Pilgrim Chapter of DeMolay

Bend, Oregon

History of DeMolay

The Order of DeMolay was founded in Kansas City in 1919, by nine boys and Frank Land, a Freemason. Recognizing that many boys at that time had lost their fathers in the first World War and could use an organization that provided companionship, inspiration, leadership, and competition, Land enlisted several Masons to support the new Order. The boys decided to name it after Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. In 1307 the Pope and the King of France, coveting the power and wealth of the Templars, joined in supressing the Order. DeMolay was captured, but although he was imprisoned and tortured for seven years, refused to betray the trust of his brother knights. The story of his loyalty and honor continues to be an inspiration to the members of DeMolay.

The insignia of DeMolay was designed by "DAD" Frank S. Land, and every part of it has a particular significance.

The CROWN is symbolic of the Crown of Youth and constantly reminds a DeMolay of his obligations and the seven precepts of his Order: Filial Love, Reverence for Sacred Things, Courtesy, Comradeship, Fidelity, Cleanness and Patriotism. The TEN PRECIOUS STONES of the crown honor DeMolay's founder and the nine youths whose ties of friendship drew them together to form the Order of DeMolay. The HELMET is emblematic of chivalry which DeMolays display through Courtesy and respect for womanhood and without which there can be no fineness of character. The CRESCENT is a sign of secrecy and constantly reminds DeMolays of their duty never to reveal the secrets of the Order or to betray the confidence of a friend. The five-armed WHITE CROSS symbolizes the purity of a DeMolay's intention to always remember the motto of the Order, "No DeMolay shall fail as a citizen, as a leader and as a man." The CROSSED SWORDS denote justice, fortitude, and mercy. They symbolize the increasing warfare of DeMolays against arrogance, despotism, and intolerance. The STARS surrounding the crescent are symbolic of hope and should always remind a DeMolay of those obligations and duties which one brother of the Order owes to another.

A DeMolay chapter can have up to 23 Officers. The top three officers are the Master Councilor, Senior Councilor, and Junior Councilor, who are usually elected by the members of the Chapter. The other officers of a Chapter are: Scribe, Treasurer, Senior and Junior Deacon, Senior and Junior Steward, Orator, Sentinel, Chaplain, Marshal, Standard Bearer, Almoner, Organist, and the Seven Preceptors, who represent the seven Cardinal Virtues of DeMolay. Most of the remaining officers are appointed by the Master Councilor, with the approval of the Advisory Council.

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