At the 51st Annual DeMolay Congress in Alexandria, VA, it was announced that the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction is establishing 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.
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. One of the themes of the NMJ's Path Forward initiative is expressed in the ad that reads "Whatever life throws at you, you have millions of Brothers to help you catch it." To catch a young Brother at time when he needs it most reflects the best of who we are as Freemasons.
DeMolay Grand Master M. Boyd Patterson, Jr. said, “We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Rite for establishing the DeMolay Congress Almoner’s Fund. Not only will we be able to reach out to our young men in need, but doing so sets a powerful example for the entire DeMolay membership. Our young men strive to become leaders of character who hold themselves to a higher standard—and there is no more meaningful and transformative work than helping someone less fortunate.”
The DeMolay Congress Almoner’s Fund will be administered by two International Congress officers and the DeMolay Grand Master. The International Congress Officers are young men, under age 21, who have served as representatives from their jurisdictions and now help lead the organization world-wide. The Grand Master, always a Master Mason, serves as head advisor. Recently elected to those positions for the coming year are International Master Councilor Avery Brinkley (CA), and International Congress Secretary Andrew Buckwinkler (IL). M. Boyd Patterson is Grand Master.
DeMolay International is the premier International youth leadership organization that strives to shape young men into leaders of character who hold themselves to a higher standard. By epitomizing timeless values, and accepting the challenge of leadership the young men of DeMolay transform themselves into citizens of the highest caliber. The organization is inclusive, and only asks that young men interested in joining believe in a higher being. A high level of involvement and enthusiasm is far more important for success in DeMolay than any particular skill or ability. Click here for more information and to find a DeMolay chapter near you.
Incoming International Master Councilor Avery Brinkley (l) and International Congress Secretary Andrew Buckwinkler (r). Together with DeMolay Grand Master M. Boyd Patterson, they will oversee the inaugural year of the Almoner's Fund.
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Now Past Sovereign Grand Commander David A. Glattly Announces the Establishment of the DeMolay Congress Almoner's Fund at their 51st International Congress in Alexandria, VA. He is joined by outgoing International Congress Secretary Mason Sellars (l), and International Master Councilor Chase Gordon (r).