Carrying the Cross
Georgia Irre and the Commitment and Calling to the Daughters of the King
A Life of Faith and Service: Georgia Irre and the Daughters of the King
Born in the old hospital on Main Street in Watertown, Georgia Irre had no idea how far her journey would take her—or how deeply faith and service would shape her life. As a young girl, she boldly declared that she would have an international life, a vision she credits as God’s recognition of the deepest wishes of her heart. And indeed, she did.
For 43 years, Georgia dedicated her career to teaching English as a Second Language and intercultural communication, touching lives across the globe. From different corners of the world to the familiar streets of her hometown, she lived out a calling of connection, understanding, and faith. After 35 years away, she returned to Watertown, where she remains active in faith and service—mainly through her commitment to the Daughters of the King (DOK).
Discovering the Daughters of the King
Georgia’s introduction to DOK came while serving as the head of pastoral care at a large Episcopal church in the South. She was drawn to a group of women who exuded a sense of calm, focus, and spiritual maturity. After curiosity led her to learn more, she took one step after another until she became a Daughter. She describes DOK not as a club but as a lay order, a lifelong commitment to prayer, service, and evangelism.
When she returned to Watertown, she found hardworking Episcopal women deeply engaged in their churches but not always taking time to replenish their own spiritual reserves. She saw an opportunity to support and guide them in that journey, reinforcing the core mission of DOK.
A Commitment to Prayer, Service, and Evangelism
Daughters of the King centers on three primary tenets:
Prayer: Georgia emphasizes that prayer is foundational to the order. The Watertown chapter is known for its confidential prayer ministry, offering intercessions for those in need, whether in a hospital waiting room or facing daily struggles.
Service: Most members of DOK are already deeply engaged in serving their churches. The commitment to service is a natural extension of their faith.
Evangelism: Georgia laughs as she notes that evangelism can be an uncomfortable word for Episcopalians, but DOK’s approach is about living one’s faith authentically. Notably, the DOK does not see evangelism as only an outward-facing mission; it is equally committed to deepening faith within its own churches. They seek to nurture the spiritual lives of their fellow congregants, fostering a community of growth and renewal. The simple act of wearing the DOK cross has sparked countless conversations worldwide for Georgia, drawing others to ask about its meaning and leading to faith formation both inside and outside the church.
Growing the Ministry
Georgia started by founding a DOK chapter at St. Paul’s in Watertown. Before she knew it, she was leading retreats, stepping into leadership roles, and eventually becoming the diocesan president. The growth of DOK in Wisconsin has been remarkable—what was once a group of about 30 women in the Diocese of Milwaukee has expanded to over 80 women in the newly formed Diocese of Wisconsin. Clergy are increasingly recognizing the value of DOK and seeking to establish chapters in their parishes.
Pictured above: November 2025 Retreat day at St. Dunstan's in Madison
Looking to the future, Georgia hopes to continue expanding the reach of DOK beyond the Episcopal tradition, welcoming women from other liturgical backgrounds seeking a deeper spiritual life. She sees the order as a powerful tool for adult Christian formation, offering retreats, workshops, and spiritual guidance. Recent events have included a retreat at Trinity in Janesville, featuring workshops on different forms of prayer, including an exploration of iconography and another recent retreat at St. Dunstan’s in Madison with the National DOK president and 1st Vice President in attendance.
Additionally, DOK holds a national convention every three years, known as Triennial, which coincides with the Episcopal Church’s General Convention. This gathering brings together Daughters worldwide to share in prayer, learning, and fellowship, strengthening their collective mission.
How to Get Involved
DOK is open to women who feel called to a deeper life of prayer and service. The discernment process typically lasts three months, ensuring prospective members fully understand and embrace the lifelong commitment.
For those interested in learning more, Georgia encourages exploring the DOK national website at doknational.org. Within Wisconsin, she welcomes inquiries via email at georgiai@att.net.
Georgia Irre’s story is a testament to the power of faith, prayer, and community. From a young girl’s wish for an international life to a woman dedicated to nurturing spiritual growth, her inspiring journey radiates light to those around her. Through DOK, she and many others are living out their call to be a light in the world—one prayer, one service, one moment of evangelism at a time.
DOK Dioceses of Milwaukee Banner that is currently being updated to DioWis
