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Well, it's that time of year again - DEMOLAY MONTH! That's right...this month, DeMolay International will celebrate its 93rd anniversary. So, what is your Chapter or Jurisdiction doing for DeMolay Month? Check out next month's edition of the e-Cordon to find out what DeMolays around the globe are doing to commemorate DeMolay Month 2012!
Don't forget to submit your articles and pictures for April's edition by March 25th! Be sure to include a picture and article with your submission.
Fraternally,
Michael A. Burge (WV)
International Congress Secretary
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From the International Master Councilor
Brother Maxwell C. Shoemaker (Southern California) |
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Can you believe that Session 2012
is less than 4 months away?!?!
Come join us June 20th-23rd at The Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky for a week of a little business, and a lot of fun and fellowship! What fun you may ask? On Wednesday, June 20th, we will be getting a tour of the Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat Factory, and enjoying a nice dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe! On Thursday morning, we will be visiting the residents at the Louisville Masonic Homes and help them with sprucing up the place for our Service Project! Next, I would like to announce that the committees at Session will be as follows:
Day 1:
Honors & Awards
Philanthropy
Technology
Ritual & Regalia
Day 2:
Centennial Anniversary
International Relations
Membership & Public Relations
DeMolay Education & Operations
All Congress Delegates this year will have the opportunity to serve on 2 committees! Take this time beforehand to think about what you would like to see changed at the DeMolay International-level. Talk to members in your Chapters, Advisors, and friends. If you are not a delegate, and you have a really cool idea, tell your Jurisdiction Officers about it so we can discuss it at Session. Who knows, that cool idea just might be one of next year's action items!
Lastly, I would like to inform you that the application, to run for International Master Councilor, International Congress Secretary, and Region Cabinet Member have been released. If you would like an application, please talk to your Executive Officer or you may email myself ( imc@demolay.org), Brother Burge ( ics@demolay.org), or Dad Mueller ( dad.garymueller@gmail.com).
I look forward to seeing you in June!
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From the International Congress Secretary
Brother Michael A. Burge (West Virginia) |
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Brethren and friends,
It has, indeed, been an honor and privilege to serve as your International Congress Secretary this year. As our annual Congress session grows closer, we must be mindful of the tasks that lie ahead. The International Congress serves as the voice of the young men to the DeMolay International Supreme Council. Additionally, the Congress serves as a body composed of two delegates from each Jurisdiction. These delegates are young leaders within their Jurisdictions and are given the honorable opportunity to serve as a delegate by their Executive Officer. It is the duty of the Congress to serve in the interest of the young men and speak on their behalf to the Supreme Council. It is, also, the responsibility of these delegates to recommend changes to the Congress and its bylaws, as they see fit.
Pursuant to Artice VII, Section 1 of the bylaws of the International DeMolay Congress, "Amendments to these bylaws must be submitted in writing to the International Congress Secretary by a delegate at least sixty (60) days prior to the start of the Congress."
Therefore, all amendments and other business items must be submitted by April 22nd, 2012. If you are in need of a copy of the bylaws or any other materials, please email me at ics@demolay.org. All amendment submissions and questions can be sent to this address, as well.
On a side note to all Active DeMolays in higher education, please be reminded that the Frank S. Land Scholarship application deadline is April 1st, 2012. For more information, check out the forms section of our website, www.demolay.org, or contact the Service and Leadership Center at 1-800-DEMOLAY.
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Exciting Times in Michigan DeMolay
Brother Max Jenkins, State Senior Councilor of Michigan |
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Recently Michigan DeMolay has had a boom in membership and some very successful events. The chapters currently enjoying these successful events have had some hard times so it is very exciting to see those chapters hosting successful events.
One of these successful events, hosted by Clifford C. Reeves Chapter, was called the Nerd Night Raucous Caucasus. This event was a fun event where the chapters in Michigan came and let out their inner nerd. We played video games and
board games. There were eighty-three people in attendance,
and twenty-one of those were prospects. Thirteen of these prospects were for Clifford C. Reeves Chapter, who in past has been struggling with attendance. Clifford C. Reeves Chapter has also initiated four new members in the past month and is steadily growing.
