Ohio Jobs Daughters

What is Job's Daughters?

Job's Daughters is a organization founded in 1920 for young women between the ages of 10 and 20 who have Masonic heritage (related to a Mason). It's based on the foundation of instilling leadership skills, good morals, respect for our country (and for its flag and laws), love of family and friends, and respect for parents and guardians, and other throughout the world.

Members also learn and develop public speaking skills, how to manage finances, strengthen leadership abilities, and support a variety of charity and service projects. "Jobies" also enjoy fellowship among each other in a safe environment and participate in many fun projects and activities (like dances, bowling, skating, swimming parties, slumber parties, pageants, "mystery trips," sports, hiking, "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, 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 equally 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 day and 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 are all the places you can find Job's Daughters?

Job's Daughters International currently has over 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 Romania, Scotland, New Zealand, and Japan.

Is Job's Daughters a religion?

Certainly not! Job's Daughters teaches many values that serve as a solid foundation for life and one of these values is faith. Faith in God and your religion, whatever that may be. While Job's Daughters is religious in nature, it is not a religion (or cult) nor is it a substitute for religion. Members are encouraged to worship and practice the faith of their own choosing (i.e., attend their own churches, synagogues, etc). Job's Daughters are members of many faiths and religions (e.g., Baptist, Catholic, Christian Scientist, Church of Christ, Jewish, Lutheran, Buddhist, Protestant, Methodist, Mormon, etc.), who are brought together for good and noble causes - to improve oneself and to be serviceable to all mankind (many charities and causes are directly supported by the charity work of Job's Daughters).

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 and brown). Also, the color white, in all ages, has been deemed an emblem of purity and a symbol of joy. And, they're really comfortable!

Are you a Christian group?

We have many Christian members, but we also have many members of other religions. 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!!! It's sad that we have to even answer a question like this. We think people get this crazy idea in their heads because Job's Daughters is affiliated with Freemasonry ("Masons"). Freemasonry is also NOT a cult, but a fraternity for men. They only let their members into their meetings, so they were once 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. But in reality, 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 freely attend our meetings. We are certainly not a secret society or cult.

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.

Can boys be members?

No, but we do have a brother organization called DeMolay for boys ages 12 to 21. They also have a program for boys ages 9 to 11 which are Squires of the Round Table (like our Jobie-to-Bee program).

Who can become a member of Job's Daughters?

You must be a girl between the ages of 10 and 20 years of age and a direct descendant of a Master Mason, including, but not limited to: daughters, adopted daughter by law, stepdaughter, granddaughter, step-granddaughters, sister, half-sister, stepsister, sister-in-law, or so related to his wife or widow, or who are daughter, stepdaughter, granddaughter or step-granddaughter, of Majority Member in Job's Daughters.

How do I become a member of Job's Daughters?

Contact a friend who's a member, or contact our Jobie-to-Bee Chairman, Elizabeth Eisleben at libby.eisleben@att.net. She will be able to get you a petition and answer any and all questions you may have!

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. You'll not be asked to do anything other than pay attention to the members as they tell you about the lessons of Job's Daughters, as illustrated in its 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!

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 our Grand Secretary and let us know (Grand Secretary, Mary Walters, marybeth1942@hotmail.com)! We guarantee that we will help you look for a Mason.

I've got a Mason, but I'm only nine. What do I do?

Let us know! Job's Daughters has a "J.D. to Bee" program just for seven to nine year olds who want to be Jobies, but aren't 10 yet. Girls in J.D.-to-Bee clubs get to go to Bethel activities, attend their own Club meetings, and get to know all the girls in the Bethel they're going to join!