Centennial Memory #57: PA DeMolay celebrates 90th Anniversary

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.

During the 2013-2014 term, PA DeMolay celebrated 90 years by sharing its "Honor and Heritage" through its statewide program. Special ceremonies were held to commemorate our Founder, Ralph Minehart, some of which will be highlighted in a separate post. Memories were shared throughout the year, with a "90 second talks" book that allowed chapter members to bring up their fondest memories. At the annual Convention, a 1920's themed party was held to officially celebrate this occasion. Members and Advisors dressed in formal wear, with their best efforts to be vintage. Rainbow and Job's Daughters were invited to help DeMolay celebrate. A live band performed, making the part a true celebration.

Sam Williamson: The Godfather of Pennsylvania DeMolay

Today is the birthday of a very special person in the hearts of the members and advisors of Pennsylvania DeMolay, "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson. Today "Dad" Williamson celebrates his 90th birthday. In a way, this post is a Throwback Thursday post mainly because you will see some of the best pictures we have of "Dad" Williamson throughout his time with DeMolay. 

"Dad" Williamson served as the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania from 1982 to 1983. In that time, he founded the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, which dedicates its existence to the support of the Masonic Youth Groups in Pennsylvania. "Dad" Williamson served as Executive Officer from 1987 to 2000. This past year, "Dad" Williamson was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame.

To this day, "Dad" Williamson shows overwhelming support to the Pennsylvania DeMolay program. I had the privilege of being at the surprise party thrown for "Dad" Williamson last week (Sam, I still take no responsibility for throwing that party.) In that room, it was great to see how many people were affected in a positive way by the teachings of Sam Williamson. Thank you "Dad" Williamson for all that you do for Pennsylvania DeMolay. Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

DeMolay - it never goes away!

This past weekend, I travelled to Erie for a meeting of a Masonic group I'm involved with. On Saturday, we had a luncheon and I was seated with two other Brothers. As we got to talking over lunch, we quickly learned that we had all been involved in DeMolay in some way.

"Dad" Dave Griswold, one of my dining companions, was a DeMolay starting in the 1960's. He was a member of Erie Chapter and served as an appointed officer of the Chapter. He told stories of how it was a big deal to be involved with DeMolay then and the Chapter had hundreds of members. Later, "Dad" Griswold went on to become an Advisor for Erie Chapter and see his son serve as Master Councilor. To this day, he still carries his important Masonic papers in a DeMolay satchel.

The other man at my table is probably more familiar to everyone - "Dad" Russ Combs. He is currently serving as Ritual Advisor at Chester-Pike Chapter, which is experiencing rapid growth after changing locations. He too was a DeMolay in the 1960's, but never served as an officer as he was required to fulfill an obligation to the military. He stated that at one time there were three officer corps for his old Chapter, then just known as Chester Chapter. Now, more than 45 years after he first set foot in a Lodge room, he is still involved with our organization.

DeMolay unifies men in more ways than we can ever count. We've had 90 years of history and Brotherhood and I love hearing stories from our Senior DeMolays of when they were active members. When you least expect it, a DeMolay Brother could be sitting across the table from you, so listen up and learn something!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Key Cru Archive Now Live!

Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of Keystone Crusader Archive on the PA DeMolay Website. Go check it out!

We have posted all of the issues from the original run of the Keystone Crusader, up through 1942. This project has been a labor of love and is no where near complete, as we still have 50+ years of KeyCrus to post. However, since there was a nice break in the run, it seemed appropriate to post at least this part. There is a lot of history contained in these documents and I hope that you will take the time to look through them. I'm sure you'll see some familiar names, faces, and Chapters as you browse.

Thanks for keeping the history of PA DeMolay alive!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

PA DeMolay Unveils Portrait of Founder

Bro. Matthew S. Maple, State Master Councilor, posed with the new portrait of "Dad" Ralph C. Minehart, along with the artist, Miss Georgette Williams.

