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| ILLINOIS DEMOLAY |
DEMOLAY INTERNATIONAL |
The boys struggled to come up with a name for their new organization until someone suggested it be named after Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the medieval Knights Templar (more info at www.templarhistory.com). After listening to the story of Jacques DeMolay's torture and ultimate death for steadfastly refusing to reveal the location of his hidden brother Knights and their vast wealth to the evil king of France, the boys decided to name their club the "Order of DeMolay." Each new member takes an oath to live up to Jacques DeMolay's ideals of honesty, loyalty and brotherhood.
Since 1919, the Order of DeMolay has seen millions of members take this pledge in Chapters that have spread to all fifty states and several countries. Young men from all walks of life have benefited from membership in DeMolay. Our ranks have been honored by such notable names as: John Wayne, Walt Disney, Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, John Steinbeck, Bill Bradley, President Bill Clinton and many more (see www.demolay.org for a complete Hall of Fame).
Being a member of DeMolay means living by seven cardinal virtues:
WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF DEMOLAY?
The purposes are many. For one thing, the Order does far more than just keep a young man busy. DeMolay has carefully planned activities; planned by the members themselves-things they really enjoy doing. Great emphasis is placed on serving other people. We have no special charity; rather, we strive to help all in need. Whether it's cleaning up a park or taking a food basket to people less fortunate, the privilege of serving is our reward. . . and what could be more rewarding than to help make a child's Christmas happy. . . or visit a nursing home and see a forgotten face light up because they know someone cares. And DeMolays do these things because they want to. . . because it's just their way of life.
WHY DO YOU CALL EACH OTHER BROTHER?
DeMolay teaches brotherhood. We feel that we must treat each other as brothers in everything we say and do.All DeMolays make a promise; a promise that he will lay down his life for another member, if need be, like a brother. . . like a DeMolay.It's a magic bond that develops among DeMolays; a feeling that they can tell each other anything; can rely on each other; can help with the other brothers' problems. As with so many young men of this age, being able to just "get it off their chest" is half the battle. And what better person is there to discuss them with than your brother?
WILL IT INTERFERE WITH HIS SCHOOLWORK?
On the contrary, in DeMolay we teach that our country's greatness depends on our public schools. A DeMolay meeting is never opened until the schoolbooks are on our altar. We stress the importance of high scholastic goals.
AT YOUR ALTAR, TO WHOM DO YOU PRAY?
We pray to God. We ask His blessings on the meetings. We ask for His guidance, His understanding. We thank Him for what we have: our schools, our great country, the freedom we enjoy and, of course, our loving parents.
I'VE HEARD SOMETHING ABOUT RITUAL...WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
Our ritual is the basis of our Order. It's what sets DeMolay apart from every other organization.This ritual remains virtually unchanged after nearly sixty years.The ritual is the source of our initiations. The first section imparts in a young man's mind the importance of clean and manly living. It explains the necessity of honesty, loyalty and love of the world around him.The second part of the initiation is like a thrilling drama. The members for the candidate present this production. This play depicts the final days of our namesake, Jacques DeMolay, who chose to give up his life rather than betray his followers. From this example, we learn the importance of loyalty, courage and brotherly love.The initiation is a ceremony of great dignity; care is taken to make a lasting impression on the new member.
Our initiations, unlike those of some organizations, are serious, hard-hitting, designed to inform and enlighten the candidate rather than embrace him.
WHAT ABOUT THE SYMBOLISM?
We use certain symbols to remind us of various things. Flowers are used during some ceremonies to remind us of our mother's love. Candles stand for the seven cardinal virtues. None of our symbols have any mystical meaning-none are even secret. These things serve as reminders of what we stand for. They tend to add dignity and impact to our ceremonies. Who can observe the purity of a candle flame, or see a flower, or watch a young man kneel in prayer and not feel closer to his God?
WHAT ABOUT RELIGION?
We feel a DeMolay's religious beliefs are his personal business. We do not discuss religion in meetings, nor do we try to influence a young man toward any particular religion. We do, however, encourage regular church attendance. All DeMolays must profess a belief in one living God prior to their admission. Young men of every faith are members, whether they be Catholic, Jewish or Protestant, for we feel each religion has its strong points and a young man's decision must be his own toward a particular religion.
WHO WILL MY SON ASSOCIATE WITH AS A MEMBER?
Your son will be involved with other young men from all walks of life-from every financial background. These young men have one thing in common-the magic spirit of brotherhood and this spirit knows no barriers. The young men are dedicated to living lives based on pride, brotherly love and service to others.
WHAT IS THE STATE ORGANIZATION?
The Illinois Order of DeMolay is a non-profit organization that administers DeMolay in the state.The state is under the direction of the Executive Officer. This man is an Active Member of the International Supreme Council, the international governing body.His local representatives are District Deputies who help keep him in touch with chapter affairs. His staff also includes several directors who administer the organization. Each of these men is chosen for his particular talent. They come from all walks of life and donate their time to help your son get the very most from his DeMolay career. Remember:
ILLINOIS DEMOLAY HAS NO PAID STAFF...
Rather, hard working dedicated individuals who deem it a privilege to serve the Order.
WHO ARE THE LOCAL LEADERS?
Every DeMolay chapter is sponsored by a group of dedicated members of the Masonic fraternity. These men form an Advisory Council or Board. The Board selects a Chairman to preside over their meetings. One man is named to be Chapter Advisor or Dad. His job is to work directly with the chapter members. The Chapter Dad is carefully selected because of his ability to work with young men and true desire to serve.
If you have any further questions about the purposes of DeMolay and how it can help you become a better person, see the list of Contacts for personal help or visit http://www.demolay.org