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Daughters of Scotia is a
fraternal order which celebrated the 125th Anniversary of its Grand
Lodge this year. Membership is available to women who were born in
Scotland, are of Scottish descent, or are interested in supporting
Scottish culture.
Love of Auld Scotia—its history, traditions and ideals, its romance,
music and enchanting beauty, inspired a small group to band together and
organize the order.
The first regularly constituted lodge, Victoria #1, was instituted on
July 2nd, 1895. Twenty three women were present at that first meeting
and initiated as members of the Order. From this small beginning we have
increased in membership and today there are lodges in our fraternal
chain from coast to coast.
Woman Leader of Daughters of
Scotia, Edinburgh - July 20, 1934
An article from the Hong Kong Daily Press of August 7, 1934 (jpg file)
History and Purpose
From many preliminary meetings,
finally the first regularly constituted lodge, Victoria #1, was
instituted on July 2, 1895. Twenty-three women and two men (the latter
were members of the Order of Scottish Clans and Past Chiefs of Clan
MacLeod, #31) were present at this first meeting and initiated as
members of the order. Both men had been instrumental in the preparation
of the ritual and constitution. Because they were familiar with the
ritualistic work and had rendered such valuable service in the
organizing of the Order, they were initiated as full-fledged members.
Following permanent organization of the Order, the two men withdrew from
active membership.
From this small beginning, we have increased in members and today there
are lodges in our fraternal chain from coast to coast and border to
border.
The Grand Lodge was organized in 1899. Each lodge sends it elected
representative to the Grand Lodge convention each year. At the annual
convention, Grand Lodge Officers are elected, the accomplishments of the
year are reported and reviewed, new laws enacted, etc.
Conventions are held in different cities. The Grand Lodge has been
entertained by subordinate lodges in Los Angeles, Atlantic City, Boston,
Sacramento, Clearwater, Pittsburgh, Worcester, Akron, and etc.
The order includes in its
membership women tracing Scottish descent from a parent, grandparent or
a great grandparent, women born in Scotland; mothers and daughters of
member of the order, the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and widows
of members of the Order of Scottish Clans; and legally adopted daughters
of members of the Order; wives of men of Scottish descent.
You may become a member of the Daughters of Scotia if you are of
Scottish blood, birth, parentage, descent, etc.
Membership in the Order is classified as follows:
DONATION membership: An applicant between the ages of 16 and 45 in good
health.
SOCIAL membership: An applicant of age 45 or over. A social member is
entitled to all privileges of the Order excepting participation in the
donation fund.
There are no honorary members, or associate members, in the subordinate
lodges.
A donation fund is maintained and supported by all donation members of
the Order through a minimum assessment of twenty cents per month. On
satisfactory proof of death of a donation member, the amount prescribed
by our law is paid to the member's designated beneficiary.
An initiation fee is determined by the members of each lodge. The
constitution of the Order provides that it be at least $2.00 - in any
case, it is within reach of all.
Monthly dues in a small amount are paid by every member for the support
and maintenance of her lodge.
Regular scheduled monthly or semi-monthly meetings are held, for the
transaction of business of the lodge, and social enjoyment.
When visiting in some locality where there is another subordinate lodge,
you can attend a meeting or social function - perhaps renew old ties,
make new friends!
If there is no lodge in your area -
Fifteen or more women in a locality without a lodge may start one by
applying for a charter from the Grand Lodge.
"Give me the land of the
heather
And the kilt,
The mountain and the river.
For the blood leaps in my veins,
When I hear the bagpipe's strains.
Scotland - Dear Old Scotland, Forever!"
Daughters of Scotia Desert Thistle Lodge Newsletter |
