Centennial Memory #86: Bro-Ties

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.

During the 2015-2016 PA DeMolay state term, State Master Councilor, Adam Pritchard and his officers developed the concept for "Bro-Ties." The Bro-Tie was a bow tie with half of it a black bow tie, and the other half a red bow toe. The concept was to create a mentor for new DeMolays, having the experienced DeMolay member teach them the basics of the organization, from the meaning of the lessons of DeMolay to making him feel included within the Chapter.

The newly initiated member would receive a black bow tie. He would be paired with an experienced member of the Chapter to mentor him. The mentor would wear a red bow tie. After meeting certain expectations and filling out a form to be submitted to the office, the two would share parts of the bow tie, giving each of them a red and black "Bro-Tie."

This program continued on throughout State Master Councilor, Eric Dye's term, with the team simplifying the form needed to earn a Bro-Tie. This program was a successful way to increase the brotherhood initiative within DeMolay.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #87: What is A DeMolay?

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.

One of the many questions that we are faced with is "What is A DeMolay?" There are several ways to answer this question. Every DeMolay would have a different answer because DeMolay means something different to every individual.

Having the Keystone Crusader Archive at my leisure allows me to find several interesting articles from the past. Augusta Chapter once did a section in the newsletter answering their variation of the question "What is DeMolay?" Here is what they wrote.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

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

Centennial Memory #89: PA DeMolay Newsman

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.

Yesterday, during our Holiday post, you may have recognized a familiar face wishing you a Happy Holidays. Yes, there was Santa Jacques and "Dad's" Williamson and Labagh, but I'm referring to the PA DeMolay Newsman.

As we celebrate 100 years of DeMolay, we can not discuss the history of PA DeMolay without talking about our very own newsman. The PA DeMolay Newsman worked for the Pennsylvania DeMolay Office to bring you the most accurate news. He traveled across the Jurisdiction and sometimes across state borders to provide the most accurate information possible. Although he remained in constant battles with the director and producers of the show, it did not stop him from doing his job, eventually.

Rumors indicate that the PA DeMolay Newsman has since retired to Florida in an effort to join a familiar Muppet family, although there is not enough evidence to support this claim. Wherever he may be, we thank you for your dedicated service to Pennsylvania DeMolay. Below are some photos of his journey and a few of his broadcasts.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #90: Merry Christmas!

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.

With today being Christmas, here are some graphics created from years past. Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. Hopefully Santa Jacques treated everyone good this year.

To all associated with Pennsylvania DeMolay, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin