Centennial Memory #78: Jacques DeMolay Bobblehead

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.

Jacques DeMolay is the hero and martyr that our organization is based on. What kind of special tribute can we do to recognize such a martyr? Turn him into a bobble-head figure, of course.

The first bobble-head started in 2004 by Pennsylvania DeMolay. Since then, Jacques DeMolay has traveled far and wide, visiting various well known locations in his travel. He even posed as the inspiration of a mascot, which we covered in a previous post.

The Jacques DeMolay bobble-head has had some recent traction across PA DeMolay with Lincoln Chapter selling them as a fundraiser. Thanks to many of our active DeMolays, he still continues to travel. Enjoy some photos of Bobble Jacques.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #81: Jacques the Mascot

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.

When developing statewide programs or making a presence in the community, it helps to have some type of attraction, like a mascot. In 2006, Pennsylvania DeMolay invested in the Jacques DeMolay mascot. The mascot was based off of the Jacques DeMolay bobble-head, which had already been around for a few years at this time. We will talk more about the bobble-head later.

Since 2006, Jacques has made an appearance at annual PA DeMolay Conventions, Autumn Day festivals, DeMolay International Sessions, and various other activities and events. Traditionally, Jacques portrays his standard Knights Templar wardrobe, however he has been known to cosplay from time to time. Jacques has dressed as a Jedi, Jacques Lightyear, and he even dressed in lederhosen for the Jacques-toberfest event.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #85: 60th Anniversary Pilgrimage

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 is our first that is provided by a guest writer. "Dad" Ed White, Chairman of the Advisory Council at Allentown Chapter has a unique memory from when he was an Active DeMolay.

One of my favorite moments from the first 100 years of DeMolay was my participation in the 60th Anniversary DeMolay Pilgrimage to Europe in the summer of 1979. We visited nine countries in 16 days!

A few of the highlights included visiting the very spot where Jacques DeMolay and Geoffrey de Charney were burned at the stake on an island in the Seine River in the heart of Paris, celebrating our Independence Day on a boat on the Rhine River in Germany on July 4th, celebrating Bastille Day (France’s Independence Day) in Paris on July 14, learning a few key words and phrases in every new country we visited from our multi-lingual tour guide, and meeting Freddy Mercury and Queen in our hotel in Munich, Germany.
We had a blast with then Grand Master C.C. "Buddy" Faulkner and the rest of the group, which included several DeMolays from Pennsylvania. At the bottom of the page is the group photo taken at the plaque commemorating DeMolay’s death, with my DeMolay pen pointed at me.

Standing just behind me off of my right shoulder is fellow Allentown Chapter Senior DeMolay Rich Schlauch, who was one of my best friends in high school, an officer in the Chapter, and my college roommate for three years at Lehigh University. Dad Faulkner is the tall man with white hair standing in the middle of the back row.

Three very memorable moments from the trip were visiting the DeMolay plaque in Paris, celebrating the Fourth of July on a boat in the Rhine River in Germany with the Grand Master, and meeting Freddy Mercury and Queen in the lobby of our hotel.
It is a trip I will never forget, and I hope to join the Centennial Pilgrimage next year!

Thank you "Dad" White for sharing this memory. If you would like to be a guest writer within the 100 memories segment, please send an email to JAPullin@pademolay.net.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

I Promise, Covenant, and Vow

The Order of DeMolay was founded on the basis of the heroic fidelity of Jacques DeMolay. As we all know the story. DeMolay was the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar. He and his principles officers were arrested for various charges, including heresy towards the church. The officers were forced to give up the names of the members that escaped arrest and to hand over their wealth. Jacques DeMolay refused to betray his comrades, no matter the punishment. Despite the torture, DeMolay held true to his word. He was burned at the stake on March 18th, 1314.

