Welcome to the R. B. Jones Sr. Assembly No. 298

Bottom Row (left to right): Tabatha Edmond, Genieve Edmond, Tyra Arceneaux, Jenohn Duhon

Top Row (left to right): Amori Edmond, Vonda Grogan, Antoinette Gerald, Laura Francis

Additional Members not shown: Amelia Tellis, Kendra Citizen, Casey Henry, Lovely Joubert, Nakeela Lewis, Penny Coleman, Shelly Grider

THE DOVE:  The Dove, as defined by Collier’s Encyclopedia, “…is a name loosely applied to any of a large number of birds of the pigeon family.  Although there is no technical distinction between pigeons and doves, the species known as doves are mostly small to medium-sized and characterized by soft, dull hues, such as
browns, grays and the neutral one known as dove color.  Doves usually have low cooing voices, and their apparently amiable dispositions have made them symbols of peace and affection.”

In the Order of the Golden Circle, the Dove within the golden circle signifies “the hope that peace shall reign always within our precincts.”  The Dove has many references in the Bible that we can remember:  Doves were sent out during the flood, from Noah’s Ark, based on the fact that the first Dove never returned and the second dove came back with its feet still wet and bedraggled, Noah was reluctant yet to leave the Ark.  But the third Dove returned with an olive branch in its beak, signifying the peace and tranquility that prevailed over the
earth.  This third Dove was the divine messenger of peace and hovered over the retreating waters like a celestial harbinger of safety.  Thus, an arch or distant horizon floating on the surface of the ocean attended by a Dove with an olive branch in its beak and encircled by a rainbow, form a striking and expressive symbol which
needs no explanation.  If freemasonry has allowed the Dove to occupy a high position among its hallowed symbols, the reasons for such an approbation (benediction) are fully competent to justify the proceedings.

The Dove was an agent at the creation, at the deluge, or flood, and at the baptism of our Lord Jesus the Christ.  When the heavens opened and a brightness shone about, as our Lord Jesus came out of the water after being baptized by John the Baptist, the Dove alights on His shoulders and a voice from the Heavens declared, “This is my Beloved Son in Whom I am Well Pleased.”

There are many other references to the Dove; however, just the appearance of the Dove on the Altar of an Assembly signifies the peace and harmony that will always dwell among the Sisters of the Order of the Golden Circle.