Daughters of the King (DOK)...

The Order of the Daughters of the King is an international religious order for women. Its mission is the extension of Christ’s kingdom through prayer, service, and evangelism. The Order was founded in 1885 by Margaret J. Franklin at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in New York City. Currently, women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church and certain other denominations are eligible for membership.

The St. Thomas Chapter of the Order came into being in the Spring of 1948. In keeping with their vows, members undertake the Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. Through daily prayer, each Daughter devotes herself to deepening her relationship with our Heavenly Father. Through her Rule of Service, each Daughter promises to take part regularly in the worship, study and work of the church; undertake a personal program of evangelism to bring others to Christ; give aid to the Priest-in-charge for the up-building of the parish; and minister to God’s people wherever she is.

Daughters at St. Thomas support the work of the church through two annual events, the distribution of food baskets to needy families at Thanksgiving and the Maundy Thursday-Good Friday Prayer Vigil in the Sanctuary.  All women of the church are eligible to join the Order. However, a prerequisite for those who seek admission is completion of an eight-week course of study and discernment.

In September of 2020, the St. Thomas Chapter formed the Anti-Racism Initiative Committee (ARIC) to actively pursue the goal of promoting racial justice, reconciliation, and healing, consistent with our Baptismal Covenant and the Motto of our Order. Among other things, the group has created some supporting documents, including a Prayer for Racial Equity and Healing, a Glossary of Anti-Racist/Bias Terms, and a list of Suggested Resources that Support Anti-Racism Efforts.

Meetings of the Order are currently held on the 4th Saturday of the month from September through June.