As Legionnaires, we took an oath to hold this date close to our hearts. We are expected to observe March 18th of every year as a memorial to Jacques DeMolay with our fellow comrades that have received the Legion of Honor with us. This is the first year that I am observing the Legion of Honor Observance, as I recently received my Legion last July. I'm no stranger to annual observances however, as I helped with the founding of our Chevalier Court in Philadelphia. The best part of my observance this year, is that I will be celebrating it at Patton Campus in Elizabethtown with the young men that make this organization as great as it is today. I will also celebrate this observance locally with William J. McCulley Preceptory next week at their annual observance. 

Thank you Jacques DeMolay, for allowing us to emulate your heroic example. Thank you Frank S. Land, for founding this great youth organization and naming it after such a heroic martyr. To all of my fellow Legionnaires all over the world, I hope you have a great Legion of Honor Observance. 

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         

Let’s Talk Respect, or Initiatory Promises Translated

Why do we wear a coat and tie to our business meetings? We don’t dress so formally for fun night, or for rehearsals. Yes, it’s true, that dressing up seems to change us, and make us feel better about ourselves, and it makes us look good to outsiders, but I think we wear a coat and tie to our business meetings as a matter of respect toward DeMolay and the Ritual we perform.

Every one of you made promises when you were obligated into DeMolay, and you repeat them every time a new member is obligated. Do you remember any of them? I would be willing to bet that unless you have studied the obligation, you don’t remember any of the promises (you may have some vague recollection of the concepts…). I think there is a reason for this. It turns out that the Initiatory Degree Obligation, and the promises it contains were written a long time ago using words that are no longer in fashion. Let me give you an example. Here is a line from the Initiatory Degree Obligation: I promise that I will live a clean and moral life, keeping my body free from dissipation and my mind free from the uncleanness that defiles and debauches youth. Huh? Well, that is the way they wrote things back then. 

So, let me translate the Initiatory Degree Obligation promises for you, into words that you may understand a little better:

You promised to try to be a good son and to do everything you can to let your parents know you love them, as much as they love you.

You promised to be a good person, and not get involved in stealing, using drugs or alcohol, or being a part of any gangs.

You promised that you would support God and your church and that you would treat others the same way you would like them to treat you.

You promised that if you had to fight for your country that you would do so gladly, and that the flag of our country is just as important and because of all of this, you wont break any laws.

You promised that if you ever found someone plotting against our country, you would let the police know about it, and that you believe your school and your schooling is very important to you.

You promised that you think that Jacques DeMolay (who kept his promises and paid for that by dying) is a good example of how to live, and that you would do the same for something you truly believed in.

You promised to treat all DeMolay’s as brothers, and that you will always be nice to them, help them whenever you can, and not speak badly about them to others.

And finally, you promised that you will NEVER treat any woman badly, or call them names, or let someone else hurt a woman if you could stop them from doing it.

And do you remember who you promised this all to? You promised it to God!

Every one of these promises deals with respect. Respect for your family, respect for your country, respect for God, respect for the promises you make, respect for your school, respect for your DeMolay brothers, respect for others in general, and respect (especially) for women. 

So you can really sum up what it means to be a DeMolay in one word: Respect! Please remember that a DeMolay has essentially promised to ALWAYS be respectful, and let me give you a hint, if you can’t remember all the promises you made, it doesn’t matter as long as you always remember to be just one thing; respectful. 

 How respectful have you been today?

This blog post was created by Allentown Chapter Advisor, "Dad" Rich Shevalier. Thank you "Dad" Shevalier for your contribution to the PA DeMolay blog. A very important lesson that all should remember. 

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.)

DeMolay - 700 Years Later

I'm still out on the road, but I have another awesome video to share with you. Check out this clip, which is a digital tour of the last seven years of Jacques DeMolay's life. I found it fascinating and it made the story of Jacques DeMolay seem much more real.
 

Thanks to DeMolay International for this great piece!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

The Real Jacques DeMolay

Whew! It's day four of Blog Week and I've decided to take a break from my ramblings and let someone else share with you today. Last week, during Key Man University, I had a chance to talk with "Dad" Rick Itzenhuiser of Wisconsin DeMolay. During the conference, he gave a presentation on the history of the real Jacques DeMolay versus the Jacques portrayed in our degree work. I thought it would be a great piece to make available for all members of the Order.

