Films Every DeMolay Should See: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Over the history of Pennsylvania DeMolay, one of the most popular films utilized in the planning of programs and events has been Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Even though this is a popular film, I've still heard plenty of people, DeMolay's and Advisors, say that they have not seen it. I'll be honest, DeMolay is the reason I've seen this movie in the first place, as we used this movie for a membership theme when I was a State Officer and I thought it important to see the movie in order to push the theme. The main reason this movie is on the list is due to the upcoming Movie Mashup Weekend: Quest for the Holy Grail.

The film is a comedy spoof that follows the journey of King Arthur and his quest for the holy grail. To set forth on his journey, King Arthur recruits knights to fill out the famous "Knights of the Round Table," and assist him on his quest. Arthur's knights include Sir Lancelot the Brave, Sir Bedevere the Wise, Sir Galahad the Pure, and Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-As-Sir-Lancelot. The film follows the knights on their journey with lots of humor, adventure and several one-liners (if you don't believe me, refer to the March issue of the Keystone Crusader.) 

So what makes this a film that every DeMolay should watch? Well, it tends to come up a lot in the program planning of our events, especially in Pennsylvania. Currently, the Movie Mashup Weekend, which will take place this weekend at Patton Campus, will center around the film. Participants will go on their own quest, with their own knights of the round table (well, maybe not a round table,) and partake in numerous puzzles, riddles and tasks along the way. Aside from this event, PA DeMolay once held a membership theme based on the film called "The Quest!" During the year, members of the State Officer team dressed up as knights and performed skits of their quest. If you haven't seen the movie, participants who have already registered for Movie Mashup Weekend will get the chance to see it during the weekend. We look forward to yet another fantastic event.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin    

 

Survey Says: How to Improve the PA DeMolay Product

A few weeks ago, I put together a survey to try to get an idea of the areas in which we can improve the overall PA DeMolay product. I'm happy to say that we had 58 members and advisors take the time to fill out this survey. Here are a few of the things that I have learned throughout the survey: 

In terms of the Keystone Crusader:

• 32.8% would like to receive the Keystone Crusader through social media or email.
• A large portion of the group would like some new content to the publication. 
• Some families receive multiple copies of the newsletter, and would like that lowered.

In terms of bringing back a PA DeMolay activity:

• 30% would like to see 007 weekend back in the future and 24% would like NERF weekend back in the future. 
• A good portion of the "other" responses wanted the Athletic program back.
• The major thing that can be taken out of the results of this question; if the members will support it then we should do it. 

In terms of the Athletics program:

• Almost half of the people surveyed want the Athletics program brought back as a feature to the programs we currently have. 
• About 38% want the Athletics program brought back the way we had it. 
• Make sure that brotherhood is the most important lesson if the program is brought back.

In terms of a specific Athletic Program:

• 42% want to bring back the Flag Football weekend
• 21% want Basketball weekend back
• A good amount would like to see brotherhood style since some chapters cannot field teams. 

In terms of ritual:

• 52% of the people surveyed think that all options should be used. The options were assigning a youth director, hold ritual competitions and set aside time at state weekends for ritual programs.
• Some people think that if ritual is pushed too hard, we could lose members. Find a way to make it fun.  
• A few people are not in favor of the idea of a youth director

In terms of Call Em All: 

• 33% of people say that their chapter uses it all of the time. 
• about 20% would prefer a text message than a phone call from a machine.
• The chapters that don't use it state that they prefer personal phone calls because of the small number of members.

In terms of the squire program (a program designed for 9 to 11 year old boys prepping them for DeMolay):

• 45% think that the squire program is a great idea to get young guys ready for DeMolay.
• 25% of people need more information about the program, including success rates from other jurisdictions. 
• A majority of people think that it's a great idea, but it will need added support from advisors to make it happen. 

In terms of the website and blog page:

• Some people think that the web page needs more updates, especially chapter specific news. 
•  A lot of people like the idea of the blog and would like to see guest bloggers as well. 
• Content needs to be more youth oriented.

In terms of new programming for PA DeMolay:

• Some people would like the idea of video blogs, interviews and podcasts added to the content. 
• A few people like the idea of teaching more life skill oriented programs such as finance, resume building and time management. 
• A few people think that a statewide community service project is a good idea. 

In terms of membership:

•  A lot people think that we should have better incentive programs 
• Some would like to see updated chapter brochures. 
• Advertise

Suggestions, Concerns Complaints:

• Find ways to encourage smaller chapters to participate. 
• Some people like the idea of bringing in guest speakers.
• We need to focus on keeping members and recruiting advisors.

