Centennial Memory #62: Brotherhood Weekends with Knights of Pythagoras

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.

In a previous post, I mentioned about PA DeMolay's relationship with the Knights of Pythagoras, a male youth organization sponsored by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Even though a mutual respect agreement was signed in 2005, the brotherhood between our two organizations existed well before then.

PA DeMolay and Knights of Pythagoras were known to have joint weekends called Brotherhood Retreat Weekends. The weekends consisted of workshops and activities that brought the youth together. Some of the workshops were taught by Advisors, others by members of both organizations. In the end, the bond is what mattered most. Most weekends included a large fun activity, such as a dance or some other event that allowed the members to socialize and have a good time.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #97: Mutual Respect Agreement

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.

Pennsylvania DeMolay has always had a very successful relationship with the fellow Masonic Youth Organizations; Rainbow, Job's Daughters, Knights of Pythagoras and Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls. At the 2006 PA DeMolay Convention, the relationship between DeMolay and the Knights of Pythagoras, a male youth organization sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall, became a little stronger.

On July 15, 2006, Brother S. Alexander Fizz, State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay, and Brother Terrence D. Green, Grand Master Knight of Pennsylvania Knights of Pythagoras, signed a document known as the "Resolution of Mutual Respect, Recognition and Fraternal Love" within the two organizations. The documents were signed and authorized by Pennsylvania DeMolay Executive Officer, Thomas R. Labagh and Worshipful State Youth Director for Pennsylvania Knights of Pythagoras, Kevin D. Mahoner. The signing was also witnessed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Ronald A. Aungst.

"What exactly is a Mutual Respect, Recognition and Fraternal Love Agreement?" I'm glad you asked. The document not only expresses the mutual recognition and respect of the two organizations, which had already existed for years, but also encourages membership of the two organizations to visit each other. As stated below:

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT we, the members of The Order of DeMolay in Pennsylvania hereby adopt this resolution of mutual respect, recognition and fraternal love for our Brothers of The Order of the Knights of Pythagoras in Pennsylvania, and encourage visitation to stated and special meetings, as well as participation in shared programs of education, athletics, ritual and fun."

Up until that point, DeMolay and Knights of Pythagoras worked together as much as they could. They participated in Brotherhood Weekends, including the one taking place earlier that year entitled "Brotherhood Evolved: Road to Glory." DeMolay is proud of the ongoing relationship we have with the members of Knights of Pythagoras. I'm proud to say that I am still friends with Terrence, and a few of the other members I had the privilege to meet during my time in DeMolay.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Masonic Youth Groups Assemble!

The word "unity" means "the state of being one." We teach our members that DeMolay is about brotherhood, meaning that unity and togetherness is a very important part of our lessons, but this shouldn't end just within our program. There are several Masonic Youth Organizations that provide a similar program to what DeMolay provides for young men. Some of our best efforts should be the times our organizations work together. 

A little over a week ago, I was fortunate to have helped coordinate a program that brought that concept into effect called Unity Weekend. The weekend consisted of members of DeMolay, Rainbow, Job's Daughters, Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls, and Knights of Pythagoras. The theme of the weekend was to allow each participant the chance to get to know the other organizations, and most importantly, to make friends within those organizations. The program was run by the Youth Leader of each organization, and consisted of team building exercises and a chance to get to know how each organization operates. They also learned plenty of things that make all of our organizations similar. 

I challenge readers to take advantage of this outlook. Plan events, such as dances, fun activities, or even service projects, with members of other Masonic Youth Organizations. The main concept that we have in common is that we are all part of the Masonic Family, so lets find ways to work together.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin
 

KoP Inspirational Talk

I took today off from the PA DeMolay office, but I did want to share a series of videos I found of a great speaker that addressed the Knights of Pythagoras in Louisiana. Enjoy!

Frat ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

DeMolay and the Knights of Pythagoras

This past weekend, Bro. Isaac Holtzer, State Scribe, represented Pennsylvania DeMolay at the 46th Annual Sessions of the Knights of Pythagoras of Pennsylvania. Many of our members know of the Knights thanks to our unity weekends, but many more haven't heard of our "brother" organization.

Bro. Holtzer with (from left to right) the Grand Master Councilor of the Knights of Pythagoras of New Jersey; Bro. Arrin Stallings, Past Grand Master Knight of the Knights of Pythagoras of Pennsylvania; and the Most Venerable Grand Master Knight of the Most Venerable Grand Council of the Knights of Pythagoras of the District of Columbia.

In Pennsylvania, the Knights of Pythagoras is a youth group for boys 12 to 20 years of age who believe in the Supreme Being and are of good character and reputation. The order is devoted to the Christian principles of freedom, justice, and equality under law for all human beings. The order promotes these ideals, together with love of God, parents and country.

 

The Prince Hall Grand Council of Pa Order of Knights of Pythagoras is a youth organization sponsored by The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F&AM. The Knights of Pythagoras is not a junior Masonic organization but is only overseen by Master Masons with outstanding dedication to the order. The Cardinal Virtues of a Knight are Adoration and Reverence for God, Love of Parents, Righteous Thinking, Purity, Patriotism, Toleration, Courtesy, Friendship and Constancy. If those traits sound familiar, they should! "Dad" Frank S. Land assisted with the formation of the Knights of Pythagoras.

 

The Prince Hall Grand Council Order of Knights of Pythagoras was organized in the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania in 1960. Grand Master A. William Hill, Jr., successfully started the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras in Pennsylvania in 1960. The following three years  twelve youth councils around the state were established. The state body was organized as the Keystone Grand Council of Pennsylvania. By the year 1968 eleven of the twelve active youth councils became dormant. In 1968, the Order was reorganized  by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Grand Master Thomas W. S. Logan appointed Worshipful District Deputy Master Leo .S. Holmes as the Worshipful State Director of Youth (essentially the Executive Officer.) The state body was then renamed The Prince Hall Grand Council of Pennsylvania. The International body re-chartered the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras. State officers were elected and presented later with silver metal collars containing the jewels of their of office.

New councils were formed and inactive councils reactivated. Herbert E. Millen No. 8, sponsored by Campbell Washington Joppa Lodge No. 37, is the only council to remain active from 1961. The Annual Grand Sessions from 1968 to 1982 were held in hotels and college campuses around the state. Donald U. Dade served as Worshipful State Director of Youth 1972 to 1979. He started presenting special designed Past Grand Master Knight aprons to the outgoing Grand Master Knight.

Grand Master Thomas Scipio appointed Edward Lindler as the Worshipful State Director of Youth along with Edward W. Perrine as the Director of Youth (East) in 1979. Since 1979 we have been enlarging the youth order and building its program base. Installation of Officer Service, Service of Light, and the Legion of Honor Service has been added to the order. Since 1983, Annual Sessions have been held at Patton Campus in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, except for one year which was held at Thiel College. A Brotherhood Retreat Fellowship with the Order of DeMolay of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge and the Order of the Knights of Pythagoras started in 1984 has become an annual event.

In 1997 Grand Master Thomas A. Jackmon, Sr. appointed Kevin D. Mahoner Worshipful State Director of Youth, a position which he holds to this day. The Prince Hall Grand Council Order of the Knights of Pythagoras now have an office on the second floor of the Masonic Complex at 4301 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.