Centennial Memory #74: PA DeMolay Helping Form DeMolay in Austrailia

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.

I enjoy getting the opportunity to look into PA DeMolay's history, because you truly do learn something new each day. One of the interesting things I've learned is that PA DeMolay played a part in forming Australia DeMolay, although very much unintentionally.

Life Magazine did an article on Wilbur Chapter in Bethlehem, PA in 1938. The magazine circulated to Australia, allowing Masons in Australia to reach out looking for information to form DeMolay Chapters. 

Looking at a Convention program from the 50th Anniversary of PA DeMolay, I found information that proved this to be true. The following is the excerpt from that program.  

"Of special interest is the fact that a Pennsylvania chapter was inadvertently responsible for the Order of DeMolay being established in Australia. Wilbur Chapter at Bethlehem was visited in early 1938 by writers and photographers from Life Magazine. They published an article and photo lay-out entitled "Life Goes to a DeMolay Coronation Ball."

Since the pictures showed DeMolays in their robes and ritual positions, the chapter's charter was suspended. Life was circulated in Australia and Masons of that country saw the article and wrote to the chapter to learn how they could start DeMolay chapters. The inquiry was forwarded to "Dad" Land who carried out successful negotiations. Incidentally, Wilbur Chapter had its charter restored."

"Dad" Seth Anthony also covered this topic in a blog post from 2010, which is where I found more information about it, including the article that was used in Life Magazine. Below, you will find the Life Magazine Article that highlighted Wilbur Chapter. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

I come from a land down under...

DeMolay is an international organization, right? Sure, it's in the title isn't it? DeMolay exists in Canada sure enough - we welcome several of our Canadian brothers to Key Man every year. We also know that it's popular in Italy, as they are part of our DeMolay Region (Region 2 to be precise.) But, did you know, that PA DeMolay is responsible for the Order being founded in Australia? Read on, and find out more!

Written for the 50th Anniversary of DeMolay in our state, the history of the Order in Pennsylvania was penned in 1973 and presented at festivities held during that year in Pittsburgh. On page 5 of that book there is the following paragraph:

" Of special interest is the fact that a Pennsylvania chapter was inadvertantly responsible for the Order of DeMolay being established in Australia. Wilbur Chapter at Bethlehem was visited in early 1938 by writers and photographers from Life Magazine. They published an article and photo lay-out entitled "Life Goes to a DeMolay Coronation Ball."

Since the pictures showed DeMolays in their robes and ritual positions, the chapter's charter was suspended. Life was circulated in Australia and Masons of that country saw the article and wrote to the chapter to learn how they could start DeMolay chapters. The inquiry was forwarded to "Dad" Land who carried out successful negotiations. Incidentally, Wilbur Chapter had its charter restored."

What a story! Not only was a PA DeMolay Chapter given a several page spread in a major magazine with national distribution, it helped to spur DeMolay in Australia! A few months ago I went on a search for that article, and lo and behold I found it, buried in an online version of Life Magazine from 1939. So, without further ado, I give you that article. Enjoy!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony