This March, we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of DeMolay International. We are proud to stand alongside them and honor their hard work and mission of “striving to shape young men into leaders of character.” In today’s ever-shifting climate of media, trends, politics, and societal norms, it is important for young men to grow up with a solid set of values that transcend time and place. DeMolay provides just that, by teaching Love for Parents, Reverence to God, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness, and Patriotism: a set guidebook to jumpstart the future of young men.
In fact, the NMJ took a major step in support of the organization this past summer. At 51st Annual DeMolay Congress in Alexandria, VA, the Supreme Council established the DeMolay Congress Almoner's Fund with an initial gift of $20,000. Modeled after the Scottish Rite’s own Grand Almoner’s Fund, the program is designed to provide young men in DeMolay relief and assistance when they are facing hardships or times of crisis. For 100 years now, the young men of DeMolay have been part of the fraternal family. The Grand Almoner's Fund will now assist our youngest fraternal Brothers in need — young men who commit themselves to the work of character and reverence, as they embrace a values-filled life.
DeMolay was founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri by nine young men, led by founder, Dad Frank Land. What started as a conversation between Dad Land and a young man interested in becoming a better leader turned into a regular meeting with a few local boys. This meeting then turned into a youth organization and Brotherhood, filling a much needed gap of mentorship and friendship for boys entering their teenage years. Flash forward 100 years into the future, and this inclusive organization, led by trained advisors, is having impact on the lives of young men around the world.