Kentucky DeMolay

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FAQ's

What is DeMolay ?
 

DeMolay International is the world's largest fraternal organization for young men age 12 to 21.  It is specifically designed to provide a good moral environment for young men while teaching leadership skills.  The ultimate aim is to build better young men which will, in turn, mean better men to be better citizens, husbands, fathers, friends, and leaders in the future.
It currently exists in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and nine foreign countries.  In the United States there are over 25,000 current members which operate over 800 chapters.  In Kentucky, there are currently 7 chapters.
 

What are the requirements to join?

The requirements are few, but each is important.  To be a member of DeMolay, a young man must:
 

• Be between the ages of 12 and 21.

• Be of good character and reputation

• Have a belief in one God, Supreme Being or Deity.

• Complete an application

• Attend a 2 part induction ceremony

What is the Induction Ceremony like?

            The DeMolay induction ceremony is the celebration of a young man’s commitment to better himself by becoming a DeMolay Youth Leader. The orientation and explanation sets DeMolay apart from other organizations, because young men present it to all new members as a chapter. The ceremony itself contains two sections or “degrees”. The first is called the Initiatory Degree. It is a solemn event during which the young man is acquainted with the founding principles of DeMolay. The second section is called the “DeMolay degree”. It is a play portrayed by DeMolay members. The subject of the play is loyally because it tells the story of Jacques DeMolay (who lived in the 14^th century). The importance of the story for today’s youth is to always be loyal to your beliefs, family, friends, and commitments. We believe this is an important lesson for today’s youth.

How do DeMolays learn leadership skills?   

            DeMolay prides itself on preparing young men for careers above and beyond education. Education is vitally important and DeMolay supplements it with specific training. A process of executing increased responsibilities teaches leadership skills. The chapter contains offices which members may obtain such as president and vice-president.

Here are some examples:

• Master Councilor…………….President
• Senior Councilor…………….1^st Vice-President
• Junior Councilor……………..2^nd Vice-President
• Scribe…………………………Secretary
• Treasurer, Chaplain, and many others

Members may move through the ranks and obtain higher offices, much like business positions. Each position carries more and more responsibilities. If he participates, here are just a few things that a young man will learn in DeMolay that will prepare him for leadership. These experiences will give him a head start on his classmates in the race for scholarships and jobs.

• Public Speaking
• Appearance and image maintenance
• How to plan and execute events such as banquets and dances
• How to run a business (Parliamentary Procedure)
• How to prepare agendas
• How to assign, utilize, and execute committees

How does a young man learn good character in DeMolay?

            Upon joining DeMolay, the young man will interact with other quality young men and advisors who are dedicated to upholding the aforementioned virtues. Young men act more upstanding when in the company of other quality young men. Acting in an upstanding manner becomes a habit. This habit demonstrates good character now and serves to mold a mature way of thinking as he obtains adulthood.

I think young people need these skills, but do the members want to learn them?

Few young people are mature enough to desire this type of training without some type of fun. When DeMolays tell their friends about it, they discuss the fun aspects. DeMolays have a great deal of fun and all the while they learning to act with good character and they learn leadership skills. In order for fun to be had, members learn that they must plan it. Chapters routinely have dances, attend ball games, hold fund raisers (such as spaghetti dinners), and play organized sports or just pick-up games. Planning these things appears to be fun, but they are learning as well.

How much time does it take to be a DeMolay?

The young man is invited to all events and can spend as much or as little time as he desires.  Most chapters have two meetings per month to plan their activities.  In addition to theses meetings there are other events during the month.  An example of one month's worth of events follow. There is no requirement to attend functions; however, we hope that the parents will enforce a six-month trial period.  Usually after six months the young man is familiar enough with DeMolay to truly see the enjoyment and benefits.

Monday      4^th     7:00-9:00 p.m.  Chapter Meeting
Friday         8^th     8:00 p.m. all night Sleepover
Thursday   14^th     7:00 p.m.    Basketball practice
Monday     18th    7:00-8:30 p.m.  Chapter Meeting
  Bowling following the meeting
Saturday    23^rd      11:00 a.m.  Fundraiser Car Wash
Thursday    28^th      Civic Service Project

(Between school hours - Monitor cross walks for grade school)

What types of activities does a DeMolay chapter have?

