Centennial Memory #10: Past Grand Masters of DeMolay from Pennsyvania

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.

The Grand Master of DeMolay is a position of leadership that changes every year, serving DeMolay International and the Jurisdictions it represents. Over the years of existence, PA DeMolay has had 4 people serve as DeMolay Grand Master. They all served as Executive Officer of Pennsylvania DeMolay, as well. The first was Louis A. Watres, serving from 1936 to 1937. The second was Laurence H. Watres, serving from 1947 to 1948. The third Grand Master was Clarence W. Head, serving from 1958 to 1959. The last, and most recent, was William J. McCulley, serving from 1977 to 1978. 

Louis A. Watres

Laurence H. Watres

Clarence W. Head

William J. McCulley

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #88: Senior DeMolays serving as RWGM

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.

The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is a proud supporter of PA DeMolay, and has been for many years. Often times, DeMolay has been credited as a starting point for men to become Masons. Although it is not a guarantee that a DeMolay will one day become a Mason, a good percentage of them do join a lodge.

Pennsylvania DeMolay has had three Senior DeMolays serve in the rank of Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The first, "Dad" John L. McCain, a Senior DeMolay from South Hills Chapter, served the Grand Lodge from 1976 to 1977. The second, "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson, a Senior DeMolay from McKinley Chapter, served the Grand Lodge from 1982 to 1983. The third, and most recent, "Dad" Edward H. Fowler Jr. from North Boroughs Chapter, served the Grand Lodge from 1992 to 1993. Several others have served as Advisors for DeMolay Chapters over the years.

EDIT: It was brought to my attention that I missed a Grand Master, an oversight that I'd like to sincerely apologize for. "Dad" George H. Hohenshildt, who served as Grand Master from 1994-1995, was a Senior DeMolay of Pilgrim Chapter. His photo has been added to the bottom of the page.

 

"Dad" John L. McCain

1976-1977

"Dad" Samuel C. Williamson

1982-1983

"Dad" Edward H. Fowler Jr.

1992-1993

"Dad" George H. Hohenshildt 

1994-1995

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #99: Grand Master's Class

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

Every December, Pennsylvania DeMolay has become known for holding a Membership Induction Class in the honor of a Masonic affiliated dignitary. Some of the previous classes include “Supreme Tall Cedar Class,” “Grand High Priest Class,” “Thomas Ranken Patton Class,” and even a “Walt Disney Class.” Two weeks ago we held the “Right Eminent Grand Commander's Class.”

One of the regular induction classes that PA DeMolay holds is the “Grand Master’s Class,” in honor of the current Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Traditionally, this celebration takes place every other year, although it has been known to rotate due to the Grand Masters availability.

The classes are held at the Masonic Conference Center - Patton Campus in Elizabethtown. The degree teams are made up of an All-Star cast of DeMolay members from across PA DeMolay. This class allows the members of DeMolay to meet and interact with the Right Worshipful Grand Master (and yes, as the pictures indicate, sometimes that includes a game of basketball). It also gives the Grand Lodge Officers the chance to see the young men perform ritual work and display leadership. PA DeMolay appreciates the continued support of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Top Ten: PA DeMolay in 2016

The new year has been upon us for roughly two weeks now, but this weekend is the official start of the new year for PA DeMolay with Cowboys VS. Aliens Weekend. Although 2016 is behind us, the year brought us some great moments. If you weren't around for 2016, then here is a top ten list of what you missed out on:

10. Jacques DeMolay himself joined us for this years Jacquestoberfest. In October, the members of PA DeMolay participated in an "Oktoberfest" style festival. The members ate German inspired food, drank plenty of Birch Beer, and competed in a DeMolay Decathlon. Jacques DeMolay arrived to enjoy the ceremonial festivities with the members of PA DeMolay.

9. Friendship-Bray Chapter hosts a meeting with over 150 Master Masons in attendance. This was also the first meeting that FBC returned home to their original location in Jenkintown, after several years in Hatboro. Its always great to see such great support coming from the Masonic Family.

8. Dodgeball for Dyslexia grows into a spectacular annual event. This year was the second event, and plans are already in motion for a successful 2017 tournament. Chapters and Masonic groups gathered to help raise money for a great cause. Nearly $1,000 was raised and donated to the Learning Centers in Lancaster, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. 

7. PA DeMolay accepted the mission to become secret agents at 007: Secret Agent Weekend. The weekend included a Sky Fall mission (a trip to Sky Zone,) and a Casino Royal event hosted by the Elected State Officers. Members enjoyed fancy drinks, played casino games, and enjoyed refreshments served by their favorite DeMolay Advisors (including the Executive Officer.)

6. The Judge is back on the road. For a short while, the traveling gavel, known as the Judge, was stuck in one location. Thanks to the help of Mitchell Holmes and the Elected State Officers, the judge is back on the road. Chapters that have already held it since September are Lorraine, Templar, Westmoreland and Northeast. 

5. PA DeMolay is still being different... by taking the show to Hollywood. Before Convention 2016 (If you weren't there, I'm sorry) SMC Adam Pritchard was encouraging PA DeMolay to "Be Different." During the 2016 Convention, in-going SMC Eric Dye introduced his theme for the year: Lights, Camera, Action: PA DeMolay Goes Hollywood. The year has been exciting with new events still to come.

4. NERF or Nothing! In January, PA DeMolay hosted the first ever all NERF weekend with Operation N.A.S.H.V.I.L.L.E. Training Weekend (Please ask Jake Beers what it stands for if you really want to know.) The function room was set up into a War Zone with games going on all day long. Congratulations to all of the winners.

3. PA DeMolay beats the Right Worshipful Grand Master in a game of Basketball. At Grand Master's Class, the RWGM of Masons in Pennsylvania, Raymond T. Dietz, challenged the members of DeMolay to a game of PIG, a basketball game in which a letter is given to a participant who misses a basket. Brothers Mitch Holmes and Kody Anderson won the game, $5 for every member, and bragging rights for all of PA DeMolay. 

2. "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame. "Dad" Williamson has been a staple in the activities that are PA DeMolay for over 30 years. Since his resume is so detailed, I will save the length of this section, just know that PA DeMolay would not operate without his overwhelming support.

1. We brought in 100 new members this year. We had a really great year in membership this year, keeping the brotherhood going for several new young brothers. 

Wow! That's a lot to take in. 2016 really was an exciting year. So, how does PA DeMolay plan to make 2017 just as exciting? You'll have to wait and find out, but I can promise you that you will not be disappointed.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin         

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

Building Relationships Between DeMolay and Masons

This past weekend, I had the privilege of watching one of the things that makes our organization great. I had the chance to watch the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Masons, take time out of his schedule and spend it with the DeMolay. The relationship between DeMolay and Masonry is a very important one. After all, one day the members of DeMolay may become Masons themselves. It's always great to see that the "fraternity" aspect that we teach can be exchanged between the organizations.  

This past weekend was PA DeMolay's Grand Master's Class, a membership class in honor of the  Right Worshipful Grand Master, Raymond T. Dietz. Most years this event takes place with the Grand Master stopping in, sitting with us at the formal banquet, speaking to the members during his remarks with words of wisdom, and leaving shortly thereafter. This year was different. This year, the RWGM and the RWJGW decided to challenge the members to a basketball game later that night, and if the DeMolay members won, they all received $5. The members of DeMolay, represented by Mitch Holmes of Templar Chapter and Cody Anderson of Elizabethtown Chapter, won the game and won the $5 for every member in attendance. Although money may have been exchanged, the dollar signs are meaningless in comparison to the memories that were made that night. I saw members rallying and cheering for their team. I heard music playing and a megaphone used by our State Master Councilor Eric Dye (Yes, we gave him a Megaphone.) The Grand Master, who has a busy workload as it is, took the time to play a game with the members. The DeMolays will remember that as a high point throughout their DeMolay and maybe even Masonic career.  

Its not often that members of DeMolay can say that they spent such a great time with the Right Worshipful Grand Master. Sure some may have held meaningful conversation with a GM in the past, but the interaction that took place on that basketball court was priceless. Sometimes the relationship between Mason and DeMolay tends to be more business than anything else. Its important for us to build relationships with the members of the Masonic Fraternity, and occasionally enjoy a laugh or two. Get to know the members in your local Masonic Lodge better. You'll find that the more down to earth our relationships are with the Masons, the more they may help us in the long run. Thank you Mr. Dietz and Mr. Wonderling for making memories with the DeMolay members. It truly meant a lot.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin      

Throwback Thursday: Grand Master's Class 2014

It's Thursday, which means its also "Throwback Thursday." With Grand Master's Class taking place tomorrow, I figured we should remember back to the last Grand Master's Class, two years ago. 

The year was 2014. The Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was Robert J. Bateman, who was in attendance. A total of 24 members were brought into DeMolay during the fantastic degree work performed by an All-Star cast, led by the Elected State Officers. Along with the outstanding work that PA DeMolay did to promote the Children's Dyslexia Center's, PA DeMolay also presented a check to the Right Worshipful Grand Master for one of the charities he was promoting throughout his term, Change for the Troops.

I remember being at this particular class, and I remember the professionalism that went into the performances that day. I've always been proud of the work I've seen in DeMolay, and that day was no exception. I look forward to seeing the same effort taking place this weekend at Grand Master's Class.

I'll leave these photos here for you to reminisce.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

 

DeMolay Memorial in Paris, France

TO FIND THE 

"DeMOLAY MEMORIAL"

IN PARIS, FRANCE

Recently I was asked by one of our DeMolay families how to find the DeMolay Memorial in Paris France, so they could visit it on their vacation this summer.  And once I did the research, Dad Berry thought it was a good read, and would make a good blog post, so, here ya go!

Far from authoritative, this is a combination of my recollections and a lot of help from Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google images.  Interestingly, neither Sam nor I had a camera on this excursion—not sure why—but I have no photos of our entire trip to England and France in 2000!  Pre-cellphone era, so, no selfies!

First of all, there is no Memorial Grave, or heroic statue erected to the memory of Jacques DeMolay.  He was, after all, considered to be a lapsed heretic by the Catholic Church for over 700 years.  Additionally, there is a story (apocryphal?) told by John Robinson in his history of the Knights Templar, called DUNGEON, FIRE AND SOWRD, that after the burning, the “ashes had taken on a mysterious, even sacred aura.  During the night people of Paris swam out to the island to put bits of cinders in the mouths, then swam back with the conviction that they were taking home holy relics.”  Unfortunately, Robinson only provided a bibliography with his works, and didn’t footnote citations of sources for these claims, hence my qualification of it as being of dubious origin. But the idea of creating a memorial to a “heretic” in the shadow of the great cathedral may not have been well received, but it was, ultimately, permitted.

Here is what you are looking for.  This is the plaque that was commemorated during the Order of DeMolay’s 50^th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Paris in July of 1969. 

It is located on a support wall of the bridge called Pont Neuf, at the far end of Isle de la Cite, far from where the Cathedral of Notre Dame stands. Pont Neuf, which means “New Bridge” is actually the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine that cuts through the city of Paris.  Much more detail can be found in the Wikipedia article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_Neuf

Not being a French language student, my command of the language is limited to some food items, so it opened my eyes when I understood the relationship between Crème Brulè, and the burning of Jacques DeMolay!

On the map below, it is at the upper left hand corner of the picture.  The Cathedral of Notre Dame is in the lower right.

  

The next picture is an aerial shot of that portion of the island, and on the bridge, to the left of the label “Pont Neuf” you will see a large square courtyard.   

In the center of the courtyard is a large equestrian statue of King Henri IV.