Another successful event was hosted by Brotherhood Club who is striving to gain their charter. They hosted a Boy Scouts appreciation night, which was attended by over a hundred
people. Some of the guests were Michigan's Worshipful Grand Master Fred Kaiser and his wife, Worthy Grand Matron Nancy Martin and her husband,
 Worthy Grand Patron Lenzy Lewis. The Chapter was opened in public form and the Ceremony of Light was performed by State Junior Councilor, Tyler Makins. Fun was had by all and DeMolay was discussed with all of the Boy Scouts, parents, and Leaders in attendance.
These two chapters are not the only ones in Michigan that are on the rise to success., Chapters are seeing great success with fun events for gaining membership and spreading the word about DeMolay to the general public. Lansing is another such
chapter hosting game nights to get inactive members involved
again and raising awareness
in their community aware of this great organization. So stay tuned to see what exciting things are happening in the jurisdiction of Michigan next month the largest class in 30 years see picture below.
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Older Initiate Takes Charge
"Dad" Patrick Elmore, Speedway Chapter of Speedway, Indiana |
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 As a Senior DeMolay and now
Ritual Advisor for
Speedway DeMolay, Speedway Indiana, I have had an opportunity over the past year to see some amazing and motivated young men transform our chapter from one that could not open without the help of others to the Indiana DeMolay State Champions in ritual and contending for Indiana Chapter of the Year. Speedway DeMolay emphasizes Ritual, the PMC-MSA and visiting and helping other chapters.
As of the writing of this article we have initiated 10 new members in that time period and one of those new brothers is Nestor P. who knelt at our altar October 1, 2011.
Nestor joined and immediately became proficient in both obligations and 2nd Preceptor, all word perfect. This past February 11, 2012, a little over four months since his degree work, Nestor became State Champion in several parts including The Flower Talk, seen being performed in this picture taken February 23, 2012 while Speedway DeMolay was assisting West Newton Chapter, Indiana with their degree work.
Outside of ritual, Nestor is a natural leader. He is ranked near the top of his class, Ben Davis HS, one of the largest in Indiana and last I spoke with him he is planning on attending Notre Dame University although he is considering other top colleges in the nation.
Ironically, Nestor has made it clear that he would have joined years earlier if he had been asked, had he known about our fraternity. The friend that ended up asking Nestor to join had been active during the lean years of our chapter, when we were struggling to remain not only relevant but alive. The younger guys, at the time, were not asking their immediate friends, assuming that they would not want to join the same organization that they themselves enjoy and cherish.
While I am proud of Nestor and am grateful for the window of opportunity that we have to enjoy his gifts and his talents, I keep thinking how strong would Speedway DeMolay, Indiana DeMolay or DeMolay International have been if Nestor (and others from his class) had been asked when they were 12 or 13 instead of 17 or 18, right before they head off to college?
DeMolays of the world go down your Facebook friend list, look around your classroom, your football huddle, your baseball dugout, your choir room, your band practice, your theatre rehearsals......If you are there and enjoy being part of the greatest youth fraternity on the planet, you have to ask yourself, why would you withhold this from these friends and classmates?
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Pennsylvania Holds Youth Unity Conference
Brother Matthew Blaisdell, State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania |
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Google defines unity as "harmony or agreement between people or groups", but if you ask the one hundred members of our Masonic Youth in attendance at the Second Annual Youth Unity Conference, you may get "togetherness", or perhaps "an opportunity to see the world, and especially different leadership styles through the eyes of another." Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F. & A.M. have supported the mission sought out by the coordinators of the conference since it's debut in February of 2011. Since that first initial debut, an overall stronger sense of unity was brought among many members of not only DeMolay, but the Knights of Pythagoras and the young ladies of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, the Pennsylvania Job's Daughters and the Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Youth Department.
On the weekend of February 25th, 2012, youth from all across Pennsylvania were invited to take part in the second conference, make many new friends and take home lessons to their own organizations. Many leaders involved in the planning committee coordinated and executed many valuable workshops like Advertising Your Organization, Dress for Success, and even a workshop based on our Charitable contributions throughout Pennsylvania.
The most rewarding part of this conference isn't just the fact that it is a weekend of learning about new organizations, or that we had an opportunity to simply communicate with others throughout the Keystone State, but the fact that it was planned strictly by the youth and for the youth.
I cannot say that every event or program planned by a non-profit organization will be successful, but I will say I have very high hopes for Unity Weekend, and the youth leaders of Pennsylvania that will carry our distinct leadership skills well into the future and carrying on our Mission, which is to see and help the world through a different perspective. Perhaps we could all learn from an experience like this and implement your own Youth Unity Conference into your own Jurisdiction.
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Goose Creek DeMolay
Gregg Schneider, Worshipful Master of Goose Creek Lodge #401 |
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Brothers all,
Last weekend, at Goose Creek
Lodge #401, the DeMolay initiated 2 new members. We also hosted the Most Worshipful Grand Master, MW Jay Adam Pearson, the Deputy Grand Master, RWB David DeChant, numerous Grand Lodge Officers, several Past Masters, sitting Masters, a load of Senior DeMolay and most importantly the parents of the boys.
The morning started with MacArthur Lodge #427 preparing breakfast for everyone, and if you know MacArthur Lodge....everyone thought we would be served coffee and donuts....but not MacArthur, they prepared a complete breakfast of eggs, pancakes, biscuits, gravy, sausage, and of course coffee.
At 10:00, the boys opened the Chapter and welcomed MW Jay Adam Pearson, the Grand Master of Masons in South Carolina. He told everyone that he is committed to DeMolay and he was the one that was honored by being invited. The boys then initiated the 2 candidates. SIDE NOTE: the boys did an ABSOLUTE FANTASTIC JOB! Goose Creek has alot to be proud of.
Goose Creek Lodge #401 prepared lunch for all and as with MacArthur Lodge, they ensured everyone had enough to eat. Anyone that was still hungry after the great breakfast and lunch, is not the fault of MacArthur or Goose Creek.
The Grand Master had to leave prior to the afternoon election and installation of the DeMolay Officers. Prior to leaving, he met with each boy personally to compliment them on the wonderful job they did. Their spirits were at the 10000 foot level.
After lunch, Goose Creek was honored again by hosting the Mayor of Goose Creek, Mayor Michael J Heitzler, who told the group that without the civic community, church groups, and organizations like the Masons and DeMolay, a city like Goose Creek could not exist.
We then installed the DeMolay Officers for the current term.
After closing, the Mayor proudly took group pictures with the Boys.
Now before I end this email, I must and gladly can say that the boys shined today, but if not for the outstanding support of their Chapter Dad, Brother Wayne Crawford, and the other Chapter Dad's, WB Walt Fishel, Dad Walt Spiller and Sam Bennett this day would not have gone as wonderful as it did. Special thanks goes to WB Steve Ward, who always supports the DeMolay at several chapters (to include his as the Chapter Dad for Summerville), and the DeMolay boys from Summerville. But the biggest credit belongs to the parents, they ensure the boys are present at the meetings, and support them with the memory work.
To end this message, I can not state enough on how proud I was to sit in the East with MW Brother Jay Adam Pearson, and have him tell me how proud he was of Goose Creek and the DeMolay. Goose Creek put another shining star over its alter.
Thank you to all, I am honored to be the Worshipful Master of such a lodge as Goose Creek!
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Care To Dance?
"Dad" John Whitaker, Executive Officer of Tennessee |
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It was DeMolay/Sweetheart Time in Tennessee as the Tennessee Knighthood Priory sponsored a Sweetheart Ball on February 18 at Al Menah Shrine Centre. State Sweetheart Whitney Whitaker and Knighthood Lady Kristie Bridgers decorated for the Football themed Game of Love Dance. All past State Sweethearts, Knighthood Ladies, and Chapter Sweethearts were invited and introduced during the dance. Music was provided by D-John (aka Executive Officer John Whitaker). A great time was had by all.
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Happenings in Kansas City, Missouri
Kenneth Best, Sr., Missouri DeMolay |
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April 19,2012 At Ivanhoe Lodge # 446 William F. Kuhn Chapter Order of DeMolay sponsored by Swope Park Lodge # 617 will open Mother Chapter to celebrate 100 years of Dad Frank S. Land membership in Ivanhoe Lodge.
Chapter will open at 7:30 PM
November 28 ,2012 The Scottish Rite Valley of Kansas City Missouri will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Frank S. Land joining the Scottish Rite at there regular dinnier meeting in November. The DeMolay degree will be preformed by local DeMolay Chapters for the enjoyment of members of Scottish Rite.
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Postal Bowling Winners
Service & Leadership Center |
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CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the 2011 - 2012 Postal Bowling Tournament!
The Annual Postal Bowling Tournament is now concluded and the winners have been determined! We have received many great scores this year and hope you had lots of fun bowling with your friends and chapter! The Winners are as follows:
Region I High Team Series
Benjamin Franklin Chapter (Grafton, Massachusetts)
Region II High Team Series
Lorraine Chapter (Butler, Pennsylvania)
Region III High Team Series
Lynn Skinner Chapter (Memphis, Tennessee)
Region IV High Team Series
Swordsmen Chapter (Joliet, Illinois)
Region VI High Team Series
Legacy Chapter (Midlothian, Texas)
Region VII High Team Series
Glendale Chapter (Glendale, Arizona)
Region VIII High Team Series
Downey Chapter (Downey, California)
1st Place High Individual Game
David Celentano (Wantagh Chapter, NY)
1st Place High Individual Series
David Celentano (Wantagh Chapter, NY)
1st Place International High Team Series Downey Chapter (Downey, California)
Once again, We would like to thank all those who participated this year. Stay tuned for more opportunities to grow and have fun from DeMolay International.
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Kingdom of DeMolay Membership Contest
Service & Leadership Center |
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DeMolay International is proud to announce the Kingdom of DeMolay Membership Contest which shall commence on Tuesday, February 15th, 2012 and close on Monday, April 30th, 2012. Your Kingdom needs you!
Prizes will be awarded in three (3) categories:
BEST IN OVERALL GROWTH (Largest # of Initiates)
Initiate a minimum of seven (7) new members to qualify.
BEST IN NET GROWTH (Largest % of growth)
Increase the size of your Chapter by 20% to qualify.
TOP FIRST LINE SIGNER (Most new initiates)
Sign at least three (3) new members to qualify.
A custom limited edition Crown of Youth, a display case, and a framed medieval certificate worthy of your Chapter will be presented to each winning Chapter. The top first line signer will gain free admission for him and his Chaperone to Session in Louisville as well as a framed medieval certificate.
All Form 10's must be completed and submitted according to the Rules and Regulations of the Chapter. The campaign commences on February 15th, 2012 through April 30th, 2012. No Form 10's will be considered for this campaign if postmarked after May 10th, 2012.
In the event of a tie, the tie will be broken in a traditional knightly manner. A committee of fair maidens shall determine the winner.
Just to add a little more excitement, we will give full credit for any new members brought in since February 1st, 2012.
Spread the word of DeMolay throughout your Kingdom!
Remember, the future of your Chapter
is created in the present!
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The Congress e-Cordon is an official publication of the
45th International Congress. We acknowledge and yield allegiance to DeMolay International, founded by
Frank Sherman Land in 1919 at Kansas City, Missouri.
Copyright 2012, DeMolay International |
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