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Texas DeMolayParents Guide


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Acknowledgment

Much of the contents of this publication were originally written, compiled and published by

the Associated DeMolay Chapters of Georgia and the Virginia State DeMolay Association. TheTexas DeMolay Association wishes to express its appreciation to the membership and Executive

Officers of these Jurisdictions for allowing us to adapt this publication for use in Texas.

Suggestions for future editions of this publication should be submitted to:

DAD Bruce A. Baily

2719 Lakeshore Lane

Carrollton, Texas 75006-4724

copyright 1999, Texas DeMolay Association


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1

What are the requirements to Join DeMolay?

The requirements are few, but each is important. To join the Order of DeMolay, a young

man must:

be between the ages of 12 and 21

be of good character and reputation

believe in God

apply for membership (known as "petition") a DeMolay Chapter

What is the Induction Ceremony (known as "Initiation) like?

The DeMolay Induction Ceremony (Initiation) consists of two distinct ceremonies known

as the Initiatory Degree and the DeMolay Degree. The Degrees are solemn ceremonies during

which the new DeMolay dedicated himself to uphold the virtues of love of parents, reverence,courtesy, comradeship, loyalty, cleanness and patriotism. The DeMolay Degree is an

especially impressive dramatic portrayal of the trials and martyrdom of Jacques DeMolay. This

drama is intended to teach the lessons of loyalty and comradeship. To the new DeMolay theDeMolay Degree is much like watching a play that is set in the history of the Middle Ages. The

DeMolay ceremonies involve no hazing or horseplay of any kind, they are designed to be serious

moments during which the new DeMolay is~acquainted and impressed with the founding principlesof the Order of DeMolay.

The Vows of a DeMolay

"AT MY CHAPTER'S ALTAR... Humbly and sincerely...

I promised...

to be a better son

to Love and serve God, my country and my fellow-men

to honor and protect every woman to slander no one

to aid and uphold the public schools

to walk uprightly before God and man All of these things and

more I did promise!"


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Where does the name DeMolay come from?

Jacques DeMolay was a knight in the middle ages. He was the last leader (Grand Master)

of the Knights Templars who fought in the crusades and provided protection for pilgrims to the

Holy Land. In the year 1314 DeMolay was executed. He had been taken prisoner several years

earlier and had suffered at the hands of his captors. One of the significant contributing factors to hisexecution was his absolute reflisal to betray his fellow knights. The story of DeMolay, his character,

faith and fidelity to his fellow knights so impressed the early members of our organization that theydecided upon the name Order of DeMolay.

What is the ritual" of DeMolay?

It is the "ritual work" of the Order of DeMolay that truly sets it apart from all other youth

groups. Indeed the concept of "ritual" is very important to American society, for instance we always

precede certain events, like baseball games, with the "ritual" of singing the National Anthem. The

DeMolay Ritual is a series of ceremonies, each of which has a symbolic meaning intended to inspirethe young men who belong to DeMolay to be better citizens, better friends and better men.

Included in these ceremonies are standard ways of opening and closing meetings, inducting newmembers and installing officers in their offices. The DeMolay Ritual was written by Frank Marshall,

a well known reporter for the Kansas City Star newspaper in the early 1920"s and a friend of the

DeMolay founder, Frank S. Land.

Are there dues to belong to DeMolay?

No. For each member inducted 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

membership. Members are asked, however, to support the flind raising efforts of their chapter.Fund raising activities support the activities and program of the local chapter, the cost of insurance

provided through DeMolay International and services and program of the Texas DeMolayAssociation.

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 faiths and ideals, and inmeeting those tests which are best borne when shared with

others in a bond of confidence"

Walt Disney

Senior DeMolay


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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 plan and hold social functions, fund raising and service

projects, athletic activities and civic projects. Overall, Chapters have a wide range of activities from

which they can choose as they plan their activities, program and project calendar. Of courseinsurance restrictions restrict chapters from engaging in certain activities

Why haven't I heard of DeMolay?

We often find that people have not heard of us, but have indeed heard about us and our

members. DeMolay Chapters and members become so involved in planning, organizing and

enjoying their activities that they overlook the actual promotion of their Chapter within thecommunity as well as they could. Even if you have not heard of DeMolay by name, no doubt you

have heard of many of our members. They include men like Walt Disney (yep, the man who created

Mickey Mouse and Disneyland!), actors John Wayne and Buddy Ebson, comedians Tommy andDick Smothers, football quarterback and television personality Fran Tarkenton, news

commentators Dan Rather and Walter Cronkite (both by the way from Houston, Texas, DeMolayChapters!), television weatherman and personality Willard Scott, to same only a few. Many well-

known personalities, leaders of business, industry, government (local, state and federal) credit their

success in part to their DeMolay experience.

Is DeMolay a Christian or a Religious organization?

No. Among the requirements for membership in DeMolay is the belief in a Supreme

Being... God...., but not that the Supreme Being be that of one particular doctrine, sect or

denomination. A young man's religious beliefs and convictions are his own, but he must have themto belong to DeMolay. . DeMolay's membership includes Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and

members of other religious groups.

- D - diligent and sure to succeed

- E - eager to help those who are in need

- M - our Mother, the one we love best

- 0 - onward, meeting every test of life

- L - love of country, parents and flag

- A - achievements for which we strive

- Y - "YES", the word we're proud to say, when someone asks if

we are a DeMolay!


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Why does DeMolay allow members of all religions to join?

The value is having membership across the religious spectrum is in the opportunity it

provides for members of one religion or denomination to understand the perspective of others. This

philosophy has allowed tens of thousands of additional, morally, spiritually and mentally, to develop

their leadership potential, their sense of self and to determine young men to have the opportunity ofthe DeMolay experience -- to develop themselves physically their view and approach to life.

DeMolay is not intended to take the place of the Church in shaping a young man s spirituallife. Instead, we build on the foundation and value structure provided by the young man's own

religious background to help him make decisions on the direction of his life.

So, why is the Bible a part of the DeMolay Chapter room?

The Bible is symbolic of the spiritual foundation that all DeMolay members are required to

have before they can join. It is not intended to represent an endorsement of any religion or belief

over any others. A DeMolay's belief in his religious doctrine is something that is personal, betweenthe DeMolay and God. It is something that must be arrived at through consultation with his family,

his Pastor or others whose opinions he values, followed by his own deep thought and prayer. TheBible, the Holy Book, is the spiritual guide used within the Chapter room and in DeMolay

ceremonies.

Where does DeMolay have Chapters?

In every major metropolitan area and in many smaller cities and towns in every State in the

United States. In Canada, Brazil, Australia, Germany, Japan, Italy, the Philippines... around the

world you will find DeMolay Chapters active in their community.

Is there a way for parents to be involved?

Absolutely! Many DeMolay Chapters have a Parents' Club. This group of parents and

friends of the Chapter work with the Advisory Council to support and encourage the activities andprojects of the Chapter. Parents' Clubs often assist their Chapter by helping maintain costumes for

the induction ceremonies, providing transportation to and from Chapter and State DeMolayactivities and supplying refreshments for the members to have after their meetings, among other

things. Often Parents' Clubs will hold activities of their own to help with finances and resources

needed to carry out their projects.

DeMolay Parents' Clubs

Believe in the glorious heritage of youth, its aspirator and splendid promise

Believe in the courage, honor and innate decency of our young people ... OUR SONS

Believe in the principles of DeMolay, in guiding young men to noble manhood

Pledge loyal support to the Order of DeMolay so far as they are able


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How did DeMolay become associated with Masonic Lodges?

The founder of the Order of DeMolay, Frank Sherman Land, was himself a Mason. As the

DeMolay organization began to grow as such a rapid and new Chapters were being formed in the

1920's, Land realized that each DeMolay Chapter would require a group of quality men to provide

guidance and supervision for the young men of DeMolay. He felt that requiring DeMolay Chaptersto be sponsored by a Masonic Lodge or a group of Masons would constantly ensure that there

would always be community service-oriented men of quality to serve as Advisors to a Chapter..

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 will practice honest work

A DeMolay believes his 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 highstandards to which he has pledged himself


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Is DeMolay a junior Masonic organization?

No. The relationship of the Order of DeMolay to the Masonic order is through the

sponsorship that Masonic groups provide DeMolay Chapters and through the members of a

Chapter's Advisory Council who are Masons. This is a sponsorship relationship much like a Church

would sponsor a Scout group. Each DeMolay Chapter is sponsored by a group of Freemasons.The responsibilities of the sponsoring body are: to provide the Chapter a place to meet; to provide

adult leadership and guidance through maintaining an Advisory Council; to assist the Chapterwhenever, wherever and however needed.

Who supervises the activities of a DeMolay Chapter?

Activities and projects of a DeMolay Chapter are supervised by a group of men and

women who comprise the Advisory Council. This body is made up of Masons and other adults

interested in the development of young men of character. Masons who are members of Scottish

Rite groups, Shrine groups and others are eligible for service on a DeMolay Advisory Council.Other adults with interest in the development of DeMolay are also eligible. Once selected to serve

on the Advisory Council these individuals are then trained through a state-of-the-art DeMolayAdvisor Development program which includes ongoing training throughout their career as a

DeMolay Advisor. Being a DeMolay Advisor earns one the right to be called by the honorary title

"DAD" or "MOM" and is an experience which is one of the most fulfilling opportunities in life.

Who are the Masons?

According to legend, the earliest Masons were craftsmen such as stonecutters and metal

workers in ancient Egypt and medieval Europe. They formed guilds and pledged to protect and

assist the families and members of the guild. Others believe the Masons are descended from theKnights Templars. While these are legends the fraternal organization known today as the Ancient

Free and Accepted Masons has roots going back over 700 plus years. Today Masons are menwho have banded together for mutual improvement in an organization whose basic beliefs provide

its members a framework in which to improve themselves morally and spiritually while giving backto the community through the conduct of various community service and charitable undertakings,

such as the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and the Shrine Crippled Children Hospitals

and Burn Centers. Traditionally, the caliber of men to seek membership in the Masons are amongthe most charitable and civic minded individuals. Each DeMolay Chapter is sponsored by a group

of Freemasons, a Masonic Lodge or some appendant Masonic group such as the Scottish Rite, the

York Rite or the Shrine.


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Are the Masons a "secret" organization?

No. In community after community Masonic meeting halls are prominently marked and the

meeting time and day is posted and often published in local newspapers. Meetings are usually

restricted to members only and Masons do have specific ways to recognize one another, helpful

when dealing with a world wide organization who members travel and enjoy visiting with oneanother. Unlike most other organizations men are not asked to join Masonry, they must express an

interested in membership before conversation regarding their joining can begin.

THE SEVEN PRECEPTS OF DeMolay

Love of Parents

Reverence

Courtesy

Comradeship

Fidelity & Loyalty

Cleanness

Patriotism

What do the Advisors do?

Ultimately the advisors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the operation of the

Chapter and ensuring that the Chapter operates within the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of theinternational governing body of DeMolay International. Advisors help the members plan and carry

out the programs and activities of the Chapter. They also supervise those programs and activities

while they are ongoing. The Advisors are also responsible for the disciplinary matters of theChapter. In addition, Advisors often help the Chapter by acting as the "record-keepers" and

administrators of the paperwork that is required to keep the Chapter operating.


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What will be expected of my son as a member of DeMolay?

Your son's involvement in DeMolay is intended to be both fun and rewarding. As with any

organization, there are ways for him to maximize the benefit from his membership. These

maximizers" could be considered "expectations.

I. Become involved. Attend the meetings and activities of his Chapter. Become

involved in helping making the decisions regarding the activities of his Chapter.

2. Approach his involvement with a positive, helpful attitude. This approach

should include a willingness to learn, a willingness to help others learn and awillingness to be a part of the Chapter team. Every DeMolay member has had life

experiences that have taught him lessons and given him a unique perspective onissues. Together, the members and their advisors share perspectives and learn from

each other as they make decisions that affect the operation and future of the

Chapter.

3. Put the precepts of DeMolay into practice in his daily life. Some of the building

and guiding principles of DeMolay (love of parents, reverence, courtesy,comradeship, fidelity & loyalty, cleanness and patriotism) may seem "out of

fashion" in today's world, but that does not mean that they are without merit. A

young man who builds these tenents into his life today will be "ahead of the game"as he assumes the responsibilities of manhood in the fbture.

4. Learn about DeMolay. Part of being a good member of an organization is beingfamiliar enough with how it operates and being able to tell others about it. He will

have books and an "open book" Leadership Correspondence Course, available tohelp him learn about DeMolay, so he can effectively communicate information on

DeMolay to others who may be interested in knowing more.

What is the Texas DeMolay Association?

It is the State.of Texas organization of DeMolay Chapters. The Association sponsors all

state activities and is presided over by a member of DeMolay, with the support of State Advisors.

There are four major activities of Texas DeMolay during the year.

In February Government Day is held in Austin, Texas. DeMolay is privileged to be granted

permission by the Texas State Legislature to occupy the chambers of the House and Senate for anannual Government exercise including legislation and a moot Supreme Court. In April we sponsor a

fun camp weekend for all Masonic related youth.. In July we hold our annual Texas Conventionrotating through cities such as Houston, Corpus Christi, Galveston, San Antonio and others. In

November we hold our annual Texas State Leadership Retreat for the development of leadership

skills and qualities of the young men of DeMolay.


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What are the rules members much abide by?

As your son participates in DeMolay activities there are some general rules he must follow

or his own benefit. as well as for the benefit of others.

1. The presence and/or use of alcohol or any illegal or controlled drug/substance is prohibitedat DeMolay functions. Exceptions will be made for prescriptions by a licensed Medical

Doctor.

2. The possession of any type of weapon in prohibited at a DeMolay function. An exception is

made when the weapon is an integral part of an organized and supervised Chapter function,such as a rifle team competition. Then, the weapon must be placed in the keeping of an

Advisor until the activity begins, and returned to the advisor after the activity, until theDeMolay leaves the function.

3. Aggressive, disruptive or destructive behavior has no place at a DeMolay function.Everyone associated with DeMolay wants to be your son's friend and to have your son as

their friend. He is expected to act and respond in that manner. He is also expected to treat

the facilities he may frequent as a part of his DeMolay involvement with care, as well as theChapter property with which he may come into contact, and the personal property of

others.

4. Even when you son is away from DeMolay functions, his appearance, words and actions

are a reflection on the organization and on his fellow DeMolays. He should not let

inappropriate dress, words or actions be a detriment to the organization and to his brothers.

5. When attending a DeMolay function or going on a DeMolay related outing, he should nottry to be "Mr. Independent". At any DeMolay function he is responsible to the Advisors in

attendance. When attending a DeMolay function or traveling with advisors, he is expected

to let them know where he is and what he is doing at all times.

While there will be specific rules governing specific situations in Chapters and State events,

these few provide a general overview of what is expected of members of DeMolay. Like mostparents, these expectations are much like what you expect of your son already!

DeMolay

Tomorrow's Leaders Today


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For information concerning DeMolay in your local area

please contact:

J. Weldon Clampitte

DeMolay Executive for Texas

8809 Bonhomme Road

Houston, Texas 77074

(713)541-9813

email: [email protected]

Bruce A. BailyDirector of Adult Education for Texas

2719 Lakeshore Lane

Carroliton, Texas 76006A724

972-416-3999 home

972-418-8401 Fax


Grand Prairie Chapter, Order of DeMolayPO Box 530072

Grand Prairie, TX 75053-0072

Roger Ingersoll, Chairman 972-642-2104

Joe Livingston, Chapter Dad 972-262-2020


Texas State DeMolay Association

www.texasdemolay.org

Grand Prairie Chapter

www.gpdemolay.org

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