Within certain parameters, the activities of a DeMolay Chapter are limited only by the imaginations of its members.  Members of DeMolay chapter plan and hold social functions, fund raising, civic service projects, athletic activities, and much more.  Insurance restrictions prohibit chapters from engaging in certain activities.  However, overall, chapters have a wide range of activities from which they can choose as they plan their activities and projects calendar. 

Why haven't I heard of DeMolay?

Often DeMolay chapters become so involved in planning, organizing, and enjoying their activities, they overlook promoting their chapter within a community, as they should.   However, in a television age, the news would rather focus on the bad acts of young people rather than those concerned about themselves and their communities, like DeMolay members. 
If you have not heard of DeMolay, perhaps you have heard of some of the persons who were DeMolays as teenagers.  These famous alumni include Walt Disney, actor John Wayne, comedians Tommy and Dick Smothers, pro football quarterback Fran Tarkenton, Dan Rather,  Willard Scott,  owner of the San Diego Chargers Alex Spanos, and news legend Walter Cronkite.  Many of these individuals and other community and business leaders credit part of their success to their DeMolay experience.

A comment on DeMolay:

"I feel a great sense of obligation and gratitude toward DeMolay for the important part  it played in shaping my life.  Its precepts have been invaluable in making decisions, in facing dilemmas and crises, in holding on to one's faith and ideals, and in meeting those tests which are best borne when shared with others in a bond of confidence."

Walt Disney

Can you stop being a member if you don't like it?

What is the organization of DeMolay?

DeMolay in the United States is organized by state.  Each state is under the direction of an Executive Officer.  He coordinates the activities of advisors to assist chapters in operation.  Each follows the same guidelines set forth by DeMolay International in order to provide a quality experience for young men that is in harmony with moral and legal standards.  In Kentucky, the Executive Officer has organized volunteers in the state to provide activities for the chapters.

DeMolay is a Tax Deductible Charity

Where are the chapters in Kentucky?

Bluegrass Chapter – Lexington

Cave Run Chapter – Morehead

Noah R. Friend Chapter – Pikeville

Northern Kentucky Chapter – Covington

Owen R. Meadors Chapter – Ashland

Cherokee Chapter – Louisville

Illusion River Chapter – Paducah

Gold Fidelity – Vine Grove

Expansion to other cities underway

Is DeMolay a religious organization?

No. Among the requirements for membership in DeMolay is the belief in a Supreme Being, but not one particular doctrine, sect, or denomination. A young man’s religious convictions are his own. DeMolay’s members include those that follow Christians, Jews, Mormons, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and other religious groups. 

DeMolay does not involve itself in religious discussions. It merely recognizes the importance of faith in the lives of young men. The virtue of Reverence for Sacred Things seeks to remind our members to rely upon and use their own faith in life.

A DeMolay’s Ethics

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 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 upholds the public schools.

A DeMolay is a good citizen.

A DeMolay preserves our high standard.

Why does DeMolay allow members of all religions to join?

The value of having membership across religious spectrum is in the opportunity it provides for members of one religion or denomination to understand the perspective of the other. The diversity of this country provides opportunities to be introduced to faiths, cultures, and traditions from around the world. By allowing young men of different backgrounds to participate it prepares the young man to rely upon his faith and respect the faith of others. This principle will be very important as he becomes a more active citizen. He will value the culture and traditions of others while standing confidently upon his own beliefs.

Where did the name DeMolay Come from? 

The name came from Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar during The Crusades. The original nine members of DeMolay selected the name in honor of his high principles.

What is The Story of Jacques DeMolay? 

The namesake of the Order of DeMolay was born in Vitrey, Department of Haute Saone, France in the year 1244. At the age of 21, DeMolay joined the Order of Knights Templar. 

The Knights Templar was an organization sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1128 to guard the road between Jerusalem and Acre, an important port city on the Mediterranean Sea. The Order of Knights Templar participated in the Crusades and earned a name for valor and heroism 

With many nobles and princes sending their sons to join the Knights Templar, the Order also became very wealthy and popular throughout Europe. 

In 1298, Jacques DeMolay was named Grand Master of the Knights Templar, a position of power and prestige. As Grand Master however, Jacques DeMolay was also in a difficult position. The Crusades were not achieving their goals. The non-Christian Saracens defeated the Crusaders in battle and captured many vital cities and posts. The Knights Templar and the Hospitalers (another Order of Knights) were the only groups remaining to confront the Saracens.

 The Knights Templar decided to reorganize and regain their strength. They traveled to the island of Cyprus, waiting for the general public to rise up in support of another Crusade.

 Instead of public support, however, the Knights attracted the attention of powerful lords, who were interested in obtaining their wealth and power. In 1305, Philip the Fair, King of France, set about to obtain control of the Knights Templar. They had been accountable only to the Church. To prevent a rise in the power of the Church, and to increase his own wealth, Philip set out to take over the Knights.

 The year 1307 saw the beginning of the persecution of the Knights. Jacques DeMolay, along with hundreds of others, were seized and thrown into dungeons. For seven years, DeMolay and the Knights suffered torture and inhuman conditions. While the Knights did not end, Philip managed to force Pope Clement to condemn the Templars. Their wealth and property were confiscated and given to Philip's supporters.

 During years of torture, Jacques DeMolay continued to be loyal to his friends and Knights. He refused to disclose the location of the funds of the Order and he refused to

betray his comrades. On March 18, 1314, DeMolay was tried by a special court. As evidence, the court depended on a forged confession, allegedly signed by DeMolay. 

Jacques DeMolay disavowed the forged confession. Under the laws of the time, the disavowal of a confession was punishable by death. Another Knight, Guy of Auvergne, likewise disavowed his confession and stood with Jacques DeMolay. 

King Philip ordered them both to be burned at the stake that day, and thus the story of Jacques DeMolay became a testimonial to loyalty and friendship.

How did DeMolay get started?

It has been said that a day can be changed or a great moment launched by a single phone call.

Such a call came in January of 1919. As Frank answered the telephone he recognized the voice of Sam Freet, newly installed Senior Warden of Ivanhoe Lodge. "Frank, I have a favor to ask. One of our members, Elmer E. Lower, who had been initiated as a Fellow Craft, died a year ago. Could you find a part-time job for the oldest boy, Louis? He is one of the finest young men I have ever seen.

"Sam, you called at just the right time. I would be glad to talk to this boy. Send Louis to me; say after school tomorrow if you can arrange it. I shall look forward to meeting him."

 The next afternoon Louis arrived promptly for his interview. Shaking hands with this youth brought a response to Land that seemed to blend them into a common experience that would unite them for years to come. Louis radiated an honesty of character, a natural aptitude for leadership, and the grace of movement of the athlete. Frank thought, "If I had a son, I would want him to be just like this lad."

They talked for a while about school. Louis told him of his aspirations for a place on the track team, of his position as a pitcher on a baseball team, and in response to a question said, "I am a fairly good student. Even with the hard time we are having, I want to finish high school and then help with the education of the others."

Frank responded, "It is a good goal. You will meet the challenge. Now, tell me about your father. I knew him but only from very casual meetings."

Louis hesitated as though reluctant to look into the past but finally said, "My father was the finest father a boy ever had."

That evening, as Nell Land cleared the dinner dishes, she said, "Frankie, something happened today. You look like you have found a long, lost friend." 

"Yes, we should do just that," she said. "I suggest that you have him bring a few friends over to the apartment some evening. I would like to meet him."

It was not until the middle of February that the opportunity for such a meeting took place. "Louis," said Mr. Land, "who do you run around with?"

"I have some friends in my neighborhood," said Louis.

"How would you like to form a Club and meet here at the Temple?"

Louis thought the idea had possibilities and showed up the next week with eight other boys. That was February 19, 1919.

The boys came early that Wednesday evening and each in turn was introduced to Mr. Land by Louis Lower with, "I want you to meet Ralph Sewell, Elmer Dorsey, Edmund Marshall, Jerome Jacobson, William Steinhibler, Ivan Bentley, Gorman McBride, and Clyde Stream. There are nine of us."

They were a group destined to form a great youth organization and each was to advance through his efforts and determination to prominence in his chosen field of work.

Mr. Land acknowledged each introduction with a handshake and word of welcome. "Before we get down to business, let's make a tour of this building. I think you will find it just about right if we should decide to form a Club and use it as a meeting place."

It was a radiant group that gathered about the long table in one of the meeting rooms that night. There was no doubt that they should continue to meet as a Club. The only question was a name. One suggested they use Greek letters as the college fraternities did but this was instantly voted down as making them only a part of other organizations. The name must be distinctive and carry meaning. They turned to Land for suggestions. He pointed to a recent series of prints on the wall that showed the adventures of Sir Galahad and the Knights of the Round Table. There was a negative shaking of heads. 

The greatest of wars had ended only a few months before and the adventures of knights of old seemed far away. Then names were mentioned from history and from the Bible. Stories such as Damon and Phythias, David and Jonathan and of Nathan Hale. Nothing seemed to click until one of the boys, Clyde Stream, said "Mr. Land, tell us something connected with Masonry. They must have great names and we are meeting here in one of their buildings."

Frank smiled, "This year I am serving as the head of one of the Masonic Groups. I am the Commander for the DeMolai Council of Kadosh. There are many names and stories directly connected with Masonry, but I think I should tell you about the last leader of the Knights Templar. His name was Jacques DeMolay or as they say in history books, James of Molay." 

The story and the name caught the imagination of the boys. Here was heroism. Here was a great example of loyalty, of courage. Here was a theme from knighthood and chivalry, at its best, and the name of a martyr to fidelity and toleration. The boys were ready without further consideration to accept this name as the name of the group. But Land interrupted, "Now let's wait just a little bit and sleep over this. Let's not rush into it. Perhaps with a little more thought we can come up with a better name. One that might be more in keeping and more appropriate. It is growing late and you should all be going home. Come back next week and bring a few more of your friends. We will talk more together about it then. Good night and thanks for coming." 

While the boys talked to Land about the Club when they came to the Temple, it was their long talks together at school and as they walked from school to home that heightened their interest and gave momentum to their organization. One afternoon after a chemistry class, Elmer Dorsey caught up with Louis Lower to ask, "Louis, I think this club idea is terrific. But what is it all about? What does Mr. Land get out of it? Do they want us to become junior Masons?" "I don't have all the answers, Elmer; I only know that Frank Land is one of the greatest. His only motive is the one he tells us. He likes to be with young people and sincerely believes that if we do form such a group each of us will benefit from it. How he ever talked the older boys into letting us use their temple is beyond me. They must be interested in us as Land is, because he has told me that we are not to be a junior Masonic group. He told me these men are concerned about only one thing and that is that we should grow into decent men who will be respected in the community." 

March 24, 1919 was the day in history that launched the Order of DeMolay. During the next few years, however, the date of March 18, the date in the past that had witnessed the death of Jacques DeMolay, came to be more frequently used. 

Thirty-one boys, all from the same high school, came to the Scottish Rite Temple that night. Frank Land made each boy welcome and then explained briefly his ideas of a Club. Land said, "This is your meeting. I will serve as Advisor but it is your meeting. Why not proceed with an organization and elect a few officers. I will take charge until you have completed your election." 

During the next few months the group grew in numbers, in activities and interest. Then a fear came to some of them that they were growing into too large a Club. 

Later when the meeting was called to order, the chairman reported and moved that the membership of DeMolay be limited to 75. The motion quickly received a second and was unanimously adopted. It was then that Dad Land rose from the back of the room where he had been more or less out of sight for he wasn't the type to take the spotlight, or the forefront in their meetings. He wanted them to conduct their own meetings. 

As he came to the front of the room that night, he proceeded to tell them—and in no uncertain terms—how selfish and how inconsiderate they were. He told them that they were operating and thinking absolutely contrary to every idea that he had in mind for this organization. He reminded them that there were three other high schools in Kansas City which had young men who were just as capable, just as qualified, and just as upstanding as they were. In fact, he indicated he thought they were probably much, much better than what they thought they were. He said that if it was good for one boy, it must be good for all eligible boys. He reminded them that 'to become big, they must be big.' The motion to limit membership to 75 was rescinded. It was then that DeMolay was permitted to grow and develop. 

And grew it did. DeMolay continued its growth initiating new member and instituting new chapters in all states of the continental USA. DeMolay then crossed the oceans and the organization was developed in many foreign countries. Thousands upon thousands of young men have had their life enriched by the rescinding of the motion to limit the Order of DeMolay to just 75 members.

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