Happy Holidays from PA DeMolay

Since I will not be in the office over the weekend, I wanted to make sure I got this post together today. In DeMolay, we teach the members that it is important to have their own beliefs in terms of religious traditions. Not everyone believes in the same traditions, but we all believe in something. During the holidays, some celebrate Christmas, some celebrate Hanukkah, some celebrate Kwanzaa, and others just celebrate the New Year. 

For me personally, I will be headed back to Philadelphia to celebrate Christmas after I'm done work today. I will be away from my desk for a few days, but will be back Thursday of next week. For those celebrating Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas.  

On behalf of all of Pennsylvania DeMolay, we hope everyone has a Happy Holiday season. For anyone traveling, be safe in your journey. I'm sure I'll make a post before then, but in case I don't, Happy New Year and I'll see you in 2017.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

PS: Here is a really old picture, but there's always room for a photo of Santa Jacques so enjoy.

   

Sam Williamson: The Godfather of Pennsylvania DeMolay

Today is the birthday of a very special person in the hearts of the members and advisors of Pennsylvania DeMolay, "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson. Today "Dad" Williamson celebrates his 90th birthday. In a way, this post is a Throwback Thursday post mainly because you will see some of the best pictures we have of "Dad" Williamson throughout his time with DeMolay. 

"Dad" Williamson served as the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania from 1982 to 1983. In that time, he founded the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, which dedicates its existence to the support of the Masonic Youth Groups in Pennsylvania. "Dad" Williamson served as Executive Officer from 1987 to 2000. This past year, "Dad" Williamson was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame.

To this day, "Dad" Williamson shows overwhelming support to the Pennsylvania DeMolay program. I had the privilege of being at the surprise party thrown for "Dad" Williamson last week (Sam, I still take no responsibility for throwing that party.) In that room, it was great to see how many people were affected in a positive way by the teachings of Sam Williamson. Thank you "Dad" Williamson for all that you do for Pennsylvania DeMolay. Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

KMU Update: Have You Met Mitch!

Hello Brethren,

My name is Mitchell Holmes and I am from the best chapter in Pennsylvania (lol), Templar Chapter. If you haven’t heard already, I am the next Key Man University Youth Director for the 2017 Conference! I am very excited to work with all the applicants and staff for next year’s Conference!

I am 15 years old and in 10th Grade. In my chapter, I am currently the Master Councilor. In DeMolay, I have been awarded with the Lamp of Knowledge, Representative DeMolay, and I applied for my PMC-MSA Award.

This year at Key Man, I am excited to say that we will have our very first talent show, in which applicants have the option to show fellow friends their unique talents. Along with this, we will be