Thank you to everyone who helped out by voicing their opinions on the matter. Here at the PA DeMolay office, we take all recommendations into consideration in order to make this a well rounded product for members and advisors. We have already worked on improving some of these requests, and look forward to making more in the near future. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Keystone Crusader - 50 Years Ago This Month

One of the goals for our 90th Anniversary Year has been to publish the entire back catalog of the Keystone Crusader online in a digital format. The Keystone Crusader (sometimes called the Newsletter of the Associated Chapters of PA DeMolay) has been published since the early 1930s, with a break from 1942 to 1960. It recounts the history of PA DeMolay in a way that no other medium can just, such as newspapers recount the history of the towns they serve.

This project took a major step forward last week when Bro. Alex Rodriguez, State Senior Councilor, put in the time needed to scan and catalog every issue of the Key Cru that we have. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, we now have a digital copy of every issue of the Keystone Crusader in our possession. It is my goal to get these issues published online before Convention 2014 - and hopefully much sooner than that.

As I get time, I've been going through the issues and reading them, discovering some interesting historical pieces along the way. Today, I want to share with you what was happening in PA DeMolay 50 years ago this month - February of 1964. Let's take a look, page by page (you can click the image of the page to make it larger.

Starting with page one, you'll see the familiar title of the Keystone Crusader, which has been in use almost continuously since the early 1930's (except as noted above.)

The first headline you'll notice contains the name of three prominent PA DeMolay Chapters that are still active to this day - Westmoreland, Allentown, and Templar. These Chapters were being recognized for their placement in DeMolay International competitions. Templar was recognized as the No. 11 Chapter in DeMolay International, which at the time, was high honors (considering there were thousands of active DeMolay Chapters in the United States at the time.) Templar was also honored, along with Westmoreland and Allentown for their newsletters. Allentown continues to have a great newsletter today - I wonder how the Allentown's DeMolay Herald would compare with their Newsletter today?

On the second page, we find lots of small boxes of text with news about changes and updates to the PA DeMolay program. Interesting to me is the Letter from the Editor, which describes how the Keystone Crusader was a subscription publication and that anyone wishing to receive it would have to pay the subscription cost each year. That's certainly different than how we operate the Crusader now!

We also find a note about Chapters wanting to participate in the "State" Conclave for 1964. The annual meetings of PA DeMolay were referred to as Conclaves until the 1990's, when the more pragmatic word "Convention" was adopted. Of special note is all the competitions that were to be held at Convention that year. Imagine if all of our sports tournaments happened in one weekend at Convention!

On page three, we find an interesting article from the folks at Carlisle Chapter. I think this is especially pertinent now, as Carlisle Chapter has recently reemerged and is an active participant in PA DeMolay today. The Chapter was being recognized for performing a Father's Program, including a nice prayer that was printed here that was original included in a book by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. They noted that DeMolay does a great job of thanking our mothers, but we often overlook our fathers, who also deserve such recognition. Perhaps the folks from Carlisle can revive this program!

One other interesting note on this page - Chapters locate din college towns were being encouraged to invite college students to check out the Chapter. While this may be tough in today's market, it does remain an interesting idea for recruitment!

 Page four marks the last page of this issue, but there are still some good facts to be pulled. While Westmoreland may pride itself on being a Chapter that does a lot of visitations today, they were no where to be found in 1964. The leader at that time was from the Harrisburg area, the former West Shore Chapter. Also included in the list of strong visitations Chapters were Templar, Susquehanna, Beaver Valley, and Reading.

We can learn a lot about our past as DeMolays by just simply reading and understanding what has come before us. Often, we find that our best ideas are ones that were tried by those that have come before us, but were lost in the sands of time. I hope you've enjoyed this look back and I hope to do more of these articles in coming months, at least until I get the full back catalog posted online. Until then...

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 Website Plugs

Well, hello there intrepid reader! You're probably asking yourself "Self, why hasn't the PA DeMolay blog been updated since last Thursday?" I have an answer to that question! You see, you're blog-master fell ill on Monday before being able to post his musings for that day. However, he's back in an action and feeling fit, so we're here with an update!

The PA DeMolay website, located over at www.pademolay.org, has been seeing a lot of changes, many of which may not be popping up on your radar yet. Here's a list of important updates you should be aware of:

• PA DeMolay has updated its Zero Tolerance Policy. Please make sure you download and read this important policy clarification.
• Convention 2013 registration and information has been posted. Get it on your calendar now and plan to party by the bay with PA DeMolay!
• Key Man Conference 2013 registration and information is now available. Even if you aren't from PA, check this out! Plus, for PA DeMolay's, we've found a way to make Key Man more affordable than ever!
• Some people may not remember that we have a Military Service Gallery in our "People" section. Take a moment and read about our Brothers who are serving in the armed forces.
• The May 2013 Keystone Crusader has been posted.

I appreciate everyone's patience and I hope that you're just as excited about PA DeMolay's summer program as I am!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

The 77 Year Crusade

Every month PA DeMolay publishes the "Keystone Crusader" - the official newsletter of PA DeMolay. What many don't realize is that the "Key Cru" is almost as old at PA DeMolay itself! Starting in 1935, the newsletter has been published off and on for almost 80 years. Originally it was intended as a bi-monthly newsletter, but in later years it grew to be a monthly mailing.

PA DeMolay is very lucky to have copies of almost all of the Keystone Crusaders that have been published, including original pieces from the 1930's. In Vol. 1, Issue 1, of the Keystone Crusader, the editor, Bro. Kendig C. Bare (more commonly known as "K.C.") wrote some interesting statements as part of his inaugural editorial. He said "This is an experiement - an experiment which we hope will prove of benefit to every member of DeMolay and every Chapter of DeMolay in the Keystone State." Little did "K.C." know that the Key Cru would become a staple of PA DeMolay for decades to come. He goes on to say "We hope you will write us about this paper; for it belongs to every DeMolay in the state." The Key Cru remains a publication created by the members, for the members. Now that's a legacy of leadership.

You can download a .pdf copy of the first three issues of the Keystone Crusader here. Be warned - this is a very large file (roughly 10 megabytes.) Let us know what you think of them. Do you recognize any names or Chapters? This is the history of your publication. Enjoy it and learn from it!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth C. Anthony

A History of the "Keystone Crusader"

We have sometimes been asked by the State Officers, "Why do we still have to print a monthly publication?  Couldn't we just use email, or a service like Constant Contact?"  There are a lot of reasons, actually, and some have to do with who does and doesn't have internet access, or, if they have it, when they actually make use of it.  In truth, the most reliable form of communication is still a basic printed newsletter or flyer, published on a regular monthly (or more often) schedule.  But there is another reason-- and it has to do with history.  In the future, when someone wants to know what happened in Pennsylvania DeMolay, the first place they will look is in the history file of the Keystone Crusader.  Yes, there is a fairly complete (we think) history file of all, or at least, most of the issues since it began publication.  And it is very interesting reading, for someone who wants to know what happened in the early years of DeMolay in Pennsylvania, and to see how the organization evolved.

We don’t know why the name was chosen when plans began to formulate for the issuance of a statewide newsletter in 1931, but it’s not difficult to surmise that combining the “Keystone State” of Pennsylvania with the image of a mounted Knight Templar participating in the medieval Crusades to the Holy Land was the most popular among a list of possible names. Or, perhaps the creators were well aware of the use of an architectural keystone, and expected it to be the most important stone in the PA DeMolay structure. What we do know for sure is that, after 3 years of discussion and planning, the first issue of the Keystone Crusader, Vol. 1, No. 1, was finally published in October 1934.

It was initially a very slick publication, professionally printed by an offset process on glossy paper, and funded by subscriptions paid by Chapters and individuals. It looked great, but it didn’t have much useful or interesting content in it. By 1936 the staff had had their fill of trying to get both news-oriented cooperation and subscriptions from the Chapters, and in an editorial in their last issue, they all resigned.

The publication resumed a year later in 1937 and was published sporadically until Vol. 7, No. 2, March 1942, when World War II interrupted all DeMolay activity for several years.

It wasn’t revived until 20 years later, in 1962, when, inexplicably, they went back and started with Vol. 1 No. 1 again, but this time it was a production of a publications committee assigned by the State Master Councilor. Sometimes it was produced on a ditto machine (advisors and teachers will remember the unusual light-headed feeling and the unique smell of the ink) and other times it was printed on a mimeograph machine (a very cheap direct-impression ink printer) and later by photocopy. Publication apparently stopped in 1967, and it was replaced by a newsletter produced by the Executive Secretary.

In 1978 publication resumed again, without volume and issue numbers, but it was published quarterly very consistently until the early 1980’s. In 1982 the Keystone Crusader began a bi-monthly schedule when the State Officers were given the responsibility for its complete production.

In the 1990’s the Keystone Crusader began a monthly schedule which, while not always fully adhered to, has improved the communication about programs and activities in PA DeMolay. The look of the publication changed often, as the State Officers had different levels of typewriter and, later, computer

competence, and variable sense of design.

At the beginning of the new millennium standards were established that kept the look of the publication consistent, and it changed less frequently.

Printed and mailed copies continue to go out in black and white, but a full color version is posted on www.pademolay.org each month.   As of this date, the publication has not been regularly distributed by email, but you can be sure that the Keystone Crusader will continue to evolve to best serve the interests of Pennsylvania DeMolay.

In our constantly evolving world, it's great to see that traditions like the Key Cru can still be meaningful and have an impact.

S&F,

"Dad" Tom Labagh, EO for PA