Centennial Memory #25: LTC 1981

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

Today's post will be very brief since the picture is the main component that I wanted to get across. Before the Key Man Conference was founded in 1986, Leadership Training Conferences, or LTC for short, were held at the Masonic Conference Center in Elizabethtown. The purpose was very similar to Key Man, as it taught various styles of leadership and planning. The picture below is the group photo from the 1981 LTC.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #26: Templar "Shows the Colors"

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

Patriotism, the 7th precept of DeMolay, takes a significant place in the hearts of every member. Some DeMolays serve their country by joining the military, while others bring awareness to the local community. Templar Chapter noticed that the local area needed a reminder of how important Patriotism should be to all of us. The Chapter created the "Show the Colors" project, which reached to seven counties surrounding the the Chapter's location. With the support of the mayors of those counties, Templar Chapter reached out to several civilians and businesses of the community to make sure they had America flags to be displayed. If they did not, flag sets could be purchased.

Below, you will find the full article from the February 1966 edition of the DeMolay Cordon, highlighting Templar Chapters efforts to increase Patriotism in the community. 

Centennial Memory #27: Westmoreland Chapter Ritual Proficient

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

Ritual performance is an important part of what makes our organization unique, and something that the members take pride in. The members of Westmoreland Chapter have been known to excel in their ritual performance in recent years. Current members have taken on Installing parts and primarily serve as the cast during the annual Rose Croix Class. As you'll see in the article from the Fall 1987 Issue of the DeMolay Cordon provided below, not much has changed over time.

In 1987, members of Westmoreland Chapter traveled to the Great Lakes Ritual Tournament. They competed in multiple categories, but the impressive part is the competitions that they won. The Chapter brought home top prize for their Initiatory Degree, DeMolay Degree, and Chapter Proficiency teams.

Ritual is still important to the Chapter, as they are continuously represented at the Mid-Atlantic Tournament of Champions.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #28: PA DeMolay Excalibur

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

At the annual Convention in Gettysburg, a sword was presented to PA DeMolay from the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania. The sword was dedicated to the memory of Sir Knight Kenneth J Faub, Right Eminenet Past Grand Commander. "Dad" Faub was also a senior DeMolay.

In 2000, another sword was presented to Pennsylvania DeMolay, which we refer to as Excalibur. The sword was presented at the 2000 Convention in Camp Hill to Executive Officer, Samuel C. Williamson. It was presented by St. Alban-Swain Lodge No. 529. Since receiving this sword, it has been used as the official sword of the Legion of Honor Ceremony, and has been used to confer many Chevaliers as well.

Centennial Memory #29: Erie Anniversary Banquet with a Special Guest Speaker

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

In the June 1970 issue of the DeMolay Cordon, the magazine highlighted events and activities that several chapters observed during DeMolay week. Each event was based around the seven cardinal virtues, with a section dedicated to each precept. Erie Chapter was mentioned in the section involving Comradeship, because of their successful Anniversary Banquet. Based on the time-frame, this would have been the Chapter's 46th Anniversary.

The guest speaker for the banquet was Gary Collins, former Wide Receiver for the Cleveland Browns. As the article indicates, this event brought a lot of interest for the organization, including from prospective members. This is an event that I wish I had a picture of, so if any member of Erie Chapter has anything regarding this banquet and photos with the guest speaker, please feel free to share it with us.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial memory #30: Chester Chapter Takes Special Trip

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

In 1973, Chester Chapter decided that they wanted to do something special for the Thanksgiving holiday. That idea was to take a trip to Jamaica. The Chapter took 47 members and Advisors to Montego Bay, Jamaica, visiting many popular sites and attractions. They even had the opportunity to hold a meeting while on vacation. This was not the only trip that the Chapter was known to take, although this does seem to be the furthest.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #31: Elizabethtown DeMolay and the E-Town Fair

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

For many years, Elizabethtown DeMolay has taken part in the Elizabethtown Fair. In 1987, the Chapter held a car smash fundraiser. The photo below is of State Master Councilor, Andrew Kaufman taking a swing at the car that was used for this fundraiser. 

Since then, the fundraiser has changed, but the Chapter participation in the local fair has not. For a few years now, the Chapter has hosted a dime toss, allowing participants to throw dimes at mugs, coffee cups, and other glassware for a chance to win any glassware that a dime lands in. Having stopped by their tent many times, the event is popular to the community and provides a positive look into the DeMolay program. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #32: DeMolays Welcome a Visitor

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

We all know that Comradeship is one of the seven cardinal virtues of a DeMolay. Friendship goes a long way in our teachings, and reminds us to be there for others in time of trouble and need. In 1987, the members of Somerton and Pilgrim Chapters, along with State Master Councilor Andrew Kaufman, welcomed a friend in need for a special day that they would never forget.

Colleen Nixon, a 12 year old girl with leukemia from Illinois, had a wish to go to Hershey Park. Her and her family were greeted by the members of DeMolay upon arrival. The members accompanied them to the park and helped make their day memorable. The article, which can be found in the Spring 1987 edition of the Cordon, is provided below, along with photos of the DeMolay members welcoming the family.   

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

Centennial Memory #33: Little League World Series

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

On August 18, 2001, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania invited Masons, their families, and Masonic Youth Group members to join them at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. The reason for this outing was to celebrate the unveiling of a new scoreboard and statue, dedicated by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to the memory of Carl E. Stotz, a brother of the fraternity and founder of the Little League World Series.

Several members and advisors of PA DeMolay were in attendance. The day proved to be a great way to bring the Masonic family together for a day of fun and fellowship. The State Officers, led by State Master Councilor, Keith Bortz, had the chance to get a picture with the statue.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #34: Honor Roll Challenges

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

An event that was very popular in the Philadelphia region was the annual Honor Roll Challenge. DeMolays who met the requirements of having all A's and B's on their final report card were taken out for a special night out. The event started in the late 90's and continued to be successful for many years.

The night started with dinner at a nice restaurant, in which the members were told to help themselves to whatever they would like. Some years it was at a steakhouse, other years it was at a seafood restaurant. One of the more popular locations was Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse in Center City. After dinner, they were treated to a family fun center of some sort, most years being Dave and Busters. For the first few years, it was even in the budget to spring for a limo to take the DeMolays to all of their entertainment for the evening.

The incentive inspired the young men to continue to work hard and get good grades. The night was sponsored by lodges from the Philadelphia area, thanks to the efforts of "Dad" Rick Freedman, who was Deputy Executive Officer during the time of the challenges.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin