HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

DeMolay International is a youth leadership organization with Masonic origins for young men ages 12 to 21. There is in select areas a "Squire" program for those younger than 12. It was founded in
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City, Missouri, abbreviated KC or KCMO, is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri by List of cities in Missouri, population and area. The city lies within Jackson County, Missouri, Jackson, Clay County, Missouri, Clay, and Pl ...
, in 1919 and named for Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the
Knights Templar The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, mainly known as the Knights Templar, was a Military order (religious society), military order of the Catholic Church, Catholic faith, and one of the most important military ord ...
. DeMolay was incorporated in the 1990s and is classified by the
IRS The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the revenue service for the Federal government of the United States, United States federal government, which is responsible for collecting Taxation in the United States, U.S. federal taxes and administerin ...
as a tax-exempt
501(c)(3) organization A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, Trust (business), trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of ...
. DeMolay is open for membership to young men between the ages of 12 and 21 who acknowledge a higher spiritual power. It has about 12,000 active members spread throughout every continent except for Antarctica. There are active chapters in Canada,
Germany Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south. Its sixteen States of Germany, constituent states have a total popu ...
,
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
,
Japan Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
, the
Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...
,
Argentina Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country in the southern half of South America. It covers an area of , making it the List of South American countries by area, second-largest country in South America after Brazil, the fourt ...
,
Aruba Aruba, officially the Country of Aruba, is a constituent island country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in the southern Caribbean Sea north of the Venezuelan peninsula of Paraguaná Peninsula, Paraguaná and northwest of Curaçao. In 19 ...
,
French Guiana French Guiana, or Guyane in French, is an Overseas departments and regions of France, overseas department and region of France located on the northern coast of South America in the Guianas and the West Indies. Bordered by Suriname to the west ...
,
Uruguay Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country in South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast, while bordering the Río de la Plata to the south and the A ...
,
Paraguay Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay, is a landlocked country in South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the Argentina–Paraguay border, south and southwest, Brazil to the Brazil–Paraguay border, east and northeast, and Boli ...
,
Peru Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America. It is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the south and west by the Pac ...
,
Bolivia Bolivia, officially the Plurinational State of Bolivia, is a landlocked country located in central South America. The country features diverse geography, including vast Amazonian plains, tropical lowlands, mountains, the Gran Chaco Province, w ...
,
Brazil Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by area, fifth-largest country by area and the List of countries and dependencies by population ...
,
Ecuador Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador, is a country in northwestern South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It also includes the Galápagos Province which contain ...
(affiliated to
Peru Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America. It is bordered in the north by Ecuador and Colombia, in the east by Brazil, in the southeast by Bolivia, in the south by Chile, and in the south and west by the Pac ...
jurisdiction),
Italy Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe, Western Europe. It consists of Italian Peninsula, a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, with the Alps on its northern land b ...
,
Romania Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern and Southeast Europe. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to ...
,
Greece Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe. Located on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula, it shares land borders with Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to th ...
(affiliated to
Romania Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern and Southeast Europe. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, Moldova to ...
jurisdiction),
France France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
,
Albania Albania ( ; or ), officially the Republic of Albania (), is a country in Southeast Europe. It is located in the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea, Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea, and shares land borders with Montenegro to ...
,
Montenegro , image_flag = Flag of Montenegro.svg , image_coat = Coat of arms of Montenegro.svg , coa_size = 80 , national_motto = , national_anthem = () , image_map = Europe-Mont ...
,
Serbia , image_flag = Flag of Serbia.svg , national_motto = , image_coat = Coat of arms of Serbia.svg , national_anthem = () , image_map = , map_caption = Location of Serbia (gree ...
, Bosnia (affiliated to
Serbia , image_flag = Flag of Serbia.svg , national_motto = , image_coat = Coat of arms of Serbia.svg , national_anthem = () , image_map = , map_caption = Location of Serbia (gree ...
jurisdiction),
Bulgaria Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the eastern portion of the Balkans directly south of the Danube river and west of the Black Sea. Bulgaria is bordered by Greece and Turkey t ...
and the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
. Although young women are not permitted to join the organization, chapters are permitted to elect chapter "sweethearts" and "princesses." While DeMolay is a youth organization for young men, the Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters are similar Masonic-related organizations for young women.


Founding

The Order of DeMolay was founded in 1919 with nine members, most of whom lived near each other in Kansas City. The crown appearing in the emblem of the order contains 10 rubies, each representing one of the original nine members and the organization's founder, Frank S. Land. Frank S. Land was a member of Ivanhoe Lodge No. 446. The rubies were originally portrayed as pearls; as each founding member died, the pearl representing him was changed to a ruby.


