- DeMolay International
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This article is about the fraternal order. For the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, see Jacques De Molay.
DeMolay International (also known as the Order of DeMolay), founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919, is an international organization for young men ages 12–21. DeMolay derives its name from Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. DeMolay was incorporated in the 1990s and is classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3).
Contents
Overview
DeMolay is open for membership to young men between the ages of 12 to 21, and currently has about 18,000 members in the United States and Canada[1] and several thousand more worldwide. It uses a model of mentoring; adult men and women called advisors, often past DeMolay members or parents of DeMolays, mentor the active DeMolay members. An advisor is referred to as 'Dad Smith' instead of 'Mr. Smith', in respect of Frank S. Land and his fatherly role to the founding members. The mentoring focuses on the development of civic awareness, leadership skills, and personal responsibility.
Founded by a Freemason, DeMolay is closely modeled after Freemasonry. With the sponsorship of a Masonic lodge, the chapter normally meets in a lodge room. DeMolay is considered to be part of the Masonic Family, along with other youth groups such as Job's Daughters and the Rainbow Girls. Like the Rainbow Girls, a young man does not need to have a family tie or sponsor in a Masonic organization to join DeMolay.
DeMolay has seven Cardinal Virtues, which are the sole structure of what its members follow. The Cardinal Virtues are:
- Filial love (love between a parent and child)
- Reverence for sacred things
- Courtesy
- Comradeship
- Fidelity
- Cleanness
- Patriotism
History
DeMolay was founded in 1919 by Frank S. Land, a successful businessman in Kansas City, Missouri. During World War I, Land had become concerned with the plight of boys who had lost their fathers in battle. He decided there was a need for an organization where they could associate with others of their age and learn responsibility and other life skills. A fatherless boy named Louis Lower and eight of his friends became the first DeMolay members.
Frank S. Land first met with Louis Lower in January 1919. The original founding date of the order was February 19, 1919. That was later changed to the official launching date of March 18, 1919 to commemorate the death of Jacques DeMolay.
The organization is named after Jacques De Molay, a knight and crusader who was the 23rd and last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. He was taken prisoner by King Philip IV of France, who wanted to seize the Templars' wealth. De Molay was tortured repeatedly to force him to admit to charges of heresy. However, he later recanted his statements and declared both himself and his Order innocent. He was therefore burned at the stake. Members are encouraged to model their conduct after Jacques De Molay's example of loyalty and fidelity.
The organization grew rapidly, and by the end of 1921, Land realized he had to devote full time to it. Interest developed in the Masonic fraternity, and official recognition and approval by Masonic groups began in many states. Today, many members of DeMolay go on to become Masons when they are of legal age.
DeMolay continued its growth, initiating new members and instituting new chapters in every state of the USA. It then went international and now exists around the world, including chapters in Mexico, Canada, Australia, Germany, the Philippines, Portugal, Paraguay, Italy, Serbia, Japan, Aruba, Brazil, Panama, and Bolivia. There are also chapters which have no Supreme Council, including those in England and France.[1]
Original Members and Dad Land
The Order Of DeMolay originally had nine members. The crest of the order contains 10 rubies, each of which represents one of the original nine or Dad Frank S. Land. A pearl denoted one of the original ten who were living. When one of the original founders died, that pearl was changed to a ruby. Today, all of the original founders have died and all pearls are rubies.
Ivan M. Bentley - He lived in Louis Lower's neighborhood. Created a Chevalier in 1920. Died in an accident in 1921. His death made him the first ruby in the emblem.
Louis G. Lower- The first DeMolay and the first Active DeMolay Legionnaire (LOH). Created a Chevalier in 1920. He was gunned down by an intoxicated security guard on July 18, 1943. He was the second of the original nine to die, became the second ruby.
Dad Frank Land - The third ruby on the DeMolay crest was for Frank Land himself. Doctors diagnosed his disease as scleroderma. Doctors advised Land to slow down but he continued to work at his frenetic pace telling them, "My work must go on. DeMolay must go on." Although he had begun to show signs of fading, Frank Land's death on November 8, 1959 came as a shock, especially to his beloved organization. The fraternity successfully made the transition to new leadership but mourns his passing to this day. Every DeMolay around the world honors Dad Land's memory every year on November 8.
Edmund Marshall- He lived next door to Elmer Dorsey. Created Chevalier in 1920. Graduated from University of Missouri. President of the Kansas City Board of Trade. He died on November 8, 1966 and became the fourth ruby.
