Order of the Golden Circle . . . . Our Foundation

Order of the Golden Circle
In 1907, some of the members of the Jonathan Davis Consistory in Washington, D.C., conceived the idea of forming a ladies auxiliary to their Consistory. They believed that the helpful and beneficial influence of women was felt in all branches of Freemasonry and there was no reason why the Scottish Rite should be an exception. The task of organizing the auxiliary was given to Grand Inspector General Andrew Laster of the Jonathan Davis Consistory.
Initially the growth of the auxiliary was disgustingly slow, but later in the year, the auxiliary received a new impetus: new members were added and the old members took on a new zeal and optimism that started the auxiliary on its present course of success. About that time, the new Sovereign Grand Commander, Robert L. Pendleton, 33rd Degree, who was then the Deputy for the District of Columbia, conceived the idea of conferring degrees upon the ladies of the auxiliaries. The objective was to bring the ladies into a closer relationship with the brethren of the Scottish Rite. The title, Order of the Golden Circle, Auxiliary to the Scottish Rite Freemasonry", was selected. A ritual was prepared and written by Illustrious Pendleton. The proposition was, of course, favorably acceptable by the ladies and subsequently adopted by the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction with the understanding that all ladies who, at that time were members of the auxiliary were eligible, but thereafter the membership would be limited to only those possessing a Scottish Rite relationship (the wife, widow, mother or sister of a Scottish Rite Mason who is now in good standing or was at his death is eligible for membership in the order).