The Order of DeMolay is an international fraternal organization for young men aged 12 to 21. It was founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919 and named after Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. The Order of DeMolay aims to develop civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills among young men. Some key aspects of the Order of DeMolay include:
Origins and History
The Order of DeMolay was founded in Kansas City in 1919 by Frank S. Land, a community leader and director of the Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies in Kansas City. Land was inspired by nine of his young friends who expressed interest in a club for boys focused on moral and civic virtues. He sought the advice of Masonic leaders and eventually settled on naming the new organization after Jacques de Molay, who was seen as a heroic martyr. The new group initiated its first “DeMolay Chapter” on March 24, 1919, beginning the Order of DeMolay.
The Order grew quickly in the early 1920s, expanding across the United States. By the end of 1921, there were over 40 DeMolay chapters with more than 1,000 members. DeMolay continued expanding over the next few decades, with chapters established in many countries around the world. Some notable members include Walt Disney, John Steinbeck, Walter Cronkite, and Bill Clinton.
While not formally associated with Freemasonry, DeMolay has close fraternal ties and support from Masonic bodies. Many adult advisors and mentors for DeMolay chapters are Masons who provide guidance for the young men. However, youth do not need any Masonic connection to join DeMolay.
Organizational Structure
The basic unit of the Order of DeMolay is the local chapter. Each chapter must have an advisory council made up of adults who provide supervision, guidance, and mentoring. The adult leaders are often Masons or related to Masons, but this is not a requirement.
At the national level, DeMolay is governed by an executive officer with the title of “Grand Master.” This position was held for many years by the organization’s founder, Frank S. Land. Today, the Grand Master oversees national programs, growth efforts, and provides overall leadership for DeMolay. There is also a Supreme Council which serves as a board of directors and a Grand Secretary who manages daily operations and record-keeping.
Jurisdictions are the regional level of organization in DeMolay. Most are equivalent to a state or nation. Jurisdictions have their own elected officers, generally led by a State Master Councilor. Jurisdictions organize multi-chapter events, provide leadership training, and help administer DeMolay’s programs and rituals.
Membership and Degrees
Membership in the Order of DeMolay is open to young men aged 12 to 21 of good character who acknowledge a higher spiritual power. Masonic affiliation is not required for a young man to join DeMolay.
Upon joining a DeMolay chapter, a young man becomes an initiate. He then advances through the first few degrees of membership – the Degrees of Initiative, Companionship, and Patriotism. These degrees focus on developing virtues of faithfulness, comradery, and civic responsibility.
After taking his Obligation of membership, an initiate becomes a full DeMolay, eligible to hold office and participate in all activities. As an active DeMolay, a member can then earn additional degrees based on knowledge, service, and leadership.
Ideals and Teachings
The Order of DeMolay promotes seven core virtues: filial love, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness, and patriotism. These virtues represent values that build character and provide moral guidance for young men.
Some key ideals emphasized in DeMolay rituals and teachings include:
- Civic training – Members are encouraged to engage in community service and citizenship.
- Self-improvement – Developing leadership, public speaking, responsibility.
- Respect for all faiths – DeMolay is open to those of any religion; religious tolerance is promoted.
- Fidelity to ideals – Being trustworthy, reliable, and loyal.
- Valor and honor – Carrying on the legacy of heroic knights like Jacques DeMolay.
These principles and ideals are instilled through chapter activities, the example set by advisors, and the rituals that members participate in as they advance in degrees of membership.
Activities and Programs
DeMolay chapters hold regular meetings for members to plan activities, confer degrees, discuss business affairs, and hold rituals. Common chapter activities include:
- Athletics – Chapters often organize sports teams or hold sporting events.
- Camping trips – Outings focused on outdoor skills, self-reliance.
- Conclaves – Gatherings of multiple chapters for meetings and competitions.
- Community service – Food drives, volunteering, fundraising for charity.
- Social events – Dances, picnics, talent shows.
- Career guidance – Hosting speakers, providing mentors, site visits.
Some of the major DeMolay programs include:
- Representative DeMolay Award – Honors excellence in leadership, community service, and personal growth.
- Knighthood orders – Continuing education on medieval knights and chivalric virtues.
- Jurisdictional events – Conventions, sports tournaments, fundraisers involving multiple chapters.
- Ritual competitions – Motivate proficiency in performing ritual ceremonies.
These national and regional programs provide motivation for members to live out DeMolay’s virtues and develop skills that will serve them beyond their time in DeMolay.
Rituals and Regalia
The rituals of the Order of DeMolay play a central role in teaching moral lessons and instilling its ideals. Ritual ceremonies mark a young man’s advancement through the various degrees of membership. Common elements include:
- Ceremonial robes and costuming.
- Recitation of set ritual “dialogues” by officers and candidates.
- The staging of dramatizations from Jacques DeMolay’s life.
- Memory work and examinations on knowledge.
Rituals imprint moral principles and build brotherly bonds between members. They also encourage responsibility as members must learn ritual parts perfectly.
Members proudly wear their regalia such as merit badges, officer medallions, and degree symbols. Features like a white sash indicate an initiate’s new status. Regalia visually designates members’ rank, offices held, and accomplishments.
Philanthropy and Fundraising
Philanthropy and giving back through service are strongly emphasized in DeMolay. Most chapters designate one or more charities that they regularly support through volunteering and fundraising. Some chapters work consistently with a local charity over many years.
Common DeMolay chapter fundraising activities include pancake breakfasts, car washes, carnivals, food sales, haunted houses, and more. Members organize and staff these events to raise money for their designated causes.
On the national level, the Order of DeMolay holds an annual “Day of Comfort” to remember hospitalized children. Chapters are urged to visit hospitals, donate to children’s charities, and brighten these children’s lives.
Famous DeMolays
Many prominent figures in business, politics, entertainment and other fields were members of DeMolay during their youth. A few notable examples include:
- Walt Disney – Animator, film producer, founder of the Disney entertainment empire.
- Bill Clinton – 42nd President of the United States.
- Fran Drescher – Actress best known for sitcom “The Nanny.”
- John Steinbeck – Pulitzer Prize winning author.
- Cecil B. DeMille – Legendary Hollywood film director.
- Walter Cronkite – Longtime CBS News journalist, “most trusted man in America.”
This diverse group of DeMolay alumni shows the wide range of successful leaders who developed strong values and skills starting in their youth with DeMolay.
Conclusions
In summary, the Order of DeMolay aims to build leadership, civic awareness, responsibility, and morality in young men. This fraternal youth organization teaches virtues and ideals inspired by heroic figures like its namesake, Jacques DeMolay. Through chapter activities, community service, ritual education, and more, members develop character while enjoying fellowship with peers.
DeMolay has helped shape many prominent leaders and remains an influential organization developing tomorrow’s leaders today. With nearly 100 years of history, DeMolay’s legacy looks to continue empowering young men well into the future.