Clyde C. Stream - Cousin of Gorman McBride. He was a technical engineer with the Sagano Electric Company. Retired to Bradenton, Florida. He died on May 3, 1971 and became the fifth ruby.
Gorman A. McBride- He lived in the neighborhood with Louis Lower. Second Obligated DeMolay. First Master Councilor of Mother Chapter. Created a Chevalier in 1920. Became an Active Member of the International Supreme Council. Received the Founder's Cross from Dad Land, the only one of the original nine to do so. He was a lawyer by profession and was Director of Activities at ISC Headquarters in the 1960s. He died on November 10, 1973 and became the sixth ruby.
Ralph Sewell - He lived in the home of Louis Lower and became the credit manager for H. D. Lee Mercantile Company, makers of Lee jeans. Mr. Sewell was a skilled pianist and organist. He died in July 1976 and became the seventh ruby.
Elmer V. Dorsey - He lived just behind Louis Lower. He became a successful businessman and moved to Texas and became an Advisor to Richardson Chapter. He died in November 1979 and became the eighth ruby.
William W. Steinhilber- He lived in the neighborhood with Louis Lower. Mr. Steinhilber became a successful stock and bond broker. He was captain of the first DeMolay baseball team. He died on October 28, 1992 and became the ninth ruby.
Jerome Jacobson- He lived one block from Louis Lower. Mr. Jacobson graduated from University of Kansas, was admitted to the Missouri Bar as a lawyer, and had an outstanding career in law and finance. He lived in Kansas City all his life. He died in May, 2002 and became the tenth and final ruby.
Structural organization
A local DeMolay body is known as a Chapter and is headed by the Master Councilor. The Master Councilor is elected by members of his Chapter and is usually among the older members of the group. The Master Councilor is assisted in his duties by a Senior Councilor and a Junior Councilor. The Senior Councilor is usually considered to be next in line as Master Councilor and Junior Councilor to follow, though two people can run against each other. The remaining officers of a Chapter, which are appointed, are done so by the Master Councilor, except for the Scribe, who is appointed by the Chapter's Advisory Council.
Senior DeMolays (former members now 21 or older), Masons, or other adult mentors supervise the Chapter and are usually referred to by the moniker "Dad," a term harkening back to one of the first members, who thought of founder Frank Land as the father he never knew and called him "Dad Land." In recent years, women have also served as advisors for the group and are referred to as "Mom".
Above the individual Chapter, the DeMolay organization has an officer structure at the state level. A State Master Councilor or Jurisdictional Master Councilor is the head of a statewide DeMolay organization. In countries outside of the United States, DeMolay may have a national level organization, headed by a "National Master Councilor". There are also other state or jurisdictional positions, based on the officers of a chapter, which vary for each jurisdiction. The lead advisor (always a Master Mason and a member of the Supreme Council) in a state, jurisdiction, or country, is called an Executive Officer and the lead advisor (always a Master Mason) internationally is known as a Grand Master who governs the International Supreme Council. There are also Active DeMolay officers at an international level as well; the International Master Councilor and International Congress Secretary are the heads of the International DeMolay Congress and serve on the Board of Directors. These officers are always past State Master Councilors.
In some countries outside of the United States, the International Supreme Council of DeMolay has ceded control to an independent Supreme Council created to govern DeMolay in that country. Such a Supreme Council has its own Grand Master and officers. (Examples are Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines.)
Chapter officers
DeMolay functions through a set of officers. Some are elected; some are appointed. The Master Councilor, Senior Councilor, Junior Councilor and Treasurer are always elected. All officers except where noted are appointed by the Master Councilor. The officers of a DeMolay Chapter are as follows:
Office Elected/Appointed Duty Master Councilor Elected Sits as Chair for Meetings, Official Representative of Chapter to outside persons and organizations.
Senior Councilor Elected Many times oversees degree,ceremony work and fund raising. Assists Master Councilor and takes charge in absence of Master Councilor
Junior Councilor Elected Many times oversees membership, Assists other Councilors and takes Charge in absence of both Master and Senior Councilors
Scribe Appointed by Advisory Council or Elected by Chapter Records minutes at meetings, files necessary paper work, sends and receives communications.
Treasurer Advisor elected by Advisory Council Manages Chapter Account Senior Deacon Appointed Conducts candidates in initiation, Assists Councilors, Sometimes proceeds to Junior Councilor
Junior Deacon Appointed Communicates with Sentinel, assists Senior Deacon Senior Steward Appointed Keeps facilities clean and in order. Junior Steward Appointed Assists Senior Steward Orator Appointed Presents ceremonies, Makes necessary announcements Sentinel Appointed Verifies persons entering meetings, Keeps away disturbances Chaplain Appointed Prayer Marshal Appointed Conducts necessary movement in meetings Standard Bearer Appointed Oversees flags and proper presentation of such Almoner Appointed Collects alms for charities, and those sick or distressed Seven Preceptors All Appointed Represent the seven Cardinal Virtues of DeMolay Organist (Optional) Appointed Provides Music State/Jurisdictional Officers
The state or jurisdictional level officers are set up the same way as the local chapters, usually with a State/Jurisdictional Master Councilor, State Senior Councilor, and State Junior Councilor all elected by DeMolay members throughout the state or jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions may elect a Deputy State/Jurisdictional Master Councilor, State Scribe, or various other positions. The other state officers may be appointed by the Executive Officer, appointed by the State Master Councilor, or voted for by the other state officers.
Sweetheart
Some DeMolay chapters elect a "Chapter Sweetheart" to serve as the female representative of the chapter, although she is NOT an officer of the chapter. Her duties include attending chapter functions and acting as an ambassador of DeMolay. The "Sweetheart" must meet the age requirements of a particular jurisdiction or chapter, usually set at fourteen to twenty-one. She may be member of a neighboring Job's Daughters Bethel, Rainbow Assembly, Triangle, or Constellation, but that is not a set requirement.State, Jurisdictional, and International Congress
Each state or jurisdiction has a form of convention. Most jurisdictions have conventions once a year. Most jurisdictions conventions are called Conclave. In the convention, the members of the state or jurisdiction vote on the State Master Councilor and other elected positions. Also, the members may vote on the activities that the state will do throughout the year. A major part of DeMolay is the leadership aspect of the Order. It allows the young men to have an opportunity for growth and development in a mature setting.
During the International Congress, two delegates appointed by the Executive Officer from each state or jurisdiction meet in conjunction with the International Supreme Council. The delegates elect the International Master Councilor and International Congress Secretary. Additionally, delegates discuss and vote on legislative items. Several years ago, the Congress Officers established the DeMolay International Congress Cabinet which has eight regionally-elected members. These members are charged with carrying out action items as directed by the Congress and are to assist the International Officers throughout the year.
Activities
DeMolays participate in a wide range of activities that may include: camping, holding dances with Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters, playing basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, paintball, or billiards, going canoeing and kayaking, and taking long distance trips. Both Chapters and individual DeMolays participate in competitions for the best performance of the various Ceremonies of the Order. Winners of local competitions, in ritual and sports, may compete for State Championships, and sometimes State winners compete at even higher levels. The Chapter collectively decides what events they enjoy, then plans them, and in many cases holds fund raisers to finance them.
Obligatory Days
DeMolays are required, unless extenuating circumstances, to participate in what are referred to as "Obligatory Days", where a chapter usually holds some sort of program in observance of such. The seven Obligatory Days are:
Patriot's Day - A day in which chapters commemorate the country, founding fathers, and past and current military in recognition of patriotism, the last of the DeMolay Precepts. Such programs may include the singing of the Star Spangled Banner or playing of Taps, the Flag folding Ceremony, visiting a historical site or monument, hosting a program honoring veterans, or having a speaker elaborate on Patriotism. Occurs sometime in February.
Devotional Day - A day to recognize the importance of God in our lives. Although DeMolay teaches no religious creed, members are encouraged to frequent places of worship. Chapters usually attend a church, synagogue, or temple together as a chapter, hold a bible study, or honor a pastor, deacon, or clergyman with gratitude. This is in respect to the second DeMolay Precept, Reverence for Sacred Things, to which a DeMolay learns tolerance of others' beliefs and things which they may hold sacred, as well as appreciating their own religious opinions. Occurs on or closest to March 18.
Parent's Day - A day to honor Parents and the daily care and sacrifices they make for their son's well being. Events may be dinner where DeMolays cook and serve the parents, or the presentation of the Flower Talk, a heart-felt ceremony that points out how important mothers are. Occurs on a day between May 1 and June 21, usually around Mother's Day or Father's Day.
My Government Day - A day to explain the government of the country, state, province or community in which the Chapter is located. Usual events may include having a congressman come and speak at a chapter, participate in an Independence Day activity, meeting with the Mayor or Governor, or visiting the capitol building. For example in the Texas jurisdiction, DeMolays gather at the capitol building in Austin, TX, and participate in mock legislature in the House and Senate Chambers. Occurs in July.
Educational Day - A day to stop and appreciate the foundation of America's greatness, the public schools, and all education. Activities could include, reading to Elementary aged kids on a special night, collecting books for a local Library, or having a teacher give a message in recessed chapter. Occurs any time during the year.
Frank S. Land Memorial Day - A day to recognize and pay tribute to Dad Land and all the work he did for the founding of DeMolay. Chapters are encouraged to raise funds and donate them to a DeMolay Charity. Visiting Dad Land's grave site, presenting a copy of "Hi Dad!" to someone, or presenting the Dad Land Talk to the Chapter and guests, are common ways to observe this day. Occurs on or near November 8, the day Dad Land died.
Day of Comfort - A day where every member of DeMolay should make an effort to visit the sick and carry words of comfort to those who are confined. The Almoner should be responsible for planning this observance. Events include collecting and donating items in a food drive, visiting a nursing home or hospital, or holding a seniors day, where demolays prepare a meal for the elderly. This day occurs between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Honors and awards
The Degree of Chevalier is the highest honor an active DeMolay can receive. It may also be granted to a Senior DeMolay. The degree is granted for outstanding DeMolay service and activity. To receive the honor, a DeMolay must be at least 17 years old on January 15 of the year nominated, have been a member for at least two years as of that date, be nominated by his chapter's Advisory Council, and have the approval of the Executive Officer of his jurisdiction, and of the of the Supreme Council.
The Legion of Honor is the highest honor conferred by the DeMolay Supreme Council. The award was approved in 1925 and first conferred upon Louis Lower. With amendment of the Supreme Council's statutes in 1985, the minimum age for nominees for the Legion of Honor was dropped from 30 to 25 as of January 15. The Supreme Council may confer the Legion of Honor upon a Senior DeMolay for outstanding leadership in some field of endeavor, for service to humanity, or for success in fraternal life, including adult service to the Order of DeMolay. The Supreme Council may also confer it upon a Freemason who was not a DeMolay, but who has performed unusual and meritorious service in behalf of the Order of DeMolay, or who has evidenced a spirit of cooperation and appreciation for the Order of DeMolay.
The Representative DeMolay Award is the highest self-achievement award active and Senior DeMolays can earn. It's a self-assessment program where the member progresses toward goals set for him by himself. The member completes a detailed survey of his interests, achievements, general knowledge, and habits. Land said it was his dream that every DeMolay should be a Representative DeMolay. The "RD" program was first established in 1924, and for many years was a competition to select outstanding DeMolays. In 1935, the program was redesigned to fill a growing need for self-evaluation by every DeMolay.
Order of Knighthood
The Order of Knighthood (KT) is an appended organization of older DeMolays. The Knighthood program is for active DeMolays between 17 and 21 years of age. A Knighthood Priory has its own ritual and officers, separate from the chapter system.[2]
The official name of the Order is The Chivalric Knights of the Holy Order of the Fellow Soldiers of Jacques DeMolay. It is not an honorary degree or award, but a working body whose purpose is to extend fellowship and serve the Order of DeMolay.
The Order of Knighthood made its debut in 1946, when Dad Land wrote the Knighthood ritual. This ritual was not exemplified before the Grand Council, now known as DeMolay International's Supreme Council, until 1947, as Dad Land held off on its implementation.
Through the years, the Knights' activities have consisted of social and educational programs geared to older DeMolays, with a special emphasis on career planning and coed activities.
The main functions of a Priory are to:
- Extend and assist the Order of DeMolay and its Chapters.
- Maintain the active interest of older DeMolays.
- Provide an interesting program for the Priory members.
- Above all to provide and maintain a proper example for all DeMolays.
Hall of Fame
Over the years, DeMolay has had many alumni who have gone on to achieve wide recognition outside of the organization. Some of them have been elected to the DeMolay Hall of Fame.[3] However, not all DeMolays who have received recognition have been inducted into the Hall of Fame; some can be found on other lists.[4]
The following is a partial list of the members of the DeMolay Hall of Fame. The full list is available on the DeMolay International website.
Name Dates Profession Notes Carl B. Albert 1908–2000 Politician Speaker of the House (1971–77) Cecil D. Andrus b. 1931 Politician Governor of Idaho (1971–77, 1987–95), U.S. Secretary of the Interior (1977–81) Reubin O'Donovan Askew b. 1928 Politician 37th Governor of Florida (1971–1979) Walter "Red" Barber 1908–1992 Sports Broadcaster Recipient of Ford C. Frick Award from National Baseball Hall of Fame Mel Blanc 1908–1989 Cartoon Voice Actor "Man of a Thousand Voices" Frank Borman b. 1928 Astronaut Commander of Apollo 8, CEO of Eastern Airlines (1975–86), recipient of Congressional Space Medal of Honor Vance D. Brand b. 1931 Astronaut Flew on Apollo-Soyuz, as well as 3 Space Shuttle missions Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. 1940–2005 Politician Governor of South Carolina (1987–95) Curtis L. Carlson 1914–1999 Entrepreneur, Philanthropist Founded The Carlson Companies in 1938 as The Gold Bond Trading Company Mel Carnahan 1934–2000 Politician Governor of Missouri (1991–2000) William "Bill" Clinton b. 1946 Politician 42nd President of the United States Gary Collins b. 1938 Actor Best known for Airport (1970) Walt Disney 1901–1966 Cartoonist and entrepreneur Creator of Mickey Mouse, Co-Founder of The Walt Disney Company Lee S. Dreyfus b. 1926 Educator and politician Governor of Wisconsin (1979–83) Buddy Ebsen 1908–2003 Actor, singer, dancer Star of Barnaby Jones and The Beverly Hillbillies David Goodnow b. 1940 Broadcast Journalist Former Anchor of CNN Headline News Paul Harvey 1918–2009 ABC Radio broadcaster Recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom Mark Hatfield 1922-2011 Politician Governor of Oregon (1959–67), U.S. Senator (1967–97) Burl Ives 1909–1995 Folk singer and actor A Holly Jolly Christmas, narrator of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Henry M. Jackson 1912–1983 Politician U.S. Senator (1953–83) Brereton C. Jones b. 1939 Politician Governor of Kentucky (1991–95) Harmon Killebrew 1936-2011 Former professional baseball player and businessman Member of National Baseball Hall of Fame Richard King b. 1938 Former President of Rotary International Elmer Lower b. 1913 Journalist, Media Executive Former President of ABC News Bob Mathias b. 1930 Olympic Athlete, Politician Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, U.S. Representative from California (1967–75) Edgar D. Mitchell b. 1930 Astronaut 6th Man to Walk on the Moon on Apollo 14 Tom Osborne b. 1937 Athlete, Coach, Politician Former Head Coach at University of Nebraska, Member of College Football Hall of Fame Walter C. Ploeser 1907–1993 Businessman, Politician U.S. Representative from Missouri (1941–49) U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay (1957–59), U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica (1970–72) Pete Rose b. 1941 Baseball player All-Time Major League Baseball Leader in hits with 4,256. James Nicholas Rowe 1938–1989 United States Army Colonel Vietnam POW, Author of Five Years to Freedom Edward T. Schafer b. 1946 Politician 29th United States Secretary of Agriculture, Governor of North Dakota 1992–2000 Harold Schafer 1912–2001 Philanthropist and businessman Founder of Gold Seal Company Lance P. Sijan 1942–1968 United States Air Force Captain Recipient of the Medal of Honor Alex Spanos b. 1923 Owner of the San Diego Chargers John Steinbeck 1902–1968 Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Nobel laureate Wrote The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men John Cameron Swayze 1906–1995 Newscaster Fran Tarkenton b. 1940 Professional Football Player, Businessman, Entrepreneur Member of Pro Football Hall of Fame, Member of College Football Hall of Fame John Wayne 1907–1979 Actor Won Academy Award for Best Actor for True Grit in 1969 James C. Wright, Jr. b. 1922 Politician Speaker of the House (1987–89) References
- ^ a b "Membership Statistics". DeMolay International. http://www.demolay.org/resources/membershipstats/. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ^ "Appendent Orders: Knighthood Priories". DeMolay International. http://www.demolay.org/community/appendent/knighthood.php. Retrieved 2009-03-19. "The Knighthood program is for active DeMolays between 17 and 21 years of age who are organized into a subordinate unit known as a Priory with its own officers and ritual."
- ^ "DeMolay Hall of Fame". http://www.demolay.org/aboutdemolay/halloffame.php. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
- ^ "Cherokee Chapter, DeMolay's list of famous DeMolays". http://suburban740.org/demolayfamous.htm.
External links
Categories:- Masonic Youth organizations
- Organizations established in 1919
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