Google Maps errantly labels this as the “Memorial du Jacques DeMolay.”  It is close by, but this is a benign good reason why you can’t believe everything you read on the internet!

But, you have to find this statue of Henri IV to get where you want to go.

Here is a photo from behind the statue, taken from across the river.

Where you want to go is BEHIND and BELOW the horse.  Looking at the photo below, trace back from the statue to the edge of the courtyard, and then look down the wall that leads to the lower level where you can board the boats.  You will see two door-like openings in the wall… and in between them, about 10 feet above the steps, is a small bronze plaque commemorating the burning place of Jacques DeMolay—almost as far away from the cathedral as it could possibly be put! 

But how do you get down there? (It has been 16 years since I was there, and my memory of how I eventually found it is a little shady—it took Dad Williamson and I nearly an hour to find it, and I thought I knew where I was going!)  

In the photo below, look at the street lamp to the left, located at the back of the courtyard, behind the statue.  This is positioned at the top of a long flight of steps that leads to the lower level. 

The image below is taken from inside the steps leading to the lower level, and I it will bring you through one of those openings on either side of the plaque.

A word of caution: 

This is an OK place to go in the daytime, but it had a reputation for being a gathering place for some unsavory activities in the evening, regardless of how well-lighted the area seems to be.  I doubt much has changed in 16 years… best avoid it after dinner time, just to err on the side of caution.

You can clearly see the plaque in the center, below:

(Note: I apologize for the size of the next two photos, but, in order to see the detail, I felt that posting them at their original size would be helpful to you.)

The group picture that follows is of a DeMolay International Pilgrimage there in 1979.  Don't look for me-- I am not in the photo.  I had just gotten married, and although my wife has always supported DeMolay and my activity with it, she didn’t want to honeymoon with a bunch of DeMolay kids!  But I DO recognize a lot of people in the photo from around the country.  I didn't come to Pennsylvania until 1981, so I didn't know a lot of people back then.  I can only recognize one of our Pennsylvania brothers in it, but there may be others. (If you recognize anyone from Pennsylvania, please share that information!)

Lastly, at the bottom of this post I have included a scan of a page of the September 1969 CORDON magazine (a monthly magazine about DeMolay that was published consistently from the 1950s until the late 1970s.)  It includes a description of the dedication of the plaque and the events following, during the 50^th Anniversary European Pilgrimage.

Edit: 12:11 AM, 5/25/2016

Upon reading this blog post, "Dad" Tom Moberly, (left) friend, mentor, co-worker at DeMolay Headquarters from 1979-1981, long-time DeMolay "full-timer" in Northern California, and inductee in the DeMolay International Hall of Fame, sent me a copy of the map he used, from National Geographic, to give people directions to the memorial plaque.  He noted that he was present at the dedication in 1969.  He wrote, "I was there with over 500 of my very close friends, standing in the rain before we headed to the l'Hotel de Ville (City Hall) for a reception (See invitation, below, if you can read French!) with lots of French pastries and real champagne!"

Tom related that he was also privileged to go back for the 700th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of DeMolay on March 18, 2014.  He remembers commenting that "I can still smell the smoke" and nobody reacted, as if they either didn't understand or didn't have a sense of humor.

For Katie, Jake and family... happy hunting!

    "Dad" Thomas R. Labagh

    Executive Officer

Post Script:
"The directions worked perfectly!"  (Jake found the plaque, and Katie sent this as proof.)

The Honor Apron Quest Begins: A Tale of Three Entries

Pennsylvania DeMolay is pleased to announce that the first three entries have been made into the special drawing for the Past Grand Master Honor Apron!  This special Masonic Youth Apron has been signed by all living R.W. Past Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and will be presented to one lucky Pennsylvania Mason later this summer.

Following a presentation on Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay, at the January 8^th District 1 Lodge Officers’ Meeting, Jason Lewis, Secretary for Lodge No. 43 that meets in Lancaster, took the information on DeMolay to his 12 year old nephew, and this was just the beginning of a whirlwind month for Jason and his nephew, Noah!  Jason’s application for the Past Grand Master’s Apron included Noah and two other young men from the Lancaster area. 

