Centennial Memory #1: Uncle Ralph, Founder of PA 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.

Today, on the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of DeMolay International, I thought it would be appropriate for us to remember the Founder of Pennsylvania DeMolay, Ralph C. Minehart, Right Eminent Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar in Pennsylvania. As we know from previous posts, Pennsylvania DeMolay was championed by the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania. Several Past Grand Commanders were instrumental in the success of PA DeMolay, but the beginning was orchestrated by "Dad" Minehart, otherwise known to the members of PA DeMolay as "Uncle Ralph." He served as the first Executive Officer from 1923 to 1933. After seeing the work of DeMolay in other Jurisdictions, he submitted a letter to prominent Commandery officials asking them to take DeMolay on and sponsor a program in Pennsylvania. This became a well known success, and in February 1923, PA DeMolay was officially formed. We have already discussed the first two classes, one was held in Pittsburgh on February 12, and the other was held on February 14 in Philadelphia. 

"Dad" Minehart will forever be an important part of our history. We salute you "Dad" Minehart, for having a vision and giving us a purpose. Thank you for believing that DeMolay could be strong in the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania, and I hope that you are proud of the legacy we have provided, and will continue to provide for many years to come.  

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #2: Samuel C. Williamson Hall of Fame Induction

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 June of 2016, "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held during the DeMolay International Sessions, held in San Diego, California on June 18, 2016.

"Dad" Williamson is a cornerstone for Pennsylvania DeMolay. He is the founder of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, which has provided service and leadership to the Masonic Youth Groups for over 30 years. He is a Past Executive Officer, serving from 1987-2000. He is also the creator of the Key Man Conference, which was established in 1986. With all of that behind him, "Dad" Williamson is still a known figure that everyone looks up to in Pennsylvania DeMolay. Below is the plaque from the Hall of Fame, and some pictures from the ceremony in San Diego.

  

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #3: PA Hosting DeMolay International

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.

Members and Advisors from DeMolay International travel to various locations for the annual Supreme Council and Congress Sessions. This year, the Centennial Session will be held in Kansas City, Missouri from June 26 to June 29, 2019. 

In April of 1990, Pennsylvania hosted DeMolay International in Philadelphia. This was not the only time PA DeMolay hosted International, but it is the most recent. The second, and only other time, was in 1929 held in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture from that conference, but I do have one from the session held in Philadelphia. Below, you will see the Congress Delegates in a picture located at the staircase of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with special guest Benjamin Franklin.   

Centennial Memory #4: Lee Cram Elected International Congress Secretary

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.

DeMolay International has two Elected positions for Active DeMolay Members. These positions are the International Master Councilor and the International Congress Secretary. In the history of the two positions, which dates back to 1967, PA DeMolay has had one representative serve DeMolay International in this capacity.

In 1982, Lee. L. Cram was elected to the position of International Congress Secretary, serving the 1982-1983 year. "Dad" Cram is a Past Master Councilor of Friendship-Bray Chapter. He served as State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay from 1981 to 1982. He then took his chances and was elected International Congress Secretary at the annual sessions in Reno, Nevada. Since then, a few young men have run for offices, but only "Dad" Cram was fortunate enough to have served. Below, you will find the article from the winter 1983 issue of the DeMolay Cordon. You will also find pictures from his election, which are kept in the PA DeMolay archive.   

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #5: Key Man Conference

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 1986, the KeyMan Conference was created by "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson, Founder of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and Executive Officer Emeritus. The term LTC, otherwise known as the Leadership Training Conference, was a common name for these seminars throughout DeMolay International. PA DeMolay wanted to develop a concept with its own identity. The term KeyMan can symbolize two things. First, Pennsylvania is the Keystone state, and the conference is always held in Pennsylvania. Secondly, the training that takes place during the conference develops the DeMolays into the "key men" that are needed for their Chapters, their Jurisdictions, and for society in general. 

The conference has taken a few different forms. For years it was simply known as the "KeyMan Conference." In the early 2000's, members built their own Chapters in the "Reality KeyMan" format. In 2014, "KeyMan University" encouraged members to set their own goals and learn what they desired to take out of DeMolay by selecting majors with their learning focus. Below you will find class photos from previous years, as well as a few other good moments from the conference history.  

 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin