Mason, Rainbows, and Stars

A.M. invited me to the PNC Economic update which was held at the Cincinnati Masonic Center downtown. It was quite a beautiful building inside with sculpted painted 25 foot ceilings.The auditorium was impressive.

My grandfather Wells was a Mason (Freemasonry) and likely Grandmother was an Eastern Star (I know my Mom was).  In fact, Mom might have grown into the Eastern Star as a Rainbow girl (since Rainbow Girls started in Oklahoma). 

There were all kinds of references to Scottish rites and  33 degrees.  "The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is a system of 33 degrees (including the three blue lodge degrees) administered by a local or national Supreme Council."

I don't know what degree Grandpa obtained (the order probably keep these things secret or preached humility), however it states "it is the obligation placed on every Mason to contribute to charity. This occurs at both lodge and Grand Lodge level. Masonic charities contribute to many fields from education to disaster relief.^["

So in a way I'm following in my ancestors footsteps when I joined the giving group: Social Venture Partners Cincinnati.  We just don't have a lodge, degrees, or secret handshakes :)