Centennial Memory #43: A Tale of Two Rauschenbergers

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 that PA DeMolay has had three sets of brothers who have served as State Master Councilor. Another unique family tradition would be father and son. Many Chapters have fathers and sons who have served as Master Councilor, including one family from Allentown that we covered in a previous post. To date, only one father son duo has gone on to become State Master Councilor, the Rauschenbergers.

"Dad" Curtis R. Rauschenberger served PA DeMolay as the State Master Councilor from 1980-1981. He is still very active with Lorraine Chapter, and is currently the Chapter Advisor. His son, Alexander C. Rauschenberger served as State Master Councilor from 2012-2013. Like his father, he is still active with Lorraine Chapter, and serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Council for the Chapter.

Curtis R. Rauschenberger

1980-1981

Alexander C. Rauschenberger

2012-2013

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #58: "Dad" Land speaks in Williamsport

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.

Considering the time-frame of this memory, I don't have a lot to offer that is not already mentioned in the article below. However, it's always going to be a great memory when the Founder of DeMolay visits our jurisdiction. "Dad" Land served as the guest speaker for an annual banquet held at the Acacia Club dining room in Williamsport, PA. In the picture below, you will see "Dad" Land shaking hands with PA State Master Councilor at the time, John D. Sink, who is accompanied by State Senior Councilor at the time, Paul D. Fisher.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Meet the Candidates: Sean Reitze for State Master Councilor

Convention is right around the corner, which means that its time to elect our officers for 2018-2019. Here is our second candidate for State Master Councilor, Bro. Sean Reitze from Pilgrim Chapter.

My name is Sean Reitze, and I am running for the office of State Master Councilor for PA DeMolay. I have been a member of Pilgrim Chapter since May 14, 2013. In that time, I have served two terms as Master Councilor, received my PMC-MSA twice, and recently had the honor of receiving the Chevalier. Outside of my DeMolay life, I will be entering my junior year at West Chester University as a Communications major with minors in Computer Science, Spanish, and Leadership. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, photography, and playing games on my Xbox 360.

If elected, what will your biggest area of focus be?

If elected State Master Councilor, my biggest area of focus would be working to create regular regional events, such as go-karting, bowling, dances, or other fun events. With Chapters working together, it makes it possible to have one awesome event, instead of spreading efforts out too thin. Collaboration is the key to success with our Chapters — everyone within a region has the power to plan and execute something that benefits not only their members, but also bring new friends into our Order.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience in recent memory was my second time visiting Venango Chapter — to help obligate their first five members. It marked the start of new beginnings in Oil City, and it was amazing to see all of the hard work from many dedicated individuals come to fruition. I also had a great time meeting and getting to know the new members of Venango Chapter afterwards (even though they beat me in a few games of pool).

What do you see of your DeMolay legacy after serving as State Master Councilor?

After serving as State Master Councilor if elected, I would want my legacy to be looked back on as someone who worked to create unforgettable events, who made a difference, and seen as a team player. While it’s essential that we have memorable programs and events, it’s incredibly important to me that everyone feels valued and has their voices heard. The beauty of DeMolay is the fact that it is an organization for youth, run by youth. Each voice has something new to contribute to the dialogue, and I will acknowledge and respect each member’s voice equally. Following my time as an Active DeMolay, I plan on staying involved with PA DeMolay in the capacity of an Advisor and eventually hope to serve on the state staff. To me, DeMolay is a lifetime commitment — I want to be able to give back to DeMolay what it has given to me.

The registration deadline for Convention is June 10th. Make sure you are there for your chance to vote for your Elected State Officers. See you in Gettysburg! 

Meet the Candidates: Tyler Moyer for State Master Councilor

Convention is right around the corner, which means it will be time to vote for our Elected State Officers to serve for the 2018-2019 year. Here is one of the candidates for the office of State Master Councilor, Bro. Tyler Moyer from Pilgrim Chapter. 

While I’ve been a member of DeMolay for nearly eight years, it has been these last two years as an Elected State Officer and maintaining an active role in my local Chapter, that I’ve learned the most about DeMolay and what it truly means to be a member. As I progressed through the ESO line, I learned that the office of State Master Councilor is designed to give members an ultimate chance to give back to their brothers. My goals are simple, to make sure that each of us leaves the year with an understanding of what it means to be a DeMolay and how to do it. Also, to prepare us so that we can move into the next century running full-steam ahead; prepared to grow and develop our Chapters, but most importantly grow and develop ourselves.

If elected, what will be your biggest area of focus?

If elected State Master Councilor, my focus will be to create a positive learning environment for our members to build themselves through focused workshops at weekends and personal development time at our State functions. Our goal will be to see that the individual members and State go through three stages: education, development, and growth. If we receive the education and develop our skills, then we can see the benefits of growth; in ourselves, our chapters and our State. I’d be happy to tell you my exciting 3 step plan for next year, feel free to ask me.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

I think that my greatest DeMolay accomplishment/experience would have to be being the 2016 KeyMan Youth Director. While that position was more of an administrative role, I think that it gave me an insight into what being SMC would be like and what I would want to do with that opportunity. It taught me a lot about how to best balance the learning that is going on throughout the week with the fun that I had planned. Yes, I absolutely believe that our DeMolay program should be full of fun, but I also see the importance of education, and that’s what I hope to make sure we balance throughout the year.

What do you see of your DeMolay legacy after serving as State Master Councilor? 

We all want to be remembered for something. Whether that be as a great ritualist, athlete, or something else. I would love for my legacy to be based on being a motivator of change to help realign the focus of our program for others to build off of and make their legacies.

The registration deadline for Convention is June 10th. Make sure you are there for your chance to vote for your Elected State Officers. See you in Gettysburg! 

GO Spread PA DeMolay's message

The following blog post is from Jacob Beers, State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay.

Last week, I gave a speech about DeMolay at the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania’s Annual Grand Banquet. With this, I earned my GO Spread shirt for having completed four of the eight ways for all members of Pennsylvania DeMolay to help “GO Spread” DeMolay’s message. In addition to the speech, I also have written articles for the Keystone Crusader as well as posts for the PA DeMolay blog (like this one). Also, I attended York Bethel No. 1’s Installation of Officers on December 3rd. These are the four ways I earned my shirt - writing an article for the Keystone Crusader, writing a post for the PA DeMolay blog, attending an open meeting of another Masonic Youth Group, and attending an open meeting of a Masonic body - but there are four other things you can do to earn your GO Spread t-shirt.

First, you can write a letter for your Chapter’s newsletter, if it has one. This can be about anything you choose, whether that be an upcoming event, report of a past event, or anything you think would add substance to your Chapter’s newsletter. Second, you can write a letter to one of your Chapter’s sponsoring bodies. Without the support of your Chapter’s sponsoring bodies, your Chapter would be hard-pressed to do much of anything, so write them a letter thanking them for all the help they’ve given to you and your Brothers. Third, you can attend two Masonic service events. These can be any two events where your Chapter helps another Masonic body in any way possible. Fourth, you can attend two community service events. Use this as an opportunity to show your community all of the good that DeMolay can do and its deep interest in your community’s success.

Once you’ve completed any four of these eight things, submit an explanation of your doings to the PA DeMolay office, along with a signature from your Chapter Advisor, and you will receive a GO Spread shirt. Use this as an opportunity to show off your hard work as a spokesman for Pennsylvania DeMolay and wear your shirt proudly to show you’ve helped to GO Spread DeMolay.

Chase for the DeMolay Membership Cup

The following post is from State Master Councilor, Brother Jacob Beers, promoting the GO Program and specific pieces that go along with it.

This year, the Chase for the DeMolay Membership Cup will have Chapters face off against one another in a race to see which Chapter can grow its membership the most from Convention 2017 to June 30, 2018. The year has been split into four rounds. At the end of each round, the Chapters that have admitted the lowest number of new members will be eliminated from competition until four Chapters are left standing in a three-month shootout to be crowned the DeMolay Membership Cup Champion. The Champion will win special recognition at Convention, as well as a plaque to commemorate their success.

Currently, we find ourselves in Round One, but there is only little more than one month remaining until its end on September 30th. At the end of Round One, only the twelve Chapters with the most new members will advance, eliminating the bottom eight. Westmoreland and Elizabethtown Chapters have taken the early lead, but there is still time for your Chapter to bring in new members to secure your spot in Round Two.

As we approach September, the fight to advance to the next round of the Chase for the DeMolay Membership Cup will certainly be heating up. Make sure your Chapter doesn’t get left behind as the Chase continues.

