Arthurhosang/sandbox
FormationMarch 18, 1919; 105 years ago (1919-03-18)
FounderFrank Sherman Land
Founded atKansas City, MO,
 United States
TypeFraternal Organization
Philanthropic Organization
HeadquartersKansas City, MO,
 United States
Region
 Argentina
 Australia
 Aruba
 Albania
 Bolivia
 Brazil
 Canada
 Germany
 France
 French Guiana
 Italy
 Japan
 Mexico
 Panama
 Paraguay
 Peru
 Philippines
 Romania
 Serbia
 Uruguay
 United States
Volunteers
Over 4 million (world)[1]
Websitehttps://demolay.org/

DeMolay International, is an international fraternal and charitable organization founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919. DeMolay is open for membership to young men between the ages of 12 to 21 of good character[clarification needed] who believe on a supreme being (God, for example), independent of religion. Is based on seven principles, called the Seven Cardinal Virtues: Filial love (the love between a child and parent), Reverence for sacred things, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness and Patriotism.[2]

It was named for Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar for being considered an example of loyalty.[3]

Since the foundation of DeMolay International, the order is being sponsored by Freemasonry, who gives a place for the meetings and provides an adult advisor through the Advisory Council. Although not a "Masonic organization" as such, DeMolay is considered to be part of the general "family" of Masonic and associated organizations, along with other youth groups such as The Organization of Triangles, Inc. of New York, the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras, Job's Daughters and International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. A family connection to Masonry is NOT a prerequisite for membership into DeMolay[4]. Also, being DeMolay does not guarantee admission to the Freemasonry Order or to any Freemasonry Lodge.[5]

DeMolay was incorporated in the 1990s and is classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

DeMolay Flag
DeMolay Flag

Values

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DeMolay has seven Cardinal Virtues, taught as its basic ideals. They are:[2]

  • Filial love (the love between a child and parent): which is the love and the kindness we should have with our parents, the ones that gave us birth and taught us the first lessons in our lives. Though them we had the first lessons of kindness, respect and the believe in God.
  • Reverence for sacred things: it means to believe in God (independent on the religion) and the respect to the others believes.
  • Courtesy: kindness, respect and solidarity are principles that a DeMolay tries to practice on his life. Philanthropy is only valid when it is done by heard and soul.
  • Comradeship: is to be faithful friend, not only on good times, but also on hard times.
  • Fidelity: is to believe and follow your own values and virtues, keeping in secret everything is entrusted. Is to be faithful to God, your homeland and your friends, following the Jacques DeMolay fidelity lead, who prefered to die instead of betraying his companions or miss with his pledge.
  • Cleanness: is to be a ideal citizen, pure in soul and heart; it is to have always clear conscience. Is to keep your mind away of everything that is against the values of a good citizen.
  • Patriotism: is to respect and defend our homeland, our democracy, our state and our city and, over all, maintains the respect of public heritage, such as schools, asylum, orphanage and hospitals that support people in need.

DeMolay Order Incentivantes every member to live according to those Virtues considered by the Order as something that distinguish the life of a leader and a good men.

The Order of DeMolay also defends three fundamental freedom:

  • Religious Freedom: represented by the Holy Book (might be represented by any holy book, independent of the religion i.e Bible, Quran, Torah, etc)
  • Civil Freedom: represented by the National Flag
  • Intelectual Freedom: represented by the Scholar Books

The Order of DeMolay also has a Ethical Code witch has the following statements[6]

  • A DeMolay serves God.
  • A DeMolay honors all womanhood.
  • A DeMolay loves and honors his parents.
  • A DeMolay is honest.
  • A DeMolay is loyal to ideals and friends.
  • A DeMolay practices honest toil.
  • A DeMolay's word is as good as his bond.
  • A DeMolay is courteous.
  • A DeMolay is at all times a gentleman.
  • A DeMolay is a patriot in peace as well as war.
  • A DeMolay is clean in mind and body.
  • A DeMolay stands unswervingly for the public schools.
  • A DeMolay always bears the reputation of a good and law-abiding citizen.
  • A DeMolay by precept and example must preserve the high standards to which he has pledged himself.

Social Services

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DeMolay is also a Philanthropic organization. That means the Chapters have to make regularly Social Actions based on their communities needs[2]. Common actions made by the Chapters may include: painting and refurbish schools, take part on events to collect donations for institutions, helping on community vegetable garden. To do those projects, it is common for the Chapters to ask financial and technical support for Masonic lodges and local Companies.

History

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Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Mester of The Knights Templar

The Order of DeMolay was founded in 1919 with nine members, most of whom lived near each other in Kansas City.[7] It was named for Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar for being considered an example of loyalty. The crown appearing in the self-adopted heraldic arms (the emblem) of the order contains 10 rubies, each representing one of the original nine members and the organization's founder, Frank S. Land. The rubies were originally portrayed as pearls; as each founding member died, the pearl representing him was changed to a ruby.

Nowadays, DeMolay has over 4 million members around the World[8]. United States and Canada have about 15.000 active members (members between 12 and 21 years old)[9]. The Brazilian DeMolay has more active members than the United States and Canada together, making Portuguese the most commonly used language in DeMolay chapters.

The Emblem

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Through the history DeMolay had different emblems. The first one was created by the founder Frank Sherman Land when he was taking painting classes. During the formation of DeMolay, he showed the emblem to the youngs and they liked it.[3]

 
DeMolay Emblem

The current emblem was also created by Frank Sherman Land, and each part of the it has a particular meaning for each member. According to DeMolay International's Website[2]:

The Crown is a symbol of high moral and represents the Youth Crown. It constantly remembers the DeMolay of his promises and the Seven Cardinal Virtues.

The Pearl e the Rubis that are on the Crown, honor the founder and the nine youngs that originally created DeMolay. The Rubis were substituted by pearls as each founder member died. The last pearl was substituted on May 2002 when Jerome Jacobson died.

The Helmet is an emblem of chivalry and represents the good character.

The five-armed white cross is a symbol of purity on the intentions of a DeMolay. It always remembers the motto of the Organization: "No DeMolay shall fail as a citizen, as a leader and as a man"[2]

The Crossed Swords "denote justice, fortitude, and mercy. They symbolize the unceasing battle of DeMolay against arrogance, despotism, and ignorance"[10]

The Stars that are around the crescent moon are a symbol of hope. They remember our oaths and our obligations with the others.

Organizational structure

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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 are appointed 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 referred to as "Dad." One of the founding members thought of Frank Land as a father figure and called him "Dad Land". In recent years, women have also served as advisors [sic] for the group. Women advisors are referred to as "Mom".

In addition to the individual Chapter, DeMolay has an officer structure at the state, provincial, or other large regional level led by a State Master Councilor, Provincial Master Councilor, or Jurisdictional Master Councilor. In some countries, DeMolay may have a national level organization headed by a "National Master Councilor". There are also other state, provincial, 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. The lead advisor internationally is known as a Grand Master, who governs the International Supreme Council. There are also Active DeMolay officers at an international level; 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 other than 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.)

Female youth leaders

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Some DeMolay Chapters elect young women to positions of leadership, who act to support members and their activities.

Sweetheart

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DeMolay Chapters may elect a "Chapter Sweetheart" to serve as the female representative of the Chapter, although she is NOT an officer of the Chapter. Her duties may include attending Chapter functions and acting as an ambassador of DeMolay. The "Sweetheart" must meet the age requirements of a particular jurisdiction or Chapter (often 14 to 21.) She may be member of a neighboring Job's Daughters Bethel, Rainbow Assembly, or Triangle, but that is not a set requirement.

Chapter Princess

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A Chapter may also elect a Chapter Princess. The program generally uses the same requirements as set forth for the Sweetheart. Her duties generally include attending Chapter functions and acting as an ambassador of DeMolay while assisting the Sweetheart in her duties.

Chapter Little Sis

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A Chapter may also elect other females, who may or may not be a member of Job's Daughters International or International Order of Rainbow for Girls, to be a Little Sis. She is usually 14–16 years old. She generally assists both the Princess and the Sweetheart in their duties.

Adult supervision and the Advisory Council

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Each chapter must be sponsored by a local masonic body or some other group composed exclusively of masons.[11] The sponsoring body is responsible for providing the chapter with adult advisors[11] and a place to meet. Members of the sponsoring body form the chapter's initial "advisory council". The advisory council selects one of its members to be its chairman, and he is the official liaison between the chapter and the sponsoring body. Another member of the advisory council is designated the "chapter advisor," and he is the official liaison between the advisory council and the chapter.[11] The chapter's advisory council is responsible for supervising the chapter and its activities.

Senior DeMolay maight also take part on Chapters' Advisory Council, even if they are not masons, but they can not be designed as the chairman.

Jurisdictional officers

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Each state or jurisdiction holds an annual (or biennial, in some) event known as a Conclave or Convention. At this event, the members of the state or jurisdiction may vote on the State Master Councilor (or, in some cases the Provincial Master Councilor / Jurisdictional Master Councilor) and other elected positions. Some jurisdictions may elect a Deputy State Master Councilor, Sweetheart, and / or various other positions. In same cases, these officers are appointed by the Executive Officer of jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions may hold a specific event, called Congress, separate and apart from Conclave or Convention to elect their jurisdictional officers and vote on any changes to the jurisdictional by-laws, then install the new officers at their Conclave or Convention.

Those variation between Jurisditions happens because each State or Jurisdictional have a good autonomy on their territory.

Jurisdictional/State Officers are the leaders of their state/jurisdiction. They plan, lead, and execute all of the events happening in their state. They also serve as a resource for the : in their state to help them with events, ceremonies, and any other DeMolay related activities.

International leadership

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The International Supreme Council is the governing body of DeMolay International. It is composed of dedicated adult leaders from around the world who are responsible for the growth and success of DeMolay. The Grand Master, the Grand Senior Councilor, the Grand Junior Councilor, the Grand Secretary, and the Grand Treasurer are the elected leaders of the International Supreme Council.[12]

Officers of DeMolay International

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Ronald J. Minshall Grand Master Ron Minshall of Oklahoma was installed as the Grand Master of DeMolay International at the 98th Supreme Council Session in Buffalo, New York, on June 17, 2017.
M. Boyd Patterson, Jr. Grand Senior Councilor M. Boyd Patterson, Jr., of Texas was installed as the Grand Senior Councilor of DeMolay International at the 98th Supreme Council Session in Buffalo, New York, on June 17, 2017.
John Whitaker Grand Junior Councilor John Whitaker of Tennessee was installed as the Grand Junior Councilor of DeMolay International at the 98th Supreme Council Session in Buffalo, New York, on June 17, 2017.
Wesley J. Thornton, Past Grand Master Grand Treasurer Wes Thornton of New Mexico was installed as the Grand Treasurer of DeMolay International at the 98th Supreme Council Session in Buffalo, New York, on June 17, 2017.
Keith K. Klein, Past Grand Master Grand Secretary Keith Klein of Indiana was installed as the Grand Secretary of DeMolay International at the 98th Supreme Council Session in Buffalo, New York, on June 17, 2017.

The DeMolay Congress is the Senate-style body where two voting delegates represent each DeMolay jurisdiction. The delegates meet once a year and elect an International Master Councilor and an International Congress Secretary, who lead and serve as the heads of the body for a time span of one year. The International Master Councilor and International Congress Secretary are voting members of the Board of Directors for DeMolay International. Additionally, delegates discuss and vote on legislative issues.[13]

International Congress Officers

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Chase Gordon 51st International Master Councilor Chase Gordon of Arizona was installed as the 51st International Master Councilor of DeMolay at the 50th DeMolay Congress in Buffalo, New York, on June 17, 2017.
Mason Sellars 51st International Congress Secretary Mason Sellars of Colorado was installed as the 51st International Congress Secretary of DeMolay at the 50th DeMolay Congress in Buffalo, New York, on June 17, 2017

Leisure Activities

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DeMolays participate in a wide range of social and sports activities that may include: camping, holding dances with members of Rainbow 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 higher levels. The Chapter collectively decides what events they enjoy, plans them, and in many cases holds fund raisers to finance those events.

DeMolay International Hall of Fame

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DeMolay alumni have gone on to achieve wide recognition outside of the organization. Some have been elected to the DeMolay Hall of Fame.[14] Not all DeMolays who have received recognition have been inducted into the Hall of Fame; some can be found on other lists.[15]

The following is a partial list of the members of the DeMolay Hall of Fame. The full list is available on the DeMolay International Web site..[14]

Name Dates Profession Notes
Carl B. Albert 1908–2000 Politician Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (1971–1977)
Cecil D. Andrus b. 1931 Politician Governor of Idaho (1971–1977, 1987–1995), US Secretary of the Interior (1977–1981)
Reubin O'Donovan Askew 1928-2014 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 (1975–1986), recipient of Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Vance D. Brand b. 1931 Astronaut Flew on Apollo-Soyuz and three Space Shuttle missions
Richard Bryan b. 1937 Politician Governor of Nevada (1983-89), and as a United States Senator from Nevada from 1989 to 2001
Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. 1940–2005 Politician Governor of South Carolina (1987–1995)
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)
Bill Clinton b. 1946 Politician 42nd President of the United States
Gary Collins 1938-2012 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 1926-2008 Educator and politician Governor of Wisconsin (1979–1983)
Buddy Ebsen 1908–2003 Actor, singer, dancer Star of Barnaby Jones and The Beverly Hillbillies
David Goodnow b. 1939 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 (1959–1967), US Senator (1967–1997)
Sgt. William Hoover Soldier and Patriot Injured while protecting Maj. Gen. Harold Greene in Afghanistan.
Burl Ives 1909–1995 Folk singer and actor Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, narrator of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Henry M. Jackson 1912–1983 Politician US Senator (1953–1983)
Brereton C. Jones b. 1939 Politician Governor of Kentucky (1991–1995)
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
Tom Leppert b. 1954 59th mayor of Dallas, Texas
Elmer Lower 1913–2011 Journalist, media executive Former President of ABC News
Bob Mathias 1930-2006 Olympic athlete; politician Two-time Olympic gold medalist; US Representative from California (1967–1975)
Edgar D. Mitchell 1930-2016 Astronaut Sixth man to walk on the Moon; Apollo 14 astronaut
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 US Representative from Missouri (1941–1949); US Ambassador to Paraguay (1957–1959), US Ambassador to Costa Rica (1970–1972)
Richard Riley b. 1933 Politician United States Secretary of Education under President Bill Clinton and the 111th Governor of South Carolina
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
Jim Steeg b. 1950 American Sports Executive with the National Football League Credited with popularizing and improving the Super Bowl.
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 and College Football Hall of Fame
John Wayne 1907–1979 Actor Won Academy Award for Best Actor for True Grit in 1969
Larry Wilcox b. 1947 Actor, Businessman
Samuel C. Williamson b. 1926 Freemason Right Worshipful Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F&AM. Grand Treasurer Emeritus of DeMolay International
James C. Wright, Jr. 1922-2015 Politician Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (1987–1989)

References

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  1. ^ "What Is DeMolay? - DeMolay International". DeMolay International. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Home - DeMolay International". DeMolay International. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  3. ^ a b Duncan, Herbert Ewing. Hi Dad.
  4. ^ Jackson, Thomas. "THE DEMOLAY RELATIONSHIP TO FREEMASONRY". Masonic World. Archived from the original on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  5. ^ Roepke, W. Warren (195-07-28). "EDUCATIONAL LODGE #13.pdf - MASONRY AND YOUTH-A CHALLENGE" (PDF). https://www.mn-masons.org/sites/mn-masons.org/files/Education%20Lodge%20%2313.pdf. Retrieved 2018-02-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); External link in |website= (help)
  6. ^ "DeMolay Policies". myplace.frontier.com. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  7. ^ "How We Started". DeMolay International. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  8. ^ "What Is DeMolay? - DeMolay International". DeMolay International. Retrieved 2018-02-22.
  9. ^ "Membership Statistics". DeMolay International. Archived from the original on 2009-06-04. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
  10. ^ "History of the Emblem - DeMolay International". DeMolay International. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
  11. ^ a b c DeMolay International Mentoring Guide
  12. ^ DeMolay International. "ISC Elected Officers". Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  13. ^ DeMolay International. "https://demolay.org/congress/". Congress. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  14. ^ a b "DeMolay Hall of Fame". Retrieved December 25, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ "Cherokee Chapter, DeMolay's list of famous DeMolays". Archived from the original on 2007-05-07.
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Category:Masonic youth organizations Category:Youth organizations established in 1919 Category:1919 establishments in Missouri Category:Charities based in Missouri Category:Youth organizations based in Missouri