The International Order of Job’s Daughters was founded in 1920 in Omaha, Neb., by Mrs. Ethel T. Wead Mick. Job’s Daughters began in an atmosphere of Masonry and the Order of the Eastern Star. The membership is composed of Masonic related teen-aged girls�12 to 20. It is International, as it has Bethels in 29 States in the Union, four Provinces in Canada and Australia. In 1951 there were 932 Chartered Bethels. California has the greatest number of Bethels (210), with some 22,000 active members and this State has Initiated over 70,000 girls; Illinois is next.
– Source: Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry
International Order of Job’s Daughters
“And in all the land were no women found so fair as the Daughters of Job; and their Father gave them inheritance among their brethren.”
Book of Job 42:15
Origins Of The Order
Mrs. Ethel T. Wead Mick founded the International Order of Jobs Daughters in Omaha, Nebraska in 1920. The purpose of the Order was to band together young girls with Masonic relationship for character building through moral and spiritual development by teaching a greater reverence for God and the Holy Scriptures: loyalty to the Flag and the Country for which it stands, and respect for parents and Guardians.
Mrs. Mick knew the importance of the early training she received from her Christian mother, and especially the beautiful lessons in literature and drama as found in the Book of Job. She decided to give her time and talent to make it possible for all young women of Masonic relationship to share the rare privileges that were hers. After several years of careful study and consideration with the assistance of her husband Dr. William H Mick and other capable workers, she founded the International Order of Job s Daughters in honor and memory of Elizabeth D Wead.
A few interested Master Masons and members of the Eastern Star held many preliminary meetings during the years between 1918 and 1920, at the home or office of Dr. and Mrs. Mick in Omaha, Nebraska. It was there that the ritualistic work of the Order was developed. It is based on the Triangle, the Three Daughters of Job, the Open Book and Education.
About Job’s Daughters
Job’s Daughters is open to girls between the ages of eleven to twenty whom have a Masonic Heritage. Like Freemasonry, Job’s Daughters does not require that its members belong to a particular faith, but candidates for admission to the order must profess a belief in God by whatever name they may know him.
For over 75 years, Job’s Daughters has been actively promoting friendship and service. The group takes its name from the Book of Job, and in particular to a reference in the 42nd Chapter that says, “And in all the land were no women found so fair as the Daughters of Job.”
Meetings follow a long tradition of order. The Officers wear traditional Grecian robes, symbols of democracy and equality, provided by the Bethel. Other members wear dresses to the meetings, which are held twice a month. Programs are planned and conducted by the members with the help of adult volunteers.
To become a Job’s Daughter does not involve an embarrassing ritual or test of courage. Like Masonic degrees, the initiations are solemn, meaningful ceremonies presented by the Bethel Officers. Parents are welcome at initiations and at all meetings. To be a member of Job’s Daughters is to be part of a group that promotes friendship among young women and self-confidence. The member of this order will learn skills that will help them throughout their lives and will become part of an organization that serves the community and is dedicated to having fun.
The Landmarks of The Order
1. To be known as Job’s Daughters.
2. Membership to be composed of developing girls who believe in God and bear a Masonic relationship.
3. The meeting place to be called a Bethel.
4. The teachings based on the “Book of Job” (with special reference to the 42nd Chapter: 15th Verse).
5. To be taught in three epochs (not degrees).
6. Motto: “Virtue is a quality which highly adorns woman.”
7. Requiring all members, guardians and visitors to assume a pledge based on honor.
8. To be a democratic organization with the right of appeal to a supreme authority. with all members and guardians amenable to the laws.
9. A Supreme Guardian Council with Constitution and Bylaws in conformity with landmarks governing Supreme Guardian. Subordinate Guardians and Bethel members.