William Mark Sexson Passes Away

Today in Masonic History William Mark Sexson passes away in 1953.

William Mark Sexson was an American clergyman and youth leader.

Sexson was born on July 8th, 1877 in Arnica, Missouri. By the age of 17 he had become an ordained minister.

In 1902, after getting married, Sexson moved to Bloomfield, Indiana. There he began his masonic journey becoming a member of Bloomfield Lodge No. 84. Eventually the couple moved to Indianapolis where Sexson attended Butler College and became an Evangelist.

In 1906, Sexson moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma where he became a minister.

Once in Oklahoma, Sexson became very busy with Masonic activities. After arriving he went through his Scottish Rite degrees. Eventually he moved to McAlester where he became the secretary of the Scottish Rite bodies in McAlester. In 1913 he became a 33° mason in the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction. He was also a member of York Rite and was a member of McAlester Commandery No. 6. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and became the Grand Worthy Patron of the Grand Chapter of Oklahoma.

It was during Sexson's many travels as a Master Mason and in the various appendant bodies he became familiar with the newly formed Order of DeMolay. It was on this subject he was asked to speak at an Order of Eastern Star meeting. It was around this time he determined a similar organization should be started meant for young ladies. The organization taught similar skills to the Order of DeMolay. Sexson himself wrote the ritual. On April 6th, 1922 171 girls were initiated into the organization.

Sexson passed away on December 20th, 1953.

After founding the Order of Rainbow for Girls, Sexson became the Grand Master of Oklahoma in 1928. He was also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.