly #13

Love means strength, connection, and something truly precious. It is a gift that is both powerful and rare. God demonstrated the greatest act of love by giving His Son so that we could be forgiven and have the hope of eternal life. Jesus taught us to love one another as fully and selflessly as possible.

Love is more than simply avoiding hatred. it is choosing kindness, compassion, and understanding every day. It means making others feel valued, appreciated, and accepted. By spreading love, we strengthen our relationships and create a positive impact on those around us.

Appreciation is an expression of love, and love gives us hope during difficult times. When we choose to love others, we often inspire them to show love in return. Although many things in life may change or fade away, love is everlasting. It remains when everything else is gone.

To love is to reflect God’s character. God loves every person and every part of His creation without condition. When we choose to love others, care for creation, and show compassion, we are following His example and sharing the same love that He has shown to us.

~ from notes by Stella, Manassas Assembly #13

On July 19, 2026, Virginia DeMolay had their annual Honors Investiture ceremony. This event was held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria. There were 3 ceremonies performed by active DeMolay and past DeMolay members. These ceremonies include the Legion of Honor, Chevalier, and the Cross of Honor. This year is the first time in Virginia history where a non Masonic member was able to get the Legion of Honor. Our very own Mom Cristina and Mom Jenkins were awarded this honor. 

I’m so happy I was able to attend this event again. I really wanted to go because some of the people who got awards mean so much to me. I’m so proud of all of the recipients. Every time I tell someone congratulations, they always say,”I don’t deserve this”, which shows that they care more about their dedication to the order. To me, each person was deserving of the awards that were handed out. Thank you to all the recipients who went above and beyond for the Order of DeMolay!

Macie R. Norfolk Assembly #15

On July 18, 2026, at Ashburn Masonic Lodge, Ashburn Assembly had their Installation of Officers. Gioja May went in as Worthy Advisor. The decorations were based on the Queen of Hearts. Her theme for the term is “Imagination is Key”. Her motto is “A dream is not reality, but who’s to say which is which.” The mascot of the term is a white rabbit. Her honor stations are Hope and Nature. The Charity is “Unite for Her” which focuses on helping people with breast cancer get the support they need. 

This was a really fun Installation! Although I was a little late because of traffic, I got there just in time to watch the crowning of the Worthy Advisor. I’m so happy that I have gotten to see Gioja May grow up and become the leader she is today. I’m so glad I was able to attend this event and see all that Gioja May will do for her Assembly!

Macie R. Norfolk Assembly #15

On July 8-12, 2026, Pennsylvania Rainbow girls hosted their annual Grand Assembly at the Jaffa Shrine Center in Altoona, PA. Their theme for this year was “Friendship Takes Flight with Pennsylvania Rainbow.” For their Grand Worthy Advisor Sarah’s term, her mascot was Dumbo the elephant. Dumbo went with her throughout the year, going to state wide events and bringing joy everywhere he went. Her symbols were Magic Feathers, Bubbles, and Hot Air Balloons. The flower of the term was a yellow sunflower, which was all over the Grand East. Her colors were Baby Elephant Blue and Roundtop Red. These colors were worn by the Grand Representatives on the grand floor all week long. Her service project was the Children’s Miracle Network. The state’s Charity for the year was “My Stuff Bags”, which PA raised over 16 thousand dollars for!

Day 1, on July 8th, the Grand Officers and Representatives had practiced all day to prepare for the informal opening later that night. My mom and I got on the road around 10 am. Although the car ride was 6 hours long, we made it fun. We told stores, listened to music, and looked at the mountains. When we got there, my counterpart Katelyn welcomed my mom and I with open arms. She introduced me to all of her Assembly and other girls. After dinner, we went to Jaffa Shrine Center for the informal opening at 7 pm. The Grand Representatives and Officers had their own walk-in, like a little cavalcade. Then, the Reps and Officers walked in together and sat in their positions. One thing I noticed is that the Reps have their own dresses and get to sit on the Grand Floor. After the meeting, we went downstairs to have dinner and a dance!

Day 2, on July 9th, we had a formal opening in the morning. During this meeting, all other out of state guests did their speeches. Their formal opening is very similar to what we do at VA Grand Assembly. There is a difference, however, where the Grand Officers ballot on new initiates before the Initiation Ceremony. After the meeting, my counterpart and I had lunch together at Olive Garden with our families. Then we headed to DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, which is like a way smaller version of Kings Dominion. Katelyn and I hung out in the lazy river with other Rainbow girls for a while. When we were done with that, we got some lunch and headed over to the dry part of the park. We went on a couple of rides like the Mouse Trap, Swings, and the Ship ride. Once we were done with the rides, both of our families went and played some carnival games. Later that night, Reading Assembly #33, which is Katelyn’s Assembly, invited me to have ice cream with them at The Meadows.

Day 3, on July 10th, we had initiation. They initiated 9 girls into IORG! It was really cool seeing how they do floor work with more than 7 girls, since there are only 7 color stations. What happened was that the active candidate went to Love and Service, while 5 other girls did the other bow stations. Instead of the active candidate going to Hope and WAA, a girl who did not do the bow lectures, went to those stations instead. All the girls went to Charity, like normal. The initiation felt very short compared to Virginia’s. After that, we had the Cross of Honor lunch that everyone could attend. But then everyone who wasn’t allowed to see the Cross of Honor ceremony either went back to the hotel or played games in the basement area. My mom and I decided to go back to the hotel. My mom went to the pool and the outside area to relax and read. I wanted to stay in the hotel room in bed, so that’s what I did. After a couple of hours, Reading Assembly had dinner at a steakhouse and invited us to come. The food was delicious!. Plus, they had a claw machine with rubber ducks in it! The thing is, you win no matter what, so, I got 2 ducks, and my mom got 1. After dinner, the girls climbed up a rock hill to get to the Masonic Lodge, where they had the Charity carnival games. They had a little dunk tank, ring toss, shoot the duck, and snacks inside. Then we went back to the hotel and went to bed. What a great day of fun activities!

Day 4, on July 11th, we had a bowling competition in the morning. Luckily, I was able to join Katelyn’s team, and I had so much fun bowling with them! We didn’t win, but that did not stop our fun, where we got a couple of strikes and spares. After we were done, we had to get ready for Majority Service and Installation. For the Majority Service, they take the girls behind the bow, and then their parents come down to walk with them. Once the parents are with them, they walk to the East and say goodbye to their parents. Then the girls make a circle around the Altar, while all the Majority Members make a big circle around the room. It is a very short ceremony, but it’s a cool one. For their Installation, they do the same thing we do, but after everyone is in their new positions they start calling the past GWA’s and their officers to stand behind the bow and introduce themselves. They went back 50 years of GWAs! The GWA from 50 years ago had her Mother Advisor with her, too. It’s a very long ceremony but very cool. After all the ceremonies, we go down to the basement to have dinner. Then we headed back upstairs for coronation. Coronation is where the past GWA gives the new GWA the crown. They don’t use the regular rainbow crown, instead, they use a huge sparkly crown. They also had banners, boards, and art contests. After all of that, we all went to the hotel to go to bed.

Day 5, on July 12th, they had a little church service. Unfortunately, I didn’t go since I had to leave really early in the morning to be back for my Assembly’s initiation! We initiated 2 new girls into Norfolk Assembly. I was so happy, but also very tired and ready to go home from my long car ride!

Overall, I had such a great time! I met so many people and can’t wait to continue connecting with my Rainbow sisters in Pennsylvania! 

Macie R. Norfolk Assembly #15