Values

DeMolay has seven ''Cardinal Virtues'', taught as its basic ideals. The Order calls for every member to live according to these Virtues, which are considered as the things that distinguish a good leader and a good man. They are: * Filial love: the love and the kindness we should have with our parents, the ones that gave us birth and taught us the first lessons of kindness, respect and belief in God. * Reverence for sacred things: a belief in a supreme being (independent of a specific religion) and respect for others' beliefs. * Courtesy: kindness, respect, and philanthropy * Comradeship: being a faithful friend, not only in good times but also in hard times. * Fidelity: the strength to follow one's own values and virtues, and to keep secret everything which is entrusted to one; faithfulness to God, one's homeland, and one's friends, as Jacques DeMolay preferred to die rather than betray his companions or break with his pledge. * Cleanliness: purity in soul and heart, and a clear conscience, keeping your mind away from everything that is against the values of a good citizen. * Patriotism: respect for, and the willingness to defend, our homeland, our democracy, our state and our city, including the preservation of public spaces and places, such as schools, asylums, orphanages and hospitals, that support people in need. DeMolay defends three fundamental freedoms: * Religious Freedom: represented by any holy book, independent of the religion * Civil Freedom: represented by the national flag * Intellectual Freedom: represented by the Scholar Books DeMolay has an Ethical Code, composed of the following statements: * 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. The organization's motto is "No DeMolay shall fail as a citizen, as a leader and as a man."


Organizational structure

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 remaining officers of a Chapter are appointed by the Master Councilor, except for the Scribe, who is appointed by the Chapter's advisory council. Adult men mentor and supervise the Chapter. These men are often Masons or Senior DeMolays, or previous members who reached the age of 21, but can also be other men in the community, including the fathers of active members. Women can also serve as Advisors. 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, who must be 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. These officers are always past Jurisdictional Master Councilors. In the US, President
Franklin D. Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882April 12, 1945), also known as FDR, was the 32nd president of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. He is the longest-serving U.S. president, and the only one to have served ...
, President Harry S. Truman, and President Gerald R. Ford have been Honorary Grand Masters of the Order of DeMolay.


Female youth leaders

Some DeMolay Chapters elect young women to positions of leadership, who act to support members and their activities. These positions are not officially recognized by DeMolay International; they are approved subject to the authority of the Executive Officer in the jurisdiction.


Sweetheart

DeMolay Chapters may elect a "Chapter Sweetheart" to serve as the female representative of the Chapter, although she is not an initiated member of DeMolay. Her duties may include attending Chapter functions and acting as an ambassador of DeMolay. Members of Job's Daughters, Rainbow for Girls, and other Masonic Youth Organizations for young women are often considered for this position.


Chapter Princess

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 Duchess

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


Chapter Little Sis

A Little Sis is usually 14–16 years old. She generally assists both the Princess and the Sweetheart in their duties.


Jurisdictional officers

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, or various other positions. In some 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. 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 DeMolays in their state to help them with events, ceremonies, and any other DeMolay related activities.


International leadership

The International Supreme Council is the governing body of DeMolay International. It is composed of adult leaders from around the world who are responsible for the management 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. In certain parts of the world, such as Brazil, for example, DeMolay International has created daughter Supreme Councils and has ceded local control of DeMolay in those regions to the local Supreme Council.


Officers of DeMolay International

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. Two Active DeMolays, usually the International Master Councilor and International Congress Secretary, are elected as voting members of the board of directors annually. Additionally, delegates discuss and vote on legislative issues.


International Congress officers


Adult supervision

Each chapter must be sponsored by a local Masonic body or some other group composed exclusively of Masons.DeMolay International Mentoring Guide The sponsoring body is responsible for providing the chapter with adult advisors 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. The chapter's advisory council is responsible for supervising the chapter and its activities.


Activities

DeMolays participate in a wide range of activities that may include, but are not limited to: camping, holding joint events with members of Rainbow and Job's Daughters, various sports, and taking long-distance trips. Both Chapters and individual DeMolays can participate in competitions at state and international events. On a local level, the chapter is responsible for planning and executing activities for its members.


DeMolay International Hall of Fame

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


See also

* Delta Sigma Lambda * Theta Alpha


References

{{Reflist


External links


DeMolay International's website
*
Young Men on the Go
' (1960s),
Internet Archive The Internet Archive is an American 501(c)(3) organization, non-profit organization founded in 1996 by Brewster Kahle that runs a digital library website, archive.org. It provides free access to collections of digitized media including web ...
Masonic youth organizations Youth organizations established in 1919 1919 establishments in Missouri Charities based in Missouri Youth organizations based in Missouri Service organizations