Noah attended a laser tag prospect party that was hosted by Elizabethtown Chapter, and – having had a great time – decided to join DeMolay.  He was inducted into DeMolay at the Regional Patriots Class in Reading on February 13th, the same day as Uncle Jason took the DeMolay Advisor Training and submitted the paperwork to become an advisor for Elizabethtown Chapter. 

Okay, let’s do the math: Master Mason Jason submitted the Apron Application listing the contact information for three young men of DeMolay age and eligibility.  That’s worth one entry into the special drawing that will be held on June 1^st.  One of the recommended young men joined DeMolay, giving Jason a second entry into the drawing, followed closely by a third entry because he became an Advisor for Elizabethtown Chapter.  The next step, for as many of two additional entries, is to get one or both of the other recommended young men to join DeMolay.

Pennsylvania DeMolay congratulates “Dad” Lewis on earning the first three entries into the Past Grand Master Honor Apron drawing, and on becoming a DeMolay Advisor; and we congratulate Noah on becoming a member of Elizabethtown Chapter! 

This article was written by "Dad" Dave Berry. Thank you "Dad" Berry for your contribution. 

How To Use Small Talk to Talk to Masons

With the Grand Banquet coming up in the next few weeks, most of you may be worried about meeting new people. What do I say to someone I've never met before? Where do I start? Should I ask them about their families? Should I ask them about work? Maybe I'll just ask about the weather?

In our daily lives we run into situations in which we need quick conversations to avoid those awkward moments. We may be waiting in an elevator or meeting someone new. In the DeMolay world, you may be seated at a banquet table with a Masonic leader, public official or another dignitary who you have never met before. A fellow advisor led me to a website that lists 48 questions that can be asked in order to make small talk easier. Click on the link below to see the full list of questions.

48 questions to make small talk easier 

Here are a few of my favorite questions from the article that will help with small talk:

Work

1. If you were guaranteed to be successful, what job would you want?

2. What is the best career advice that anyone has ever given you? 

Entertainment 

1. Are you reading any good books or watching any good shows? I'd like some recommendations.

2. If you could only watch one genre of movies, which would it be?

Travel

1. Where's the last place you traveled?

2. If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go? 

Life Story 

1. Who's the most important role model in your life? 

2. What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Totally Random

1. What's the strangest compliment you've ever gotten? 

2. If you could have any type of pet or animal, what would it be?

These are just a few of the 48 questions that can help stop the awkward conversations. Make your conversations a little bit more meaningful, by asking the right questions - and get to know the people around you. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin   

  

Be Different!

This year in Pennsylvania DeMolay, the elected state officers are encouraging chapters to be different. In the upcoming days, if your chapter didn't already receive them at Game Show Weekend, you will be receiving a packet explaining the incentive program. It will have all of the features including; the Bro Tie mentor program, the Past Grand Master's Honor Apron applications, and a schedule of upcoming events.

How can my chapter be different? Here are a few things you may consider in your chapter's effort to be different:

• Plan a new event within your chapter. Be creative about it. Think of something that you may have always wanted to do but have never been able to. Coming up with a new activity will encourage members to stay active.
• Come up with a brand new membership program specifically for your chapter. Think of incentives that will encourage the guys to reach their goals for the year.
• Create a new concept for a fund raiser to donate to the Children's Dyslexia Centers. PA DeMolay asks for 100% participation from the chapters, and this year is no different.
• Find new ways to get the word out about DeMolay in your local community. Some of the options you may consider include social media, press releases or contact with the local school district.

In the coming weeks, I will start a section of this blog entitled the "Be Creative Spotlight." This series of entries will introduce each chapter and what they have done to implement the "Be Different" campaign. Please send information about your chapter's efforts to me at JAPullin@pademolay.net. My goal is to post one for every chapter in the state.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin