Odd Fellows, recognizing the need for a woman's touch and her helpfulness in carrying out the principles of Odd Fellowship, brought into being the Rebekah Degree, founded upon the principles of faithfulness, hospitality, purity and dedication to the principles of the Order as portrayed by women characters of the Bible.
The degree of Rebekah was accepted in 1851 as written by Schuyler Colfax.
The degree was originally written for Brothers to confer on their wives and daughters and was considered an "Honorary Degree". The degree could only be conferred at a special meeting and Brothers could also receive the degree, much the same as today.
Later the Sisters were allowed to confer the degree on other Sisters, a ritual was adopted with the Sisters taking the parts. Rebekah Lodges were instituted and have continued to flourish.
This ritual has changed very little since 1851. It includes lessons from the biblical stories in the Old Testament of the women of the Bible.
We use emblems teaching lessons that are invaluable to be a Rebekah. The beehive, representing associated industry and the result of united effort. The moon and seven stars which teaches us the value of regularity in all our work. The dove, the beautiful emblem of peace. The white lily, a symbol of purity.
REBEKAH CREED
I AM A REBEKAH:
I believe in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of man, and the Sisterhood of woman.
I believe in the watch-words of our Order - Friendship, Love and Truth.
Friendship - is like a golden chain that ties our hearts together. Love - is one of our most precious gifts, the more you give, the more you receive. Truth - is the standard by which we value people. It is the foundation of our society.
I believe that my main concern should be my God, my family and my friends. Then I should reach out to my community and the World, for in God's eyes we are all brothers and sisters.
I AM A REBEKAH!
When in 1851, the Grand Lodge of the United States gave its sanction to establish the Rebekah Degree, it added the fairest pillar which adorns and supports the Temple of Odd Fellowship. Woman's valuable cooperation in our work of benevolence has long been recognized and at last, to her, was cheerfully assigned to her a place in our history thereby attesting the claims to nobility of character, to faithfulness in friendship, to self-sacrificing love and non-deviating perseverance in all that is good and true. That she has been noble, vindicated that claim is the universal testimony of the Order everywhere and Odd Fellows are not only proud but thankful that her sympathy has been enlisted and her womanly influence added to our strength.
Woman is naturally an Odd Fellow in our acceptance of the term. Did ever the cry of the suffering or the moan of the disconsolate fall unheeded upon her ear? Did ever distress or want call for active ministration of woman in vain? Never! The natural promptings of her heart, kindness, love and tenderness forbid the thought. The full measure of woman's influence in the work of Odd Fellowship has never been properly estimated and only time will enable us to establish its true value and then glancing backward upon its glorious achievements know her true value.
Man in his pride and vigor, when health, like a strong arm circles him about, enabling him to battle alone against the storms of life, may refuse to acknowledge and recognize the true worth of woman but when sickness lays its prostrating hand upon him and strength departs, leaving the boasted giant helpless. When adversity, like a cloud of darkness encompasses him about, when friends who once sang his praises and fattened upon his plenty, turn coldly away and desert him in his need. When life is slowly fading, Rebekah assumes her station.
One of the most fiercest battles in our fraternal history occurred at the session of the Grand Lodge of the United States held in Baltimore, Maryland, September 20, 1851. After the clouds had passed away it was 46 votes for the Rebekah Degree and 37 against. At the time it really was only a hollow victory because it became a side or Honorary Degree. For seventeen years, there was no real organization and the Rebekahs began to hold their meetings without benefit of a Subordinate Lodge and to make matters worse, their meetings, as well as socials, were held on Sundays.
In 1866, the Most Worthy Grand Sire Veith appointed a committee to study the violations; to either take the Degree of the books or furnish the necessary means to improve it. On September 25, 1868, by a vote of 69 to 28, Resolutions were presented authorizing the institution of Degree Lodges of the Daughters of Rebekah. This authorization put the Degree on a plane with Odd Fellow's Lodges. This gave them the right to elect their own Officers, charge for initiation fees, collect dues and minister to relief and suffering. It is recorded that Past Grand Sire Farnsworth said, "It sure seems silly to call a Brother a sister". In 1874, the name of Daughters of Rebekahs was changed to Degree of Rebekah.
It is clear to see that the Grand Lodge of the United States organized the Rebekah Degree and then left it entirely alone. It soon became apparent that further legislation was needed because the reports were confused and unsatisfactory. A better system was employed with proper papers to report on. Great improvements were made which led to better service.
The first National Convention of the Degree of Rebekah was held in Columbus, Ohio, September 17, 18, 19, 20, 1889. It was quite a celebration with a banquet with 500 in attendance. Many eloquent speeches were made by distinguished guests. The convention was called to order by Past Most Worthy Grand Sire Nickolson of Boston as he was chairman.
Mrs. Mary E. Rea of Missouri was the first President elected. The International Association of Rebekah Assemblies was founded in 1922 at Detroit, Michigan. By 1927, all Rebekah Assemblies had joined except California. That Assembly joined at Sacramento, California in 1949. Being a large Assembly, it added greatly to its membership. The Rebekah Assembly of Cuba joined in 1955.
It was natural and logical that Colfax should use the women of the Bible in creating a Degree for women. He chose Rebekah for affection. He chose Ester for Patriotism. He chose Sarah for Faith. He chose Deborah for Courage. He chose Miriam for Zeal and Devotion. He chose Mother of Sampson and Hannah for Piety. Why did he chose the name Rebekah? Was it because she was the most lovable woman of the Bible? Was it because Daughters of Rebekahs sounded better than Daughters of Sarah?... or Ruth? ... or Ester? It must have been because he wished to symbolize unselfishness because Rebekah, more than others, displayed that trait in the scene at the well. There is a hint of self in all the others, Hannah, Deborah, Ruth, Sarah and Miriam were serving their own loved ones, but Rebekah is shown ministering to the poor unknown stranger. For that reason, the Daughters of Rebekah pledge themselves to follow her example.
Odd Fellows and Rebekahs were also the first fraternal organization to establish homes for our senior members and for orphaned children.