It is not a paper, per se, but rather a series of thoughts that lead a discussion, so please read it as such.

Thanks to "Dad" Itzenhuiser for allowing me to publish his artcile! I hope you enjoy it!

A comparison of the represented “truths” portrayed in the DeMolay Degree

to those of actual history.

SOME SIMPLE FACTS:

The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon.

Interesting comparison: Nine original Templars - nine original DeMolay

How accurate is the Orator's opening speech for the DeMolay Degree? 
For the most part it is accurate in as much as it puts in several disclaimers. History has shown that Philip IV was a scoundrel.   Truth – Philip IV orchestrated the arrest of the Templars on Friday, October 13, 1307. In fact it was planned for months. Coordinated between many countries. Many doubted the truth of the charges.

Why did Philip IV have them arrested? 
Money – owed a vast fortune to Templars. 10 years earlier he had borrowed a large sum for the dowry for his daughter, Isabella. He greatly needed a way to cancel that debt.

Were DeMolay and Philip IV long time adversaries? 
FALSE - DeMolay was Godfather to Robert, son of Philip IV. On Thursday, October 12, 1307, DeMolay was a pallbearer at the funeral of Princess Catherine, Philip IV sister-in-law.

Was the commission impartial? 
YES and NO.

The DeMolay Degree portrays the activities of two separate commissions.

Initial Commission (April 1, 1310 – December 1310) ANTI Templar (TRUE) Pope Clement appointed a commission favorable to the wants of Philip IV. The pope was afraid that the king would take the same course with him as he had done with the two previous popes – it is highly suspected that France played a heavy role in the untimely deaths of Pope Boniface VIII and Benedict XI.

Archbishop of Narbonne (Friend of Philip IV)

Archbishop of Sens (22 years old cousin of Philip IV)  He is the model for the Jr. Inquisitor in the DeMolay Degree.

Bishop of Trent 

Final Commission (appointed December 1313) attitude was against the Templars. (MOSTLY FALSE)

Master Inquisitor; Nicholas of Freauville

Sr. Inquisitor; Arnaud Nouvel

Jr. Inquisitor; Arnaud of Auch

Assistant - Archbishop of Sens 

Other Players

Marshal of the Commission; William de Nogaret, keeper of the seal, close advisor to the king and orchestrator of the plan to bring down the Order of the Temple.

THE CHARGES: 
In reality 127 total (presented in March of 1310).

Hypocrisy and Treachery in conducting the Crusades in the Holy Land   (FALSE)

Betraying the King (FALSE) the Order of the Temple did not answer to any King. ONLY to the Pope.

Heresy (TRUE) MOST of the accusations where based on heresy.

Living in wealth while the poor starved. (TRUE) However, that was a responsibility of the State not the Church.

Conniving with the infidel to make the crusades fail in their Holy purpose. (TRUE and FALSE)

THE ACTION OF THE PLAY:
DeMolay Degree direction says "springing to his feet" – not likely. Although he was never tortured, he was 70 years old and had been languishing in a dungeon for 7 years.

Which Templars were brought before the final commission?

Jacques DeMolay (1244-1314)  – Grand Master  (1293-1314)

Guy of Auvergne – Preceptor of Auvergne (in England) Real name is Imbert Blanke – died in irons in England – 1313.

Godfrey de Goneville – Preceptor of Poitou and Aquitaine

Hughes de Peralde – former Treasurer, bitter rival of DeMolay and close friend of Philip IV

(when Tibald of Gaudin died, he was DeMolay’s challenger for election to GM) the only Templar not to recant his confession) He suffered no torture and live relatively comfortable in prison.

Geoffrey de Charney – Preceptor of Normandy

Was DeMolay the primary defender of the Order?   

Not likely.  November 1309 Stated that he wants to defend the Order. But not personally as he is “a knight, unlettered and poor”

The Defenders: April 1, 1310

Peter of Bologna (Priest with legal training) Most of the words spoken by DeMolay in the Degree would be better attributed to Bologna - December 17, 1310 - disappeared

Reginald of Provins (Priest highly educated) December 17, 1310 - disappeared

William of Chambonnet (Knight) illiterate

Bertrand of Sartiges (Knight) illiterate

Until the final day, DeMolay never appeared before any commission; only “confessors”. This is because he stood fast in his position that he was answerable only to the Pope.

Much of the defense sentiment, used in the DeMolay Degree, can be attributed to Peter of Bologna.

Did the commission had a pile of confessions from other Templars?
TRUE – it’s amazing what truths the torture of medieval dentistry can produce. Interesting note; the inquisition would tackle only one charge at a time. Once they got the answer they were looking for THEN they would move on to the next charge.

Did DeMolay deny the charges? 
TRUE and FALSE - DeMolay confessed and recanted 3 times.

Did the commission offered DeMolay a bribe? 
FALSE – it was made VERY clear from the very beginning that DeMolay was up the creek. There was no way out, it was just a question of how miserable the king would make it for him.

Did the Jr. Inquisitor order DeMolay to be take to the rack? 
FALSE. It is generally agreed that DeMolay was never subjected to physical torture.

Who was NOT burned at the stake?

Guy of Auvergne, Godfrey de Goneville, Hughes de Peralde   

Did the Lord Constable enter the trial and order DeMolay to the stake?
NO.   First - March 18, 1314 – DeMolay and   (de Charney) recanted on the steps of Notre Dame in front of a large public audience. Took the commission completely by surprise. After DeMolay and de Charney recant for the final time, they are taken back to the dungeon, word is sent to Philip IV.   Philip then orders that DeMolay and de Charney be burned at the stake as relapsed heretics. Well within the laws of the day.

How many Crusades, in the Holy Land, were launched?

Nine.

Which one did DeMolay lead? 
NONE.  The last presence of Crusaders ended on August 14, 1291.

It is a shame that the author of the ritual did not have DeMolays FINAL recant from the steps of Notre Dame, as reported by contemporaries who supposedly heard him say this:

DeMolay: “I think it is only right that at so solemn a moment, when my life has so little time to run, I should reveal the deception which has been practiced and speak up for the truth. Before heaven and earth and all of you here as my witnesses, I admit that I am guilty of the grossest iniquity. But the iniquity is that I have lied in admitting the disgusting charges laid against the Order. I declare, and I must declare, that the Order is innocent. Its purity and saintliness are beyond question. I have indeed confessed that the Order is guilty, but I have done so only to save myself from terrible tortures by saying what my enemies wished me to say. Other knights who have retracted their confessions have been led to the stake, yet the thought of dying is not so awful that I shall confess foul crimes which have never been committed. Life is offered to me, but at the price of infamy. At such a price, life is not worth having. I do not grieve that I must die if life can be bought only by piling one lie upon another.”

Tour Jacques DeMolay's Jail Cell

Over this past weekend, I purchased a book that spoke about the history of Freemasonry. One of the plates in the book was a picture of the Chateau du Chinon, in France, where Jacques DeMolay was held captive by the Church and Phillip the Fair, the King. As often as we discuss the life and death of our namesake, I had never thought to look into where his final years were spent.

The first place I hit up was Wikipedia and their article on the Castle. It has a fascinating history, covering several centuries. At one point, the site was visited by Joan of Arc! It also served many masters, including the infamous Cardinal Richeleiu, the villain in the Three Musketeers.

After reading about the facility, I found out that Jacques was held in a prison tower known as the Tour du Courdray. I went on a search to find pictures of this castle, only to find a great video tour of the Tour du Courdray. While the video is in French, it's still worth while to watch, as it gives you a better idea of the layout of the castle.

 

The next time you and your Chapter perform a DeMolay Degree, you can think back to where Jacques was held for some inspiration!

 

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony