The Order of the Daughters of the King , St. Mary's Chapter was instituted on Sunday, May 31, 1998. The order is a religious order for women. Members undertake a personal rule of life incorporating the two requirements for admission: The Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. As the service of admission, a daughter reaffirms the promises she made at Confirmation; pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service and personal evangelism; dedicates herself to the spread of Christ's Kingdom; and assists in the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish.
In the Rule of Prayer, they vow to pray daily for extension of Christ's Kingdom, for the spiritual growth of the Church, especially for our diocese and parish, for all who need emotional, spiritual and physical healing, and for the work of our Order. In the Rule of Service, they vow to participate regularly in the worship, study and work of the Church, to assist the Rector in any way possible, and to bring others to a knowledge and love of our Lord.
Members wear the order's silver Greek cross Fleury as silent proclamation that members' lives are committed to manifesting Christ's love and that they cannot live a day without Christ in their lives. The inscription on the cross is Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine - "With heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross." At the base of the cross are letters "FHS", initials for the Motto of the Order: "For His Sake". Only a member in good standing may wear the cross of the Order, which remains the property of the Order. When a member dies it may buried with her; otherwise it is returned to the National Office.
How To Become A Member
Membership in the Order is open to women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, of any autonomous Church of the Anglican Communion, or of a church having an Historic Episcopate but not in communion with the Episcopal Church.
To join the St. Mary's Chapter, talk with the Rector and to members of the Chapter about your interest and declaration of commitment to preparation and admission. Prospective members complete a course of study about the order, it's history and mission before being admitted. Meetings are held biweekly either starting with Sunday Evening Prayer at 6:00 p.m. and followed immediately by a meeting in the Guild House library or on Sunday morning during Coffee Hour in the library . Please check the parish schedule for meeting dates and places.
The Motto Of The Order
For His Sake...
I am but one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.
Lord, what will you have me do?
