Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeMolay?

DeMolay International is the world’s largest fraternal organization for young men aged 12 to 21. It is specifically designed to provide a good moral environment to young men while teaching leadership skills. The ultimate aim is to build better young men who will, in turn, become better men, citizens, husbands, fathers, friends and leaders in the future.

Order of DeMolay - West Bend Chapter

Building Young Men of Character Since 1919!

Over the years, the organization amassed great wealth, and King Philip of France became concerned that they would use their power and wealth against him. False charges were pressed against DeMolay and the Templars by the King in order to brand them as criminals. On orders of the King, Jacques DeMolay and hundreds of members of the Knights Templar were arrested and thrown into prison.

During his seven-year imprisonment, DeMolay was tortured repeatedly in attempts to get him to betray other leaders and members of his beloved Templars, and he consistently refused. Eventually, he was sentenced to be burned at the stake on March 18, 1314. DeMolay died a martyr to loyalty.

The original nine members of DeMolay selected the name in honor of Jacques DeMolay and his high principles.

Where did the name DeMolay come from?

Jacques DeMolay was born in France in 1244. At the age of 21, he became a member of the Knights Templar, a group originally called the “Poor Fellow Soldiers of Jesus Christ.” Sanctioned by the Pope and the Church Council in 1128, their purpose was to guard the road between Jerusalem and Acre (the port on the Mediterranean). Because of church sanction and the fact that they fought valiantly in several crusades, the Knights Templar were a popular group among the people. The name Knights Templar became synonymous with heroism. In 1298, Jacques DeMolay was elected Grand Master of the Templars.

How did DeMolay get started?

In 1919, while employed as the social services director for the Scottish Rite bodies in Kansas City, Missouri, Frank Sherman Land hired a teenager by the name of Louis Lower to perform off jobs around the building. Soon, Land found that Lower’s father had died a short time before and that the young man missed having the guidance that a father would provide. Lower had other friends whose fathers were also not in the home, whether through divorce, abandonment, death or the fact that WWI had just ended a few years before. Land suggested that Lower invite some of his friends to the Scottish Rite Temple to discuss starting a club. Within a few days, Lower brought eight of his friends to a meeting. The nine young men agreed that the idea of a club was a good one. Soon, the “Order of DeMolay” was born. Within three years, Chapters had been established in 39 of the then 48 states (Wisconsin included) and in the District of Columbia.

Jacques DeMolay, Last Grand Master of the Knights Templar

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 God, a Supreme Being or Deity;

* Submit an application for membership (petition); and

* Attend a 2-part initiation ceremony.

What is the initiation ceremony like?

The DeMolay initiation ceremony is the celebration of a young man’s commitment to better himself by becoming a DeMolay. This 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, called the DeMolay Degree, is a place portrayed by DeMolay members. The subject of the play is the story of Jacques DeMolay, who lived in the 14^th century. The play teaches loyalty to beliefs, family, friends and commitments, important values for today’s youth.

What is the ritual of DeMolay?

The ritual of the Order of DeMolay is truly what sets it apart from other youth groups. The ritual is a series of ceremonies, each of which has a symbolic meaning intended to inspire the young men who belong to the organization to be better citizens, better friends and better men. Included in these ceremonies are the standard ways of opening and closing meetings, inducting new members and installing officers in their offices. The DeMolay ritual was written by Frank Marshall, a reporter for the Kansas City Star newspaper in the early 1920’s.

How does the life membership process work?

For each member initiated, a fee is paid to DeMolay International. This fee places the new member among the “life members” of the organization. No annual “dues” are collected from the member. Members are asked, however, to support their Chapter’s fund-raising projects, since a portion of the money raised by the Chapter must be paid to DeMolay International to cover the cost of insurance, and another portion must be paid to the state DeMolay association, to cover a portion of the costs of services provided by the state organization.

What types of activities does a DeMolay Chapter have?

Within certain parameters, the activities of a DeMolay Chapter are limited only by the imagination of its members. Members of DeMolay plan and hold social functions, fund raising or civic service projects, athletic activities and much more. Insurance regulations prohibit activities which can lead to one or more of the “3 I’s”: Injury, Illegal activity or Immoral activity. However, Chapter activities have a wide range of activities from which they can choose as they plan.

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. Additionally, in this 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 Frank Tarkenton, Dan Rather, Willard Scott, owner of the San Diego Chargers Alex Spanos, former Governor Reubin Askew, 42^nd U.S. President Bill (William Jefferson) Clinton, and news legend Walter Cronkite. Many of these individuals and other community leaders credit part of their success to DeMolay.

How does a young man learn good character in DeMolay?

Upon joining DeMolay, he will interact with other young men and Advisors of quality, 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, which demonstrates good character now and serves to mold a mature way of thinking as he attains manhood.

The Vows of a DeMolay

Humbly and sincerely,

I promised to be a better son;

I promised to love and serve God, my country and my fellowmen;

I promised to honor and protect every woman;

I promised to slander no one;

I promised to aid and uphold the public schools;

I promised to be loyal to my friends and Brothers;

All of these things, and more, I did promise!

How does a young man learn good character in DeMolay?

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 the organization, they discuss the fun aspects. DeMolays have a great deal of fun! Chapters routinely have dances, plan or attend sporting events, hold fund raisers and interact with our two sister organizations.