Meet the Candidates: Jacob Beers for State Master Councilor

Convention is just around the corner, so lets take a few minutes to meet the candidates for Elected State Office. Members will get the chance to elect their officers during the Business Session the Saturday morning of Convention. They were all asked to provide a biography and an answer to the three questions below.

If by some strange circumstance we haven’t met yet, my name is Jake Beers and I am hoping to serve as the 83rd State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay. I joined Elizabethtown Chapter on July 10, 2011. In 2014, I became Master Councilor with the goal of revitalizing and re-energizing my Chapter. Since then, I have worked with all of the Master Councilors that have come through my Chapter, serving as Scribe for two-and-a-half years and Treasurer for the last six months. I was appointed State Treasurer in August of 2014 and have since served as State Junior Councilor and Deputy State Master Councilor. As State Junior Councilor, I worked to create new Patton Campus weekends that would excite members and allow Pennsylvania DeMolay to grow in ways not yet seen. As Deputy State Master Councilor, it has been my duty to help the corps in whatever way needed, whether it was in planning events, advising, or anything else. In my time as a DeMolay, I have earned the Representative DeMolay Award, Elizabethtown DeMolay of the Year twice, Scribe’s Efficiency Certificate, and the Degree of Chevalier.

This year, I graduated from Lower Dauphin High School in Hummelstown as a member of the National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, and History Honor Society. I was involved in Lower Dauphin’s music program as first-chair euphonium in Concert Band and Low Brass Section Leader, both in my junior and senior years. In the fall, I will be attending West Chester University seeking a degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics. I am an avid football and NASCAR fan, as well as a sports fan in general. My favorite football team is the Jacksonville Jaguars and my favorite driver is Kevin Harvick. In the future, I would like to work as a Sports Statistician.

What are your goals if elected to serve as an Elected State Officer?

If elected State Master Councilor, I want to achieve three main goals. First, I want to encourage members to take charge of their Chapters and their Order as a whole. In my time as an Elected State Officer, I have seen Pennsylvania DeMolay shift in demographics towards a younger base of members. A fixture of my term will be encouraging these new members to take some leadership role in their Chapters - be it a Councilor role, Committee Chairman, or anything else - and their State. Second, I want to improve Chapter-to-State communication. This year, Chapters will have greater ability for communication with their Elected State Officers and Executive Officer’s Staff than ever before. More information on how this will be achieved will be announced at Convention. Third, I want to spread DeMolay to more people than ever before this year. For PA DeMolay to grow in members, influence, and recognition, we must introduce more people to the Order. Chapters and members alike will be encouraged to visit lodges, other Chapters, other Masonic Youth Organizations, and areas within their communities in the name of spreading DeMolay.

Who are your DeMolay influences and how have they inspired you?

I have always looked at “Dad” Dave Berry as my mentor and inspiration throughout my DeMolay career. So often, he does a large portion of the work for PA DeMolay or is very instrumental in various facets of the Order. Rarely, though, does he receive or ask for credit, putting DeMolay ahead of himself. I also look to the PSMCs throughout my DeMolay career, especially those I have worked with, and take from each of them their best qualities and attempt to emulate those qualities.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay accomplishment was receiving the Degree of Chevalier last November. At face value, the Chevalier would obviously be my greatest accomplishment, but my reasoning goes far beyond this. The Chevalier is given to reward those who have worked to better their Chapter, with only their Chapter in mind. I felt so honored to be rewarded by my Chapter, knowing that they appreciated what I had done to aid the Chapter in my time as a DeMolay. I hope that I can continue to be worthy of this honor in my time as State Master Councilor and the years to follow.

Films Every DeMolay Should See: A Man for All Seasons

As many of you may already know, State Master Councilor Eric Dye chose the year's theme to be "Lights, Camera, Action: DeMolay Goes Hollywood!" With this in mind, Past International Master Councilor and frequent contributor to the PA DeMolay blog, Peter Brusoe has shared a film that he feels all DeMolay's should see. Thank you Pete for your contribution to our blog.

At KeyMan University we introduced a “Films Every DeMolay Should See” course.  We screened a few films that may have fallen out of our shared cultural awareness, or zeitgeist. One film that was on my list but did not make the final cut was “A Man for All Seasons.”  If you get a chance I think it is a film that every DeMolay should see. The film dramatizes the final years of Sir Thomas More, a personal hero of mine.  The film won six academy awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, and features performances from  stars like John Hurt, Vanessa Redgrave, Susannah York, Paul Scofield, and Orson Welles. (Please google them if you don’t know who they are)

Some may have heard of Thomas More for being the author of Utopia, or have seen a dramatization of him in the Tudors or Wolf Hall on PBS.  Or chances are you may have never heard of the man.  A Man for All Seasons is a good introduction to the person and his strength of character.

Thomas More was an exceptional man for his time.  In an age where education was generally limited to men, he ensured that his daughters received the same education that his son received. A successful lawyer, More served his country in a number of different capacities including positions in parliament (the legislative body of England), and a confidant and advisor to King Henry VIII.  In 1529 he assumed the role of Lord Chancellor of England. In this role, More was in charge of the courts the great seal of England, and the chief advisor to the King of England.  While there is no functional equivalent in American government to compare the position to, perhaps a combined position of Chief Justice and Vice President of the United States. Needless to say the man had arrived at the pinnacle of power and influence for a non-royal.

King Henry VIII sought a divorce from Queen Catherine of Aragon.  In those days, divorces required approval from the Church, and while Henry requested it the church was not willing to give it.  Historically this was known as “The King’s great matter.” Eventually, the King decided if the church would not give him his divorce, he would assume control over the church. More vehemently disagreed with King Henry VIII and resigned rather than do something that would violate his personal conscience.  Hoping to retire from public life and spend a life of studying and writing, the issue kept coming up and the King forced Sir Thomas More to swear an oath that he did not believe in.  Though his friends and fellow ministers of state urged him to give in, More refused and was charged with high treason. He still did not recant. A trial was held which included a panel of judges that counted among themselves the Father, Brother and Uncle of the newly made queen.

After 15 minutes of deliberation, the judges found More guilty. He was originally sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. The King commuted the sentence to simple beheading, considered a more humane form of capital punishment.  History holds that right before his execution More exclaimed “the king's good servant, but God's first.”

The film is a great re-telling of the story and has some pretty good quotes in it and some case studies of where power may tempt people.  As you watch the film think about the different characters in the film. Which ones do you admire? Which ones do you resemble the most?  What life lessons do you take from it?

Meet the Candidates: Eric Dye

Convention is right around the corner, which means it will be time to vote for PA DeMolay's Elected State Officers. This series will introduce you to each candidate as they prepare to run for office. They were all asked to provide a short biography and an answer to the three questions below.  

Who is your top choice for the position of State Master Councilor? Mine would be either Zombie JFK or Jacques DeMolay. However, I would like to humbly put my name in the ring as well. My name is Eric Dye, and I am a Past Master Councilor of Allentown Chapter, where I earned my PMC-MSA. I've earned a lot of other honors and awards in DeMolay in the past, but what's important now is the future. I look forward to helping make Pennsylvania DeMolay a better place for all of its members and advisors. 

If you are elected to serve, what do you hope to accomplish?

The future of DeMolay is up to us. Though this is a sweeping statement, it is very true in a larger sense. Every day, we have a chance to make DeMolay better. Every day, we can communicate, plan, and think of better ideas than the day before and put those plans into action. As State Master Councilor, I will work hard to establish clear communication on how DeMolays in Pennsylvania will accomplish great things together. Another area that I find strength in is the brotherhood that stays strong across the distance of PA. The members in our state have an incredibly strong sense of brotherhood, and together we can bring in more members who will help us get more ideas on how to plan bigger and better things. DeMolay is a process, and I plan on giving 110%, all day, every day, so we can see just how great our fraternity can be.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience?

We have had incredibly successful events, my favorite being the Monte Carlo Game Night at the 007 Weekend. The excitement that came from the members during this event is what makes our job as an Elected State Officer worth while.  

Who are some of your DeMolay influences?

I'd have to say some of my biggest DeMolay influences would have to be the PMC's and advisors from my hometown of Allentown Chapter. They have always been there for me to teach me what it means to be a leader. Thank you for all of the overwhelming support over the years.   

Be Different Spotlight: Carlisle Chapter

The following post is part of a series entitled the “Be Different Spotlight.” This post will display a chapter’s effort to grasp the concept of the theme for this year. Each chapter was challenged by the State Master Councilor, Adam Pritchard, to “Be Different.” 