On Friday evening of the 2013 Key Man Conference, PA DeMolay held a special Conclave to highlight achievements during the week. The Key Men performed Preceptor parts, showed off their elevator speeches, and more. During that meeting, PA DeMolay did a little showing off of its own, led by Bro. Matthew Maple, State Master Councilor, who unveiled a new piece of art for Memorial Hall at Patton Campus.

The portrait, commissioned by PA DeMolay, depicts "Dad" Ralph Carlos Minehart, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander, and founder of Pennsylvania DeMolay. "Dad" Minehart is taking center stage this year as part of our 90th Anniversary Celebration. You can learn more about "Dad" Minehart on the PA DeMolay website. The portrait was created specifically for PA DeMolay

by a local artist, Miss Georgette Williams.

The painting is now on permanent display in Memorial Hall, near the DeMolay display cases as you enter the Stark Atrium.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony
 

90 Years, 90 Words, Unlimited Memories

In honor of our theme in Pennsylvania DeMolay, Honor and Heritage, we are going to explain the history of Key Man in just 90 words starting..... now.

The Key Man Conference originated in the year 1986, and was created by Dad Williamson. Dad Williamson created Key Man because he wanted a program that enhanced leadership abilities of DeMolays. And over 28 years, Key Man has evolved into what it is today. Through the years it has become the best best program for DeMolays. This program was designed to provide different leadership skills, and that DeMolays of any age can learn something new by attending. Key Man has become a big part of our HERITAGE in PA DeMolay.

The Dawn of PA DeMolay

Now that Convention is over, I can get back to my usual blogging pace.

One of the really exciting things announced at this year's Convention was the "Honor and Heritage" program, which celebrates the 90th Anniversary of PA DeMolay. As part of that program, I will be attempting to make on blog post per week that has something to do with the rich history and heritage of the DeMolay program in the Commonwealth. With so much available too me, I was initially at a loss of where to start. Then it struck me - start at the beginning, silly!

The beginning, or as near to it as I can get, comes in the form of a simple letter from "Dad" Ralph C. Minehart, founder of Pennsylvania DeMolay, acting in his capacity as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania. It read as follows (emphasis and spelling occurring from the original document):

"

October 25, 1923

To the Division Commanders, Eminent Commanders and Officers of the Commanderies under the jurisdiction of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, greeting:

WHAT ARE WE AS KNIGHTS TEMPLAR DOING FOR OUR FELLOW MEN?

I, as Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania, recommend and request that the Commanderies throughout the State sponsor the ORDER OF DE MOLAY FOR BOYS.

I have looked into this matter and have witnessed the conferring of their Degrees, which were wonderfully impressive, teaching beautiful and instructive lessons of Clean Living, Filial Love, Patriotism, Duty, Reverence and Protection of Womanhood, also the defence of the Public Schools against harmful propaganda. What better weapons could they employ than the HOLY BIBLE, the American Flag and a bundle of school books strapped together?

This organization takes the boys after they have reached their sixteenth year and from there to 21 years; between the Boy Scout age and manhood, which we know is the dangerous period, because it is the impressionable age, and the good impressions obtained in this Order are life-lasting.

What more fitting cause could be espoused by this Grand Order of Ours, the KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, than to look after our boys; the greatest asset our Country possesses.

Sir Knights, this Order will bear the closest investigation, and the more you look into it, the more you will be convinced that it is our opportunity to do something that will prove of lasting benefit to our Nation.

Sir Knights, I cannot recommend this Order too highly, and it is my earnest desire that the Commanderies seize this opportunity to ace as REAL BIG BROTHERS to our boys.

Upon application, I will be pleased to furnish you with all information and literature.

Courteously yours,

Ralph C. Minehart, Grand Commander"

With this letter, the Order of DeMolay started in Pennsylvania, and we are thankful for it.

In future blog posts, we will discuss our foundations in even more depth, and return to "Dad" Minehart's ideas about how DeMolay could make young men better.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony