What is DeMolay?
The Order of DeMolay was founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri with the goal of providing father figures to young men who were without a father after World War I. Over the past century, it has grown into the world's largest youth fraternity, and has chapters in more than 25 countries around the world. Membership is open to young men between the ages of 12 and 21.
What's going on in Indiana DeMolay?
DeMolay has existed in Indiana since 1921, and Indiana has historically been one of the strongest jurisdictions in the world. Today, Indiana DeMolay has more than 20 chapters in communities all across the Hoosier State, and nearly 500 active members.
What does DeMolay teach?
DeMolay is dedicated to building better young men and leaders through seven cardinal virtues or precepts: Filial Love, Reverence for Sacred Things, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness, and Patriotism.
How does a young man join DeMolay?
In order to join, a young man first needs to fill out an application of membership and submit it to a Chapter near him. After the Chapter has elected him to membership, there is an initiation ceremony consisting of two degrees. The first degree explains the general teachings of our order, and the young man takes an obligation where he pledges to lead an upright, moral life and uphold the seven cardinal virtues of a DeMolay. The second degree places special emphasis on the virtue of fidelity by showing the trial and death of Jacques DeMolay, the namesake of the Order of DeMolay. DeMolay was the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, and was subjected to many trials and persecutions before ultimately being sentenced to death for refusing to betray his brothers. The young man then takes a second obligation where he pledges to be faithful to his obligations and to his brothers. Young men are encouraged to visit Chapters before joining to get a feel for the organization and decide if they want to join.
What do DeMolay Chapters do?
In short, DeMolay chapters are able to do anything they put their minds to. Chapters regularly participate in fun events like playing paintball, video games, going to sporting events, and camping. Chapters also participate regularly in community service events. Chapters in Indiana have raised over $5,000 for charities in the last year alone. Chapters in Indiana also participate in activities organized at the State level with their brothers from all over Indiana.