Challenge Accepted! This is the story of how Carlisle Chapter embraced that challenge...

When our State Master Councilor challenged the chapters to one, do something new and different that we had never done before, and two, approach membership in a new light, many Master Councilor’s racked their brains thinking of what to do. Carlisle Chapters newly elected Master Councilor Brian Martin was no exception.

He reached out to the members of the Chapter for inspiration and ideas. Many ideas were tossed around but the Chapter weeded out the impossible options and focused on the ones that were the best. After much planning and with approval from the Advisory Council many new events were added to the term plan; a service project involving donating gifts to less fortunate households right before Christmas, a very successful Gettysburg Ghost Tour, plans to donate lap blankets to a local retirement home, and plans for a trip to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Along with all of these brand new events, they took the initiative to start their very own Sweetheart Program which began with the installation of Carlisle Chapter’s 1st Sweetheart, Mary Lichtenwalner, in early October. Plans for even more prospect parties and recruitment ideas are still being tossed around and are sure to bring in even more new members.

           

Way to go Carlisle Chapter for "Being Different!" Keep up the great work!

This blog post was written by Pennsylvania DeMolay State Scribe Aaron Muldowney. Thank you Brother Aaron for your contribution.

Carlisle Chapter has completed the challenge to “Be Different.” What has your chapter done in order to change things up a bit? Send in program details or write a post for your chapter and send it to me at JAPullin@pademolay.net.

Questions DeMolays Ask Their Executive Officers

DeMolay is supervised by an Executive Officer in each jurisdiction that is a part of DeMolay International. These Executive Officers are given very broad and expansive powers, but, interestingly, there isn't a long line of people who want the position.  At the Key Man University program this year, there were three DeMolay Executive Officers present, representing Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and the Canadian province of Ontario. All three participated in an open forum EO Roundtable, and took written questions from the 37 members who were present. It is interesting just to see the questions that were asked:

What is an Executive Officer?
What is a State Officer?
What are the exact roles/responsibilities of an Executive Officer?
How many countries is DeMolay in throughout the world?
How do you become a State master Councilor?
Why can't we eat in our rooms?
Who was the first member of DeMolay?
How long does it take to start a new Chapter?
Is there a DeMolay song?
Do you need specific skills to be the Organist in a Chapter?
How do you put on your pants?
How was the Sweetheart Program started?
Is there an International Sweetheart?  If so, is the role similar to the PA State Sweetheart?
In your opinion, what is the most challenging DeMolay position?  Explain why.
How is an Executive Officer elected, selected or appointed?
How do you become an Executive Officer?  What does an Executive Officer do?
It is called State Master Councilor in the United States, so what is the title in Canada?
How many DeMolay Chapters are in the U.S. and how many are active?
Besides an application, what is necessary to become an elected state officer?
What is the best way to become State Master Councilor?
How do you become a State Officer?
Why can sweethearts see parts of the DeMolay Degree in some states, and not in others?
What does an Executive Officer actually do?  How many should there be?
What age can you become Executive Officer?
How long is an Executive Officer's term?
What do you have to do to get your PMC-MSA?
What do you have to do to run for State Master Councilor?
Why do we have an Executive Officer?
Are EOs also for sweethearts, or do sweethearts have their own?
Do you like your job?
How much do you weigh?
What's your middle name?
What did you look like when you were a kid?  How old are you?
How old are you?  Have you ever been State Master Councilor?
How do you become International Master Councilor?
How much authority are Advisors allowed to display?
What is the hardest decision you've made as EO?
Dad Labagh, why do you like the Miami Dolphins?
Do EOs have to attend International DeMolay meetings?
How come the Chocolate Milk is sooooo goooood in Elizabethtown?
Why can't girls join DeMolay?  (Please be serious!)
How come Master Councilors think they are "all that!"?
What has been your favorite experience with DeMolay, and why?
What would you change about DeMolay International?
Who told you about DeMolay, and how long ago was that?
How long have you been EO in your jurisdiction?
WHY did you become Executive Officer?  Did you WANT to become Executive Officer?
When were State Sweetheart capes used?
What is the job of the State Master Councilor?
If you could change the name of any Chapter office, what would that be, and what would you change it to?
Do you like unicorns?

As you can imagine, some of the answers were JUST as interesting!
Do you have any questions for your Executive Officer?  Go ahead-- ask him!