DeMolay International facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
DeMolay International

Heraldic arms of the fraternity
Countries with active chapters
Named after	Jacques de Molay
Formation	March 24, 1919; 106 years ago (1919-03-24)
Founder	Frank Sherman Land
Founded at	Kansas City, Missouri
Type	Masonic youth fraternity
Location	10200 NW Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153
Region
Membership (2019)	15,887
Volunteers	> 4 million worldwide
Website	demolay.org

DeMolay International is a special club for young men aged 12 to 21. It started in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1919. The group is named after Jacques de Molay, who was a famous leader of the Knights Templar a long time ago.

DeMolay is open to young men who believe in a higher spiritual power. It has about 12,000 members all over the world. You can find active groups, called "chapters," in many countries. These include Canada, Germany, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and many more.

Even though young women cannot join DeMolay as members, chapters can choose "sweethearts" and "princesses." DeMolay is part of the larger "family" of Masons. It is the youth group for young men. Other similar groups for young women are Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters.

How DeMolay Started

The Order of DeMolay began in 1919 with nine young men. Most of them lived close to each other in Kansas City. The group's founder was Frank S. Land. He was a member of a Masonic lodge.

The DeMolay emblem, which looks like a crown, has 10 rubies. Each ruby stands for one of the original nine members and Frank S. Land. When the group first started, these were shown as pearls. As each founding member passed away, their pearl was changed to a ruby.

What DeMolay Believes In

DeMolay teaches seven important Cardinal Virtues. These are like guiding principles for its members. They help young men become good leaders and good people.

• Love for Family: This means showing kindness and love to your parents. They are the ones who raised you and taught you important lessons.
• Respect for Sacred Things: This means believing in a higher power. It also means respecting what others believe, no matter their religion.
• Courtesy: This is about being kind and respectful to everyone. It also means helping others from your heart.
• Comradeship: This means being a loyal friend. You should be there for your friends in good times and bad.
• Fidelity: This is the strength to stick to your values. It also means keeping secrets that are told to you. Jacques DeMolay chose to die rather than betray his friends.
• Cleanliness: This means having a pure heart and a clear mind. It's about staying away from things that go against being a good citizen.
• Patriotism: This is about respecting and being ready to protect your home country. It also means caring for public places like schools and hospitals.

DeMolay also supports three main freedoms:

• Religious Freedom: This is shown by any holy book, like the Bible, Quran, or Torah.
• Civil Freedom: This is shown by the national flag of your country.
• Intellectual Freedom: This is shown by scholar books, representing knowledge and learning.

DeMolay has an Ethical Code with many statements. These statements guide members on how to live. For example, a DeMolay serves God and honors all women. A DeMolay is honest, loyal, and always a gentleman. They are also clean in mind and body.

How DeMolay is Organized

A local DeMolay group is called a Chapter. The leader of a chapter is the Master Councilor. He is chosen by the chapter members and is usually one of the older members. The Master Councilor gets help from a Senior Councilor and a Junior Councilor.

Adult men guide and watch over each chapter. These adults are often Masons or former DeMolay members. They can also be other men from the community, like fathers of members. In recent years, women have also become advisors.

Beyond the local chapter, DeMolay has leaders at a larger level. This could be for a whole state or region. These leaders are called a State Master Councilor or Jurisdictional Master Councilor. Some countries even have a "National Master Councilor." The main adult advisor for a state or country is called an Executive Officer. The top leader for all of DeMolay International is the Grand Master.

In some countries, DeMolay International has given control to local groups. These groups have their own Grand Master and leaders. Examples include Australia, Canada, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Young Women Leaders

Some DeMolay Chapters choose young women for leadership roles. These young women help support the members and their activities. These roles are not official DeMolay International positions. They are approved by the local executive officer.

Chapter Sweetheart

A DeMolay Chapter might choose a "Chapter Sweetheart." She is the female representative of the chapter. She is not a DeMolay member. Her job is to attend chapter events and represent DeMolay. Sweethearts are usually between 14 and 21 years old.

Chapter Princess

A chapter can also choose a "Chapter Princess." She has similar duties to the Sweetheart. She attends events and helps represent DeMolay.

Chapter Duchess

Some chapters may also elect two "Chapter Duchesses." They have similar duties to the Sweetheart and Princess. They help at events and represent DeMolay.

Chapter Little Sis

A chapter might also choose a "Little Sis." She is usually 14–16 years old. She helps the Princess and Sweetheart with their duties.

State and Regional Leaders

Each state or region holds a yearly event called a Conclave or Convention. At this event, members vote for their State Master Councilor and other leaders. These leaders plan and run events for their state or region. They also help other DeMolay members with activities and ceremonies.

International Leadership

The International Supreme Council is the main group that guides DeMolay International. It is made up of adult leaders from all over the world. They help DeMolay grow and succeed. The Grand Master is the top elected leader of this council.

Leaders of DeMolay International

The DeMolay Congress is like a student government for DeMolay. Two members from each DeMolay region vote in this group. They meet once a year to choose an International Master Councilor and an International Congress Secretary. These two leaders guide the Congress for one year. They also discuss and vote on important issues for DeMolay.

International Congress Leaders

Adult Guidance

Each DeMolay chapter needs a local Masonic group to sponsor it. This sponsoring group helps by providing adult advisors. They also provide a place for the chapter to meet. These adults form the chapter's "advisory council."

The advisory council chooses a chairman. This chairman is the link between the chapter and the sponsoring group. Another advisor is chosen as the "chapter advisor." This person is the link between the advisory council and the chapter members. The advisory council is in charge of guiding the chapter and its activities.

Activities and Fun

DeMolay members take part in many different activities. These can include camping trips and sports. They also have events with members of Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters. Chapters and individual members can join competitions at state and international events. Each local chapter plans its own activities for its members.

Famous DeMolay Members

Many DeMolay members have become very successful in their lives. Some have even been chosen for the DeMolay Hall of Fame. This is a special honor for members who have achieved great things.

Here are some famous people who were once DeMolay members: