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The order of DeMolay is a young men's fraternal organization which
was founded upon the basic principles of love of God, love of
parents, and love of country. It tries to introduce these teachings
to its members in various ways through the exercise of the seven
cardinal virtues which compliment each other in rounding out and
completing each DeMolay's character.
These virtues are:
• Love of parents
• Love of God
• Courtesy
• Comradeship
• Fidelity
• Cleanness
• Patriotism
The name "DeMolay" comes from a thirteenth century French hero named
Jacques DeMolay, who was the last Grand Master of the Knights
Templar. King Philip, the "Fair" of France, who was interested in
obtaining the vast wealth and land of the Templars, devised a plan
which included arresting and torturing the members of the order, and
thereby leaving him in control of their assets.
After being arrested and subjected to seven horrible years of
inquisition and torture by Philip, DeMolay was put to death by order
of the "fair" king because of his refusal to reveal the names of his
fellow comrades, and for his fidelity to the ideals of his order.
King Philip ordered DeMolay and one of his faithful preceptors, Guy
of Auvergne, to be burned at the stake as a final demonstration of
Philip's authority.
Centuries later, in 1919, a Kansas City Freemason named Frank S.
Land, noticed a need for a young men's organization in the Kansas
City area. After meeting with a local youth named Louis Lower, Land
arranged a meeting with several other area youths at the Kansas City
Scottish Rite building. With Land's guidance and the ambition of the
young men, the Order of DeMolay was born.
Almost instantaneously, the popularity of the new Order grew and in
no time at all, there were chapters in every state in the union and
soon there were even chapters abroad.
For over 80 years now, the Order of DeMolay has continued to teach
it's member's the basic principles of life which will help prepare
any young man for a good and clean manhood, and which will help them
to develop a greater love and respect for their God, parents and
country.
In
its history, the Order of DeMolay has boasted a strong membership
and has long lists of successful and influential members. Many
notable figures of America's past and present were members of the
Order of DeMolay, such as Walt Disney, John Wayne, Pete Rose, Fran
Tarkenton, John Steinbeck, Mel Blanc, and many, many others.
The requirements for membership into the Order are very simple. The
only requirements for membership are that prospective members:
• Be between the ages of 12 and 21
• Believe in a Supreme Being (God)
• Be of good moral character
• Petition a DeMolay Chapter for membership
Local groups of DeMolays are called chapters and are sponsored by a
group of Masons. Kentucky has many fine chapters which consistently
try to teach its members these ideals.
All DeMolay activities are supervised by the Chapters Advisory
Board, which is composed of carefully selected masons who must
complete an Adult Worker Profile, attend periodic training classes.
Many mothers are involved in the Chapters Mothers Club, which helps
plan and prepare for many of the events and activities.
For more information on DeMolay, or to register for membership with
a local chapter, send us an e-mail:
shawn@fratline.net |
