Rev. W. Mark Sexson
Founder of the International Order of the Rainbow For Girls

William Mark Sexson, founder of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was an ordained minister and active Master Mason. After observing the Order of the DeMolay for many years during his Masonic activities, he decided that a similar order for girls should be formed. Following his appeal to an Oklahoma Eastern Star Chapter, he wrote, in one night, the Ritual for the Order. On April 6, 1922, the officers of South McAlester Chapter No. 149, Order of the Eastern Star, exemplified the degrees for the first time on 171 girls.

The Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a fraternal organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Just as in all endeavors, a girl profits from Rainbow in direct ratio to the effort she puts into it. While Rainbow is not primarily a religious order, a girl's religious experiences will be broadened by it. Neither is Rainbow a "good time" group, but the girls have some wonderfully good times in it.

Manchester Assembly No. 4, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was formed by an Advisory Committee of Ruth Chapter No. 16, Order of the Eastern Star and Letters Temporary were issued to this Advisory Committee on November 30, 1925. On February 4, 1926, Concord assembly No. 1 initiated 105 girls into Manchester Assembly and on November 9, 1927, the Assembly was granted its Charter.

Their first meetings were held at the Masonic Temple then located over the Hills' store. Manchester Assembly has had many prosperous, active and fun filled years and during its 50 years in existence, initiated over 1800 girls into the Assembly.

In January 1975, the Assembly was placed on suspension for membership problems. The Assembly was activated in January 1976 and finally passed into history in the early 1980s