The name "DeMolay" comes from a thirteenth century French hero and martyr named Jacques DeMolay, who was the last Grand Master of an order of chivalric knights known as the Knights Templar. King Philip, the "Fair", of France, who was interested in obtaining the vast wealth and land of the holy order, devised a plan which included arresting and torturing the members of the order, and thereby leaving him in control of their assets.
After being arrested and subjected to seven horrible years of inquisition and torture by Philip, DeMolay was put to death by order of the "fair" king because of his refusal to reveal the names of his fellow comrades, and for his fidelity to the ideals of his order. King Philip ordered DeMolay and one of his faithful preceptors, Guy of Auvergune, to be burned at the stake as a final demonstration of Philip's authority.
Centuries later, in 1919, a Kansas City Freemason named Frank S. Land, noticed a need for a young men's organization in the Kansas City area. After meeting with a local youth named Louis Lower, Land arranged a meeting with several other area youths at the Kansas City Scottish Rite building. With Land\'s guidance and the ambition of the young men, the Order of DeMolay was born.
Almost instantaneously, the popularity of the new order grew and in no time at all, there were chapters in every state in the union and soon there were even chapters abroad.
For over 80 years now, the Order of DeMolay has continued to teach it\'s member\'s the basic principles of life which will help perpare any young man for a good and clean manhood, and help them to develop a greater love and respect for their God, parents, and country.
In its history, the order of DeMolay has boasted a strong membership, and has long lists of successful and influential members. Many notable figures of America\'s past and present were members of the Order of DeMolay, such as Walt Disney, John Wayne, Pete Rose, Fran Tarkenton, John Steinbeck, Mel Blanc, and many, many others.
The requirements for membership into the Order are very simple. The only requirements for membership are that prospective members:
- Be between the ages of 12 and 21
- Believe in a Supreme Being
- Be of good moral character
- Petition a DeMolay Chapter for membership
For more information on DeMolay, or to register for membership with a local chapter, go to CHAPTER DIRECTORY to locate the chapter closest to you. Or you can contact the Executive Officer of Delaware, David Chidester at: pdchid@yahoo.com.
