It was a day for old friends and familiar faces on Nov. 7 as Job’s Daughters Bethel #52 held a celebration – its 50th anniversary.
Past and fraternal members flipped through albums and scrapbooks filled with memories of the past half-century, and enjoyed reminiscing.
Job’s Daughters is an international fraternal organization for girls aged 10 to 20 that teaches leadership, teamwork, and public speaking.
It’s a place to make life-long friends, according to Tara Porter, who met one of her best friends in ‘Jobies’ 31 years ago – at the age of 12.
Jobies can be found across B.C., and around the world, with chapters in Canada, the U.S., Australia, Philippines and Brazil, making it the second-largest organization for girls in the world, according to Porter.
At least 100 people turned out for the celebration, including past Honour Queens, past members and council members.
The Honour Queen holds a six-month term as Bethel leader and members run their own meetings with the support of adults on a council.
Porter joined because she was shy, and wanted to emerge from her shell by meeting new friends – which she did, not just in her home Bethel – but across the Lower Mainland.
“Because of my years in Jobies, I am able to organize events, speak in front of large groups of people, respect people, my community and my country,” she says.
These days, she’s involved as a parent: her daughter joined a year ago. “People typically get involved because they know someone in Job’s Daughters or have heard of us,” she says.
Its roots as an organization date back to 1920, and its purpose is to band together young girls with Masonic ties to build character and moral and spiritual development, reverence for God and the Holy Scriptures, flag and country, and respect for parents and guardians.
Current members live in Langley and Surrey, and past members live across the country, including Porter, who lived in New Brunswick for 16 years.
“Job’s Daughters is a wonderful organization where girls have fun and learn skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives,” she says.
The group opens up a world of opportunity. Members learn leadership skills, develop public speaking and positive self-esteem, and gain experience running business meetings, planning events, doing community service work, and learning respect for others.
Meetings are twice a month, and there are plenty of other events, from attending other Bethel meetings to movie nights, sleep overs, and laying a wreath on Remembrance Day.
“We have a lot of fun.”
There are some open meetings where girls can find out more. Look for Bethel #52 at the North Otter Elementary School craft fair on Nov. 28 and they’ll be face-painting at Alice Brown Elementary School on Dec. 12.
To join, contact your local Bethel. Applicants can be related to a Mason – or sponsored by one.
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