What is Job's Daughters? Job's Daughters is an
organization founded in 1920 for young women between the ages of 11 and 20 who
have Masonic heritage. It's based on the foundation of high morals, love of God
and country (and respect for its flag and laws), love of family and friends, and
respect for parents and guardians, and others throughout the world.
Members also learn & develop leadership skills, public speaking, how
to manage finances, and support a variety of charity and service projects.
"Jobies" also enjoy fellowship among each other in a safe wholesome environment
and participate in many "fun" projects and activities (like dances, bowling,
skating, swimming parties, slumber parties, pageants, "mystery trips," "mystery
dinners," and travel, just to name a few).
Where does the name "Job's
Daughters" come from? Our Group takes its name from the Book of Job, in
the Bible, with particular reference to the 42nd chapter 15th verse:
"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."
So why is that particular verse important? Back in the olden
biblical times, women were not allowed to have very many rights- they couldn’t
own land or inherit (basically couldn’t be self-sufficient) but Job, in his
wisdom, realized his daughters were very special- they were fair and kind and
good, not only in looks but most importantly- in character. From this, he gave
them inheritance (his vast estates, lands, and wealth) shared among their
brothers. This allowed the daughters of Job to be independent, confident women
that could hold their own in society- which is something that all women, of any
age, should strive for, especially in today’s society.
Also, special
emphasis is given to the thought that: "To be fair is to do good" and
"Virtue is a quality which highly adorns woman."
What does "IYOB
FILIAE" on the Job's Daughters emblem mean? "IYOB" is Greek, "FILIAE" is
Latin, and together they mean "Daughters of Job."
Why is it called
"International," where all does Job's Daughters exist? Job's Daughters
International currently has 20,000 members in 5 countries, including: the United
States, Canada, the Philippines, Australia, and Brazil. There have been
inquiries from other countries recently and efforts are underway to institute
Job's Daughters jurisdictions in several other countries, such as Scotland, New
Zealand, and Japan.
Is Job's Daughters a religion? Certainly
not. Although Job's Daughters is religious in nature, it is not a religion (or
cult) nor is it a substitute for religion. The only requirement for membership
related to religion is the belief in a single God. This is the same for all
Masonic related bodies. Members are encourage to worship and practice the faith
of their own choosing (i.e., attend their own churches, synagogues, etc.,
regularly). Job's Daughters are members of many faiths and religions (e.g.,
Baptist, Catholic, Christian Scientist, Church of Christ, Jewish, Lutheran,
Protestant, Methodist, Mormon, etc.), brought together for noble and good causes
- to improve oneself and to be serviceable to all mankind (many charities and
causes are directly supported).
Why do Job's Daughters wear white
uniforms? The uniforms worn by the officers of a Bethel during meetings
are of the Grecian type worn by women during the time of Job. Everyone wearing
the white Grecian dress stresses equality, symbolic of the important belief that
we are all of equal importance in life. All girls, regardless of their family
backgrounds are equal when all wearing them. (Just like why the Girl Scouts wear
uniforms, theirs just happens to be green & brown) Also, the color white, in
all ages, has been deemed an emblem of purity and a symbol of joy. Plus, they’re
really comfortable!
Are you a Christian group? We have many
christian members, but we also have many members of other religions. The only
religious requirements for membership in Job's Daughters are belief in God, the
Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. Job's Daughters does not exclude anyone
from membership based on their religious beliefs.
Are you a cult?
(Think I'm kidding about getting asked this?) No. No! NO!!! Sadly, I
have had to answer this question more than any of the others. I think people get
this crazy idea in their heads because Job's Daughters is affiliated with
Freemasonry. Freemasonry is also NOT a cult, but a fraternity for men. They only
let their members into their meetings, so they were labeled a "secret society"
by those who did not know about them. Since our members are related to Masons,
Job's Daughters has therefore fallen under the same incorrect stereotype.
Actually, our ritual is published, and is on file at the Library of Congress.
Also, parents, legal guardians, grandparents of members and women over 20 years
old (who are related to a Mason) are welcome to attend our meetings.
What are Masons? Freemasonry is the oldest fraternity in the
world. Started by the guild of stonemasons that built the European cathedrals in
the dark ages, they now use the stonecutting tools and working of a rough rock
into a useful object as a metaphor for building a good and useful life. Also
part of Freemasonry are the Shriners, a charitable group of men whose focus is
on helping children. They created the Shriners' Hospital and Burn Center. They
are also known for their red fez hats and the little cars that they drive in
parades...another way that they bring smiles to children! Famous masons include
George Washington, the father of our country! See also our link on our page for more info.
Are you run by
the Masons? No. Job's Daughters has its own governing body and leaders,
and is its own independent organization. But we do have many Masons who support
us, and volunteer to be council members to help our bethels, though. And we love
'em for it!
Can boys be members? No, but we do have a brother
organization called DeMolay. If you are interested in the International Order of DeMolay, follow this
link to their website!
Who can become a member of Job's
Daughters? You must be a girl between the ages of 11 and 20 years of age
and a direct descendant of a Master Mason, including: daughters, adopted
daughters by law, stepdaughters, granddaughters, stepgranddaughters, sisters,
half-sisters, stepsisters, sisters-in-law, or so related to his wife or widow,
or who are daughters, stepdaughters, granddaughters, or step-granddaughters of
Majority Members of Job's Daughters. The only other requirement is belief in a
one God, regardless of your own personal religious beliefs (members are
encouraged to actively worship in their own faith - although religious in
nature, Job's and Masonry are NOT substitutes for religion).
How do I
become a member of Job's Daughters? Contact a friend who's a member, or
contact the Bethel Guardian or Masonic temple in your area. (Try also emailing
someone from a Job’s Daughters website or visit the international page to find a bethel closest to
you) They will get a petition to fill out and explain a little more about us to
you. A committee of 3 girls will talk to you to get a little more information
from you and answer any additional questions you might have at that time. The
committee will report back to the Bethel, and you'll be contacted on when your
initiation will be.
What is the "initiation" like? The
initiation is a very beautiful ceremony where you'll learn more about Job's
Daughters and its history. It is not embarrassing or frightful at all, and there
is no hazing or physical harassment. You'll not be asked to do anything other
than pay strict attention to the officers as they tell you about the lessons of
Job’s Daughters, as illustrated in it's beautiful ritual and the life of Job.
Parents, guardians and family members are welcome and encouraged to attend the
initiation, as well as all Bethel meetings. It's a time many girls fondly
remember for the rest of their lives!
Is there a bethel by me?
There are bethels in most states and some countries. Unfortunately there are
not bethels everywhere...yet. We're working on it. The International Job's Daughters website has a
bethel locator that can tell you if there is a bethel in your area. If there
isn't a bethel in your area, but you're still interested, let me know! Job's
Daughters is always looking to expand, and there are many areas currently under
development! Starting a new bethel could be very exciting!
Will I
have to quit the other clubs I belong to? Job's Daughters shouldn't get
in the way of your other activities. Girls in our bethel are also in Girl
Scouts, color guard, school sports, marching band, etc. And it will not get in
the way of school. The level of commitment that you give your bethel is up to
you. But remember, "You only get out of Job's Daughters what you put into it!".
I don't know any Masons in my family. What do I do? Let us
help!!! Bethel leaders are old pros at helping you shake the family tree until a
Mason turns up. If you want to be a Jobie, contact a bethel and tell them you
want to join. I guarantee you they will help you look for a Mason. If I'm wrong,
tell me about it and I'll help you look!
I've got a Mason, but I'm
only ten. What do I do? Contact a bethel! Job's Daughters has a "J.D. to
Bee" program just for ten year olds to get them ready to be Jobies. You get to
go to bethel activities, and get to know all the girls in the bethel you're
going to join! |