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

A Message From the Executive Officer

To my fellow DeMolays and Advisors in Pennsylvania: 

Hopefully, the news had reached you that "Dad" Tom Labagh, who has been serving as Executive Officer for 17 years, decided to step down, and chose me as his replacement. I thank "Dad" Labagh for his many years of leadership, and hope he continues to serve DeMolay in a different capacity!

For those who may not know me very well, I wanted to introduce myself (don't worry, I won't rattle off a laundry list of honors and awards!)

The main reason that I agreed to accept this position was because of how much DeMolay meant to me as a young man. When I joined Elizabethtown Chapter, I was a shy 13-year old, who had a fear of public speaking. Because of Advisors like "Dad" Berry, "Dad" Freedman, and "Dad" Ray, I learned how to overcome that. I went to college in Ohio, so I never had the opportunity to serve as a State Officer, but even so, the DeMolay experience was incredible. 

Since I turned 21, I've done everything in my power to make sure DeMolay continues to grow and thrive.  When I graduated from college, I took a job with IBM as a software engineer, which required me to move to upstate New York.  For 12 years, I worked with Orange-Rockland Central Chapter, as their Ritual Advisor, then later Chapter Advisor, then later Chairman of the Advisory Council. Hands down, my most satisfying work has been those years working at the Chapter level, because I got to mentor DeMolays for a long period of time, seeing them mature and improve just as I did!

I've always tried to remain active with Pennsylvania DeMolay, and that includes an active streak of 19 years being on the Key Man staff, and helping out as an Advisor with Elizabethtown Chapter as best I could.

I'm very thankful to be taking on this role with a strong support system in place. Pennsylvania DeMolay has an incredible set of dedicated Advisors, and unparalleled Masonic support. We are already one of the strongest Jurisdictions! My vision as Executive Officer is to change some policies, and rework the state-level staff organization, to ensure that every Chapter gets the help it needs, and that we provide the best possible support to the DeMolays and Advisors.

Over the next couple of blog posts, I'll be announcing those staff changes, and I strongly encourage you to attend Convention, where I will announce my policy changes. For the Advisors, there will be a Q&A session with me at Convention after those changes are announced, so I can hear your feedback.

Each one of us -- whether a DeMolay or an Advisor -- is a volunteer, working towards a common goal: to help Pennsylvania DeMolay grow, and to make sure it is around for the next generation of young men! I hope to do exactly that, with your help. Thanks for everything you have done, and will continue to do, in that spirit!

Fraternally, "Dad" Greg Schaeffer, Executive Officer

A Brother in Need

Some of you may remember our posts about Bro. Parker Harley, a DeMolay from Lancaster - Phoenix Chapter who has been diagnosed with a serious liver condition. Parker is need of a liver transplant, which is no small feat. The procedure and ensuing medical bills are estimated to cost around $300,000. When PA DeMolay heard of Parker's need, we flew into action.

Mailings were immediately sent out, appealing to friends of the fraternity, asking for donations to help Parker. The fraternity responded in a way that no one could have anticipated! Donations poured in from DeMolay Chapters, Advisors, friends, Masonic Lodges, Eastern Star Chapters, the Scottish Rite, the Grotto, and the Tall Cedars. By December 1st, 2012, the fraternity had raised in excess of $30,000 for Parker.

Parker and his father were on hand at the recent Supreme Tall Cedar's Class to accept a portion of the donations and to address those present. Parker personally thanked everyone for their donations and support and was in great spirits. His father, Jack, kept the mood light, but was obviously deeply touched by the outpouring of charity for his family.

Donations are still being accepted for this cause. Checks can be made payable to the "Parker Harley Transplant Fund" and sent to:

PA DeMolay
1244 Bainbridge Road
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Thank you to everyone who has helped with this cause! You are ensuring a young man has a bright future!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Where we've been...

Today's post continues my recent series of articles related to the new online DAD Training we're working on. One of the things we want to do is provide a short but concise history of DeMolay and its evolution here in the Keystone State. We dove back into the history books and pulled out some of the most important facts and put them in a timeline format. This should help everyone plot the development of DeMolay, right up to the present day. This resource will appear as a part of the historical section in the online training, so check it out!

• 1890 – Frank S. Land, the Founder of DeMolay is born in Kansas City, Missouri.
• February 1919 – Frank S. Land meets with Louis Lower and 8 of his friends at the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, MO. These young men would provide the first members of DeMolay. Today, they are known as the “Original Nine.”
• March 1919 – the group assumes the name “Order of DeMolay” and a ritual is drafted. Kansas City Chapter No. 1 is formed. Later it will be known as Mother Chapter.
• 1920 – the second DeMolay Chapter is formed in Omaha, NE.
• 1921 – First meeting of the Grand Council of the Order of DeMolay, predecessor to the Supreme Council of DeMolay International.
• October 28, 1922 – the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, led by Ralph C. Mineheart, Grand Commander, requests that the local Commanderies take up the cause of supporting DeMolay in Pennsylvania.
• February 12, 1923 – Templar Chapter, the first Chapter in Pennsylvania, is established in Pittsburgh, PA. The initial membership class consisted of 1099 young men.
• February 14, 1923 – DeMolay comes to Eastern Pennsylvania when 1,178 members are inducted at the Metropolitan Opera House in Philadelphia.
• 1924 – the Representative DeMolay Award program is instituted. “Dad” Land shares his vision that “Every DeMolay should be a Representative DeMolay.”
• 1925 – the DeMolay Legion of Honor is conferred for the first time.
• 1926 – DeMolay membership in Pennsylvania peaks at 12,067 members.
• June 1926 – the Associated Chapters of the Order of DeMolay in Pennsylvania is formed. The first Conclave is held in Pittsburgh, consisting of delegates from 36 Chapters.
• 1936 – the Degree of Chevalier is instituted to honor DeMolay leaders who were not yet eligible to receive the Legion of Honor.
• 1937 – “Dad” Land starts the DeMolay Hall of Fame.
• 1937 – PA DeMolay is split into two Jurisdictions – East and West – being led by two different Executive Officers.
• 1951 – The two PA Jurisdictions are reunited under the leadership of “Dad” Clarence Head. “Dad” Head would go on to serve as Secretary General of DeMolay International after the passing of “Dad” Land.
• 1959 – the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania publicly endorses DeMolay and Lodges begin to sponsor DeMolay Chapters.
• November 8, 1959 – “Dad” Frank S. Land dies.
• 1967 – the DeMolay Congress, consisting of representatives of the Active DeMolays from each Jurisdiction, meets for the first time.
• 1969 – DeMolay celebrates 50 years of existence.
• 1982 – “Dad” Samuel C. Williamson establishes the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation to support Masonic Youth Groups in Pennsylvania.
• 1986 – the first PA DeMolay Key Man Conference is held at the Masonic Conference Center at Patton Campus in Elizabethtown, PA.
• 1986 – DeMolay Advisor Training becomes mandatory.
• 1990 – DeMolay Advisors begin to voluntarily submit to comprehensive criminal background checks.
• 2006 – the position of Youth Director of Convention is established.
• 2007 – the position of Youth Director of the Key Man Conference is established.
• 2009 – PA DeMolay begins offering advanced Advisor training through the DAD Plus program.
• 2010 – the Key Man Conference celebrates 25 continuous years of DeMolay leadership training in PA.
• 2012 – Online DAD Training introduced.

Let us know what you think in the comments sections!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

A Preview: Round 2

On Monday, I gave you a preview of one of the organization charts we are using in the new online version of the DAD Training. The chart you saw was for the young men, but we all know that the adult volunteers of DeMolay are organized a bit differently. We just put the finishing touches on the Adult Leader Organization Chart and I'm happy to share it with you today! Please note, this chart was developed with Pennsylvania DeMolay in mind, but much of it applies to the organization as a whole.

• DeMolay International (Active and Deputy Members) – DeMolay International is the highest authority on the DeMolay program. It is composed of Active Members (who wear gold collars) and a varied number of Deputy Members (who wear silver collars.) Active members may speak and vote on issues, while Deputy members may only speak.
• Board of Directors of DeMolay International – This body rules when DeMolay International is not in session. It is composed of the officers of DeMolay International (Grand Master, Grand Secretary, Regional Representatives, etc.), two active DeMolays (the International Master Councilor and the International Congress Secretary) and several key committee chairmen.
• Executive Officer of Pennsylvania DeMolay – The Executive Officer of a jurisdiction is the highest DeMolay authority in his assigned area. He is appointed by the Grand Master of DeMolay International with input from the Masonic organization in his territory. He is responsible for managing and organizing DeMolay in his jurisdiction.
• Executive Secretary of Pennsylvania DeMolay – Appointed by the Executive Officer, the Executive Secretary serves as his right hand man. In Pennsylvania DeMolay, the Executive Secretary handles the day to day and clerical operations of the organization, such as membership and program reporting, Advisory Council registrations, and jurisdictional communications.
• Executive Officer’s Leadership Team – Each Executive Officer is allowed to appoint jurisdictional staff members to help administer the DeMolay program in his area. In Pennsylvania DeMolay, there are Deputy Executive Officers who aid with administrative oversight of Chapters as assigned. Additionally, there are program directors who handle specific duties within PA DeMolay (such as Ritual, the State Officer Corps, and Convention.)
• The Advisory Council of a Local Chapter – Local DeMolay Chapters have an Advisory Council which is appointed by the Executive Officer. They serve entirely at his discretion and he may appoint and remove members at any time, with or without reason. These adult leaders ensure that each DeMolay Chapter meets organizational requirements and provides quality programming for the young men.
• Chapter Chairman of the Advisory Council – The adult leadership of the Council is overseen by the Chapter Chairman, whose job it is to make sure that the Chapter has enough Advisors and to oversee the adults working with the Chapter.
• Chapter Advisor – Each Advisory Council chooses a Chapter Advisor, whose job is to work with the young men, most especially the Councilors, on planning Chapter activities. This person serves as the conduit between the young men and the Advisory Council.
• Members of the Advisory Council – Every member of an Advisory Council is important and will fill varied roles, such as Ritual Advisor, Merit Bar Advisor, etc. They will also help in making sure that every DeMolay event meets the Youth Protection Guidelines by being available to supervise activities.
• Councilors – The Councilors (Master, Senior, Junior) are elected by the young men and act as their leaders. They work with the Chapter Advisor to plan events and organize the Chapter.
• Members of the Chapter – These are the young men; the DeMolays themselves.

I hope this chart clears up some questions for you!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Helping Bro. Parker Harley

A Pennsylvania DeMolay member needs our help... your help!


Do you remember the night you knelt at the altar of DeMolay and promised to be ever loyal to a brother of the Order... and that you would SEEK to aid him, in time of trouble and need?

Here is another chance to prove that your Obligation as a DeMolay means something to you...

Bro. Parker Harley, of Lancaster-Phoenix Chapter, NEEDS a liver transplant, and I am asking every Chapter, every advisor and every member to consider making a donation, no matter what size, to help a brother in a time of extraordinary need.  


When I say extraordinary need, consider this... the average cost of a liver transplant is quoted on a variety of websites as anywhere between $300,000 and $550,000 in the first year alone.  A detailed description of the costs involved with transplants in general can be found at http://www.transplantliving.org/before-the-transplant/financing-a-transplant/the-costs/.  When faced with incredible costs like this, and the prospects of having to pay out more money than most of us have ever seen at any one time, it could be easy to lose hope.
But, you cannot live without a functioning liver... and so, Parker and his family have no choice in the matter.  The need is there, but there is no telling when the transplant might happen. Tomorrow?  Next month?  Next year?  They have to be ready, and they have medical expenses now, and so they must place their hope in God and in the generosity of family members, neighbors, church members, fraternity members and in the kindness of caring strangers.

