80th Birthday Celebration

Brief History of

Royal Victoria Court

H.L. Helen Wright, Royal Matron, presented the following tribute to Royal Victoria Court on our 80th Birthday on the 16th January 2026

This evening, we gather to celebrate the 80th Birthday of Royal Victoria Court No. 1, Order of the Amaranth Incorporated, and to reflect on the history, purpose and charitable work of our Order.

The Royal and Exalted Order of the Amaranth was founded in Sweden in 1653 by Queen Christina, to honour Lady Amarantha for her modesty, virtue and, above all, Charity. The name Amaranth was inspired by the never-fading flower, symbolising enduring qualities. The Order continues to exist today within the Royal Court of Sweden.

The modern Order developed from 1868 through the work of Robert Morris and Robert McCoy. In 1873 it was presented as a degree within the Order of the Eastern Star, recognising noble deeds rather than royal birth. In 1921, Amaranth became an independent Order and flourished internationally, including in Australia.

The Order of the Amaranth is an appendant Order within the Masonic family and maintains a harmonious association with the Order of the Eastern Star. Our ceremonies remind us of our duty to God, to our country, and to one another, with teachings founded on Truth, Faith, Wisdom and Charity. The Honoured Ladies representing these virtues guard the Bible upon the Altar at the centre of our Courtroom.

Membership is open to Master Masons in good standing and to ladies over the age of 18 with a direct relationship to a Master Mason, past or present. Eligibility is also extended to ladies over 18 who are recommended by two Master Masons. Members belong to a Subordinate Court, meeting monthly under the authority of Supreme Council.

Since 2023, Australia no longer has a Grand Court, and Royal Victoria Court now operates directly under Supreme Council jurisdiction. One Australian Honoured Lady, H.L. Joan Foran, served as Supreme Royal Matron in 1987–88.

Each Subordinate Court has 21 offices, held by Honoured Ladies and Sir Knights. Each March, a Royal Matron and Royal Patron are elected, with Installation held in April. The Crown and Sword in our emblem symbolise royalty and authority and are worn by the Royal Matron during her term.

Philanthropy is central to Amaranth, particularly through the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation. Internationally, significant funds are raised annually, with Australian funds now remaining within Australia. Courts also support additional charities each year. For 2025–26, our chosen charity is Diabetes Australia.

Royal Victoria Court No. 1 was organised, constituted and opened on 17 January 1946 at St Jude’s Church Hall, Carlton. Our Charter, issued by Supreme Council, remains central to our meetings and is entrusted to each installed Royal Matron.

Today, we meet at the South Eastern Masonic Centre, and H.L. Helen Wright and S.K. Michael Fragiadakis are pleased to celebrate this milestone with you.

As we mark 80 years, we honour those who have gone before us and continue to build upon their legacy, striving to make the world better through service and charity.

Thank you for joining us, and enjoy our celebrations.