Albert Pike on Freemasonry for women

But there is no reason why there should not be also a Masonry for them, which may not merely enable to make themselves known to Masons, and so to obtain assistance and protection; but by means of which, acting in concert through the tie of association and mutual obligation, they may cooperate in the great labors of Masonry, by assisting in and, in some respects, directing their charities, and toiling in the cause of Human Progress.

Albert Pike in the introduction of his Rite for women, quoted by Karen Kidd in Haunted Chambers.