Of course, Parker is a member of DeMolay, and his father is a Past Master of Ephrata Lodge 665-- they are a part of our MASONIC FAMILY.  We cannot let this brother and his family down.  Out of state DeMolay families have already contributed to the cause!  To see a photo of Bro. Parker, and his parents, and to learn more about the disease he is fighting, read this story in the Ephrata Review.

Direct contributions can be made to the "Parker Harley Benefit Fund" at Fulton Bank, or, checks payable to the same can be sent to: 

PA DeMolay 

1244 Bainbridge Road, 

Elizabethtown, PA 17022

and we will deliver them to the bank.

Or, you can attend the "Pound it Park!" Benefit Performance of "The Who's-- TOMMY!" on July 18, 2012 at the Ephrata Playhouse. Come on out and see this great show, and help raise money for Bro. Parker!Your $30 ticket includes a Summer Picnic themed Reception at 6:30 PM and Show at 7:30 PM.  100% of the proceeds are going to the "Parker Harley Benefit Fund" at Fulton Bank, thanks to fund-raising partners, Lily's on Main, The Hill Top Inn, deLyns's Gallery and many other wonderful people!  Details can be found at http://www.ephrataplayhouseinthepark.org/


Other benefit programs are being planned to raise funds for Parker's medical care. ANY amount that you can share with this brother and his family would be greatly appreciated.  Please... PLEASE act now!

-"Dad" Thomas R. Labagh, Executive Officer

Flying the Flag of PA

I was having trouble coming up with a post for today, so I headed over to the Massachusetts DeMolay Blog to see what they had been up to. One of the recent articles discussed the history of their state flag. I realized that I've never really tackled this topic, so I went out and pulled up some information to share on our Flag of the Commonwealth.

The first Pennsylvania State Flag to display the Pennsylvania Coat of Arms was authorized by the General Assembly in 1799. The state Coat of Arms was embroidered on a blue field on both sides of the flag.

The State Coat of Arms, containing the emblems of the official state seal, was that of Provincial Pennsylvania's Penn family. It first appeared on paper money issued by the state in 1777 and two years later was adopted for display on the state flag.

During the Civil War, many Pennsylvania regiments carried a modified version of the Stars and Stripes. Substituted for the field of stars on Old Glory was the Pennsylvania Coat of Arms.

On June 13, 1907, the Pennsylvania General Assembly standardized the design of the flag and required that the field of blue be the same color as the blue of the Flag of the United States. The law requires that the flag

"...shall be of blue, the same color as the blue field in the flag of the United States, and of the following dimensions and design; to wit, the length, or height, of the staff to be nine feet, including brass spear-head and ferrule, the fly of the said flag to be six feet and two inches, and to be four feet and six inches on the staff; in the center of the flag there shall be embroidered in silk the same on both sides of the flag the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in proportionate size; the edge to be trimmed with knotted fringe of yellow silk, two and one-half inches wide; a cord, with tassels, to be attached to the staff at the spear-head, to be eight feet and six inches long, and composed of white and blue strands."

That's all well and good, but what's this about the State Coat of Arms? Pennsylvania's coat of arms is not used in the official capacity of the state seal, but it's a familiar symbol of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and appears on countless documents and publications. The coat of arms also includes the state motto: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence."

Based on a 1778 design by Caleb Lownes of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania coat of arms features a shield crested by an American bald eagle, flanked by horses, and adorned with symbols of Pennsylvania's strengths - a ship carrying state commerce to all parts of the world; a clay-red plough (a symbol of the Pennsylvania's rich natural resources); and three golden sheaves of wheat, representing fertile fields and Pennsylvania's wealth of human thought and action. An olive branch and cornstalk cross limbs beneath - symbols of peace and prosperity. The state motto ("Virtue Liberty and Independendence") appears festooned below.

Next time you see our state flag, take a look at it, and realize the history involved in its design.

Special thanks to http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Pennsylvania/Coat_of_Arms.html and http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flags/pa_flag.htm for the information.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Thomas Rank... wait, what?

As I stated in an earlier post, I'm in the process of updating the PA Masonic Youth Foundation website. As with any site that has been online for years, it has a myriad number of links and articles, some that seem to have been lost to the vast warp of the net. One of the more interesting one's (to me anyways) deals with the history of Thomas Ranken Patton, the namesake of the Masonic Conference Center at Patton Campus. Anyone who has been to Memorial Hall knows the familiar portrait of a stately elderly man with extraordinarily large mutton chops. This painting keeps watch over the main building of the facility that would be his legacy. But, just who was Thomas Ranken Patton?


Thomas Ranken Patton was born in 1824, in Crindle Cottage, Crindle, District of Newtown-Limavady, Parish of Tamlaghtfinlagan, Barony of Kennaught, County Londonderry, Ireland. He never knew the exact date of his birth, and adopted December 24th for the purpose of record and celebration.

He emigrated to the U.S.A. on April 11, 1844, and took a job with his uncle David Ranken, a tea importer. By July of 1849 he had started his own business as an importer of general groceries. He became a U. S. Citizen on October 8, 1852. He was made a Mason in Union Lodge No. 121 in Philadelphia on June 13, 1861, and served as Worshipful Master in 1867.

Brother Patton was an importer and dealer in fine family groceries for 30 years, and was a founder of the Union Trust Company in 1882. He was a Director of the Huntingdon and Broad Top Railroad, and a Director of the Electric Cable Construction Company. He was also a member of the Board of Managers of the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania, est. 1871, (which merged with the Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania in January 2004.)

He married Miss Ellen Hunt Graham of Tazewell, Tennessee, who was a confederate Army sympathizer. They were married at the West Spruce Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia on April 2, 1868. His only son, Thomas Graham Patton, was born on March 21, 1869. His wife died just 6 days later, on March 27th. At the age of 7, after an attack of scarlet fever, followed by diabetes, his son died. Less than two years later the heartbroken Mr. Patton sold his grocery business to retire, but became active in the investment of his wealth, and in Masonic circles. He was elected in 1873 and served as Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge for 34 consecutive years, until his death.

Brother William J. Kelly, R. W. Past Grand Master, donated Egyptian Hall at the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia in honor of his friend, Thomas Ranken Patton. His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, appointed Brother Patton the Representative of the Grand Lodge of England to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the first such appointment ever made by the Grand Lodge of England.

During his lifetime he was described by R. W. Past Grand Master Michael Arnold as "a courtly gentleman of polite and dignified manner, tall and erect, commanding respect by his presence." On December 27, 1889, he donated to the Grand Lodge the sum of $25,000 to create the Thomas Ranken Patton Memorial Charity Fund, in memory of his late wife, to be used for "the relief of poor but respectable widows" of Pennsylvania Masons. He later added the sum of $125,000 to the fund. Patton's example established a precedent that was followed by several other well-to-do Masons of his time.

In December 1900, the Grand Lodge elected him an Honorary Member, an honor only conferred before that time upon Brother George Washington and Brother the Marquis de LaFayette.

He died in Philadelphia on September 13, 1907, and his formal portrait was immediately thereafter commissioned, as it was a custom, to that time, not to hang portraits of living Grand Lodge officers in the Masonic Temple. It was presented to the Grand Lodge in 1908. His extensive estate consisted of shrewd stock and real estate investments, and more than half of it, valued at approximately $1,040,000 after taxes, was give to the Grand Lodge for the establishment of a boarding school for male orphan children of Master Masons, in memory of his son, Thomas. It would later be established as the Thomas Ranken Patton Masonic Institution for Boys.

On October 6, 1923 the cornerstone of Patton Hall was laid, and the school opened in January of 1925 with an enrollment of 14 students. The main educational building, Memorial Hall, opened in September 1926 and included the machine, carpenter and brick shops and the classrooms. A second dormitory, Ranken Hall, was opened in 1928. The school was dedicated, in Patton's words, to "...the development of capable industrious and honest men" and for 50-years it provided vocational, moral and religious training to all students.

Closed in 1977 due to lack of enrollment, the Grand Lodge subsequently approved the renovation and conversion of the facility into the Masonic Conference Center--Patton Campus which is the headquarters and center of operation of the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation, which was established with a purpose consistent with the aims of Brother Patton, to realize more fully the potential of youth. We pay a tribute of gratitude and reverence to the memory of Thomas Ranken Patton for both his generosity and foresight to extend Freemasonry's charity toward youth.

2010 Year End FINAL Membership Stats

BREAKING   NEWS !

From: Jeff Kitsmiller (Executive Director of DeMolay International)
Sent: Thu 2/3/2011 3:23 PM
To: Thomas Labagh (a pleased Executive Officer, who still thinks we could have done a lot better)
Subject: 2010 Membership Stats


CONGRATULATIONS to the top ten (10) Jurisdictions for initiating the most new members in 2010


Missouri..........183
Southern California..........161
Ohio..........144
Northern California/Hawaii.....140
Texas..........132
Oklahoma..........116
Pennsylvania..........104
Italy..........97
Florida..........95
Indiana..........85


CONGRATULATIONS to these Jurisdiction for achieving positive growth in 2010


Missouri..........+55
Italy..........+50
South America..........+38
Florida..........+34
Southern California..........+33
Oklahoma..........+21
Atlantic Provinces, New Hampshire, and Ohio..........+14 Each
Texas..........+13
Arizona and Wisconsin..........+12 Each
Manitoba (DeCan) and Vermont..........+11 Each
Montana..........+8
Nebraska and Tennessee..........+6 Each
Mississippi and West Virginia..........+5 Each
Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania..........+4 Each
Georgia and Ontario (DeCan)..........+3 Each
South Dakota..........+2
Maryland..........+1


CONGRATULATIONS to the top DeMolay Chapters for initiating new members


Initiates..........Chapter Name (Jurisdiction)
71..........Bucuresti Chapter (Italy)
29..........Jerusalen No. 2 Chapter (South America)
23..........Edward W. Slade Chapter (Connecticut) and Excalibur Chapter (Oklahoma)
20..........St. Charles Chapter (Missouri)
19..........Hamilton Chapter (Ohio), Highland Park Chapter (Oklahoma),
..........Phoenix Chapter (New Jersey), Van Wert Chapter (Ohio), and
..........West Newton Chapter (Indiana)
17..........Alpha Chapter (Missouri), Cecil Brown Chapter (Vermont), and
..........Steel City Chapter (Indiana)
16..........Edmond Chapter (Oklahoma), Keene Chapter (New Hampshire),
..........Mochila Chapter (Missouri), and Reagan Chapter (Texas)
15..........Frederick Chapter (Maryland), Long Beach Chapter (Southern California), and
..........Waynesville Chapter (Missouri)
14..........Clarksburg Chapter (West Virginia), Excelsior Chapter (Missouri),
..........John Wayne Chapter (Texas), Knoxville Chapter (Tennessee),
..........Madison-Oneida Chapter (New York), and Northeast Chapter (Pennsylvania)
13..........Atlantic Provinces at Large Chapter (Atlantic Provinces {DeCan}) and
..........South Coastal Chapter (Massachusetts)

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

Reports from the Inquisition - 1990

During the early years of Key Man, it was "traditional" to bring a news crew to the Chapter to record and prepare the Knightly News broadcast. Part of the broadcast would include a feature story. Some of these stories were ridiculous:



Some of these would be Motivational:



And some would do just about anything for a laugh:



But in 1990, the News Crew did an amazing job when they created the REPORTS FROM THE INQUISITION series. What follows are 5 "authorized" reports from the Inquisition, and one totally unauthorized, but totally hilarious 6th Report from the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Report from Inquisition #1 Jacques DeMolay



Report from Inquisition #2 Junior Inquisitor




Report from Inquisition #3 Guy of Auvergne




Report from Inquisition #4 Lord Constable




Report from Inquisition #5 Phillip the Fair




Report from Inquisition #6 Quasimodo



I am enjoying this look back at previous Key Man Conferences, and will continue to bring you some of the more memorable moments. I hope you are enjoying it, too!

'Dad Tom Labagh, Executive Officer in PA

Less DeMolay = More PA

I've been talking a great deal about DeMolay specific topics lately. While this is a DeMolay blog, I'm not opposed to taking a quick side track to discuss other topics that might be just plain interesting. In this case, I thought it might be fun to tackle some Pennsylvania Trivia and history.

Pennsylvania certainly isn't a glamorous state to live in. Heck, we aren't even a state, we're a commonwealth (one of four in the Union. Massachusetts, Virginia, and Kentucky are the others.) However, there is a great deal of history that Pennsylvanias should be proud of. Having lived in another State for about a year, I quickly realized just how much I loved my home state. Take some time, relax, and be proud to be a Pennsylvanian!

Random PA Facts:

1. Pennsylvania is the first state of the fifty United States to list their web site URL on a license plate.

2. In 1909 the first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh.

3. Hershey is considered the Chocolate Capital of the United States.

4. In 1913 the first automobile service station opened in Pittsburgh.

5. In 1946 Philadelphia became home to the first computer.

6. Bob Hoffman of York is hailed the world round as the Father of Weightlifting. Hoffman started York Barbell Corp. in 1932 and preached the gospel of physical fitness throughout his life as an U.S. Olympic coach, businessman and philanthropist.

7. The first daily newspaper was published in Philadelphia on Sept. 21, 1784.

8. Philadelphia saw the first Zoological garden in July 1874.

9. Drake's Well and Museum in Titusville is on the site where Edwin L. Drake drilled the world's first oil well in 1859 and launched the modern petroleum industry.

10. In Hazleton, there is a law on the books that prohibits a person from sipping a carbonated drink while lecturing students in a school auditorium.

11. In Philadelphia in 1775 Johann Behrent built the first piano in America calling it under the name "Piano Forte."

12. Philadelphia is the site of the first presidential mansion.

13. Betsy Ross made the first American flag in Philadelphia.

14. "Doctor, if you don't give me something to help me breathe, I'm going to stop!" came the urgent cry of 16-year old Frederick Gable of Loganville. Vowing not to lose another patient to pneumonia, Dr. George Holtzapple successfully created the first application of oxygen, thus saving his patient's life and winning international fame through his discovery. The year was 1885.

15. Stewartstown hired its first police officer in 1876. He was also the town lamp lighter.

16. Philadelphia is home to the cheesesteak sandwich, water ice, soft pretzels, and Tasty Kakes.

17. The Rockville Bridge in Harrisburg is the longest stone arch bridge in the world.

18. Kennett Square is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World.

19. The town of Franklin became a center for worldwide oil production following Colonel Edwin Drake's discovery of oil in nearby Titusville.

20. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776.

21. KDKA radio in Pittsburgh produced the first commercial radio broadcast.

22. Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell.

23. Each year on Christmas day the "Crossing of the Delaware" is reenacted at Washington Crossing.

24. The Liberty Tunnel in Pittsburgh opened in 1924. At that time the 5,700 foot facility was the longest artificially ventilated automobile tunnel in the world.

25. Pennsylvania is the only original colony not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

26. Benjamin Franklin founded the Philadelphia Zoo, the first public zoo in the United States.

27. Indiana County is the Christmas Tree capital of the world.

28. Actor Jimmy Stewart was born and raised in the town of Indiana. Each year at Christmas the downtown area is decorated in the theme of the film "It's a Wonderful Life."

29. Pittsburgh is famous for manufacturing steel thanks to the United States Steel Corporation. Its professional football team is named the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is the only team in professional sports named for a company!

30. Fairmount Park in Philadelphia is the largest city park with over 8,000 acres.

31. Pittsburgh has over 300 sets of city maintained steps. If they were stacked on top of each other, they would reach over 26,000 feet high. They would measure higher than a lot of the Himalayan Mountains.

32. Little League Baseball's first World Series was held in 1946 in Williamsport.

33. Nazareth is the home of Martin guitars. Finger picking good since 1833.

34. The State College Area High School was the first school in the country to teach drivers education in 1958.

35. Philadelphia was once the United States capital city.

36. Originally Bellefonte, a town now with a population of 5,000, was once considered to be Pennsylvania's capital. But Harrisburg was chosen because of the easy navigation on the Susquehanna River.

37. The first coal festival was held 201 years after the establishment of "Peter’s Camp" on Memorial weekend 1993 in Blossburg.

38. The oldest stone railroad bridge in use in Pennsylvania is the Starrucca Viaduct that crosses PA Route 171 north of Lanesboro in Susquehanna County.

39. In June 1778, a 700 wagon caravan escorted the Liberty Bell on its return to Philadelphia from Allentown along Towamencin's Allentown Road. Nine months earlier, when British troops threatened to capture the city, the bell had been whisked into hiding via the same route.

40. The Shenango River Dam near Sharpsville is a concrete gravity dam with an uncontrolled center spillway. The roadway crossing the top of the dam, over the spillway is nearly 68 feet above the stream bed. The dam has a top length of 720 feet with a base width of 66 feet.

41. At the Moravian Pottery & Tile Works in Doylestown handmade tiles are still produced in a manner similar to that developed by the potter's founder and builder, Henry Chapman Mercer.

42. The Borough of Kane is known as the Black Cherry Capital of the World.

43. George G. Blaisdell founded Zippo Manufacturing of Bradford in late 1932. He started with a simple idea: create a product that answers a real need, design it to work, and guarantee it to last.

44. When completed in 1882, the Kinzua Railroad Bridge near Mount Jewett was acclaimed "the highest and longest railroad viaduct in the entire world." Rising 301 feet from the valley floor at its center, with a total length of 2100 feet.

45. Antrim Township is located in South-Central Pennsylvania with its southern border being a part of the Mason-Dixon line.

46. Ringing Hill in Lower Pottsgrove Township is named after the "ringing rocks" which were known for the unique ringing sound they made when struck by a hammer.

47. During the depression canned goods served as admission to The Star Theater in Mercersburg to help supply the local soup kitchen.

48. Located in the Grape Coast region of Pennsylvania, the city of North East, in Erie County, has four thriving wineries and is home to the largest Welch's grape processing plant in the country.

49. Penn Township, officially referred to as the Township of Penn, was named after the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn.

50. Punxsutawney citizens are proud to be over-shadowed by their town's most famous resident, the world-renowned weather forecasting groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney is billed as the weather capital of the world.

51. The largest naval battle to ever take place on Lake Erie was during the War of 1812. It was fought between the United States and the British. The fleet was built in the dockyards of Erie, and sailed from Presque Isle to do battle. The Commander of the American fleet was Oliver Hazard Perry, after whom many counties and towns have been named (including Perry County, PA.)Perry won the battle, and secured the ports on Lake Erie for the remainder of the war.

So why 51? Well, I had to add in some Erie trivia. Also, I belong to Perry-Keystone Lodge No. 392 in Erie, named for Oliver Hazard Perry. C'mon - I can't let go of my Erie roots!

Special thanks to http://www.50states.com/facts/penn.htm for this info!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony