What is DeMolay?

    DeMolay International (originally known as the Order of DeMolay) is an international youth fraternity for young men between the ages of 12 to 21 (members who reach the age of 21 are referred to as 'Senior DeMolays'). It is modeled after Freemasonry, and serves to teach young men moral principles through a program that the young men develop. The organization helps prepare young men to lead successful, productive and happy lives through the development of civic awareness, leadership skills and personal responsibility. Like Freemasonry, members are initiated into the fraternity through ritual and an allegorical program. DeMolay is appendant to Freemasonry; each DeMolay chapter is sponsored by a Lodge of Freemasons or by a Masonic body such as a Knights Templar Commandery. DeMolay is considered part of the family of Masonic youth groups along with Job's Daughters, and Rainbow Girls, which for youth also includes several other youth organizations.

    The Order was founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri in the United States of America by Frank Sherman Land and nine young men. Since then the organization has spread to 12 other countries around the world including Aruba, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Panama, Philippines and Portugal. There are around 18,000 active DeMolays, and over one million members total.

    A local DeMolay organization is known as a Chapter and headed by a Master Councilor. Senior DeMolays, Masons, or other male adult mentors supervise the Chapter and are usually referred to by the moniker "Dad". In recent years, women have also served as advisors for the group, and are referred to as "Mom". DeMolay Chapters may also periodically elect a member of a neighboring Job's Daughters Bethel or Rainbow Assembly as a "Chapter Sweetheart."

    The organization is named after Jacques de Molay a knight and crusader from the 13th and 14th centuries. Jacques de Molay was the 23rd and last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. Members are encouraged to model their conduct after his example of loyalty and fidelity.

    Notable Senior DeMolays include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Mel Blanc, Burl Ives, Bill Clinton, Harmon Killebrew, Walter Cronkite, Paul Harvey, Capt. Lance Sijan, Fran Tarkenton, John Steinbeck, Neil Armstrong, Willard Scott, Dick and Tommy Smothers, Danny White, Col. James Nicholas Rowe, Pete Rose, Dan Rather, Bob Mathias, Roy Clark, Ely Buendia, Joel Lamangan, Luke Mijares, Mike Orquillas.