Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Next: MA Rainbow’s Centennial

By Submitted by Tanya Saggese, Supreme Deputy, Massachusetts International Order of Rainbow Girls

Massachusetts Rainbow marked its Centennial Grand Assembly Sessions at Nichols College with a weekend that blended history, friendship, and the joyful leadership of our youth. From the opening gavel to the last farewell, the sessions honored a century of service while setting a confident course for the next hundred years. 

This year’s theme—“Dive into the Sea of Discovery & Possibility”—came alive across campus: a Rainbow labyrinth invited reflection and laughter; Heritage Hall provided a living museum of photos, regalia, and memories; and alumni and friends from across the Masonic family returned to celebrate milestones with today’s members. 

Among the weekend’s most moving moments was a beautifully performed PGWA Initiation, as Past Grand Worthy Advisors—from 1964 through 2024—came together to initiate two new members into Massachusetts IORG. Spanning six decades, this team embodied Rainbow’s promise that the lessons of leadership and service would carry forward. 

We were blessed to also have our most recent Past Supreme Inspectors, Sandra J. Marshall and Susan A. Torrey, whose steadfast support and presence underscored the significance of the Centennial, in attendance all weekend. In a touching gift to the jurisdiction, the PGWAs presented a newly embossed bible set to be used for all Grand Assembly events, a symbol of continuity and care for the ceremonies that shape our members. The Centennial highlighted what makes Rainbow distinctive: youth-led ceremonies, mentorship across many generations, and a shared commitment to community service. 

Newly installed Grand Worthy Advisor Morgan V. reflected on the weekend’s meaning: 

“As a self-proclaimed history buff, it felt particularly special for me to participate in such a momentous celebration as MA Rainbow’s 100th anniversary. Beyond my own installation as GWA, some of my biggest highlights from Grand Assembly were all the ways I was able to connect with my mother advisor through the centennial celebrations. The two of us enjoyed a laughter-filled walk in the Rainbow maze as we each shared some of our silliest memories, and had a great time discovering her name as the Grand Representative to Kentucky on one of the quilts in the heritage museum. As a Grand Officer, I enjoyed cheering on everyone at the awards ceremony and singing camp songs by the dressing rooms to ‘pep talk’ before sessions. The 100th Grand Assembly was certainly one to go down in history, and I can’t wait for the 101st!” 

Massachusetts Rainbow extends heartfelt thanks to our sponsoring bodies and the many families and alumni who support our girls. Your encouragement, scholarships,  and mentorship make it possible for our young ladies to discover their voice, serve their communities, and lead with confidence. 

As we close the Centennial book and open the next chapter, Morgan’s words capture the spirit of the weekend: history isn’t just preserved—it’s lived, shared, and passed  forward. With fresh energy, strengthened traditions, and support from the Masonic family, Massachusetts Rainbow is poised for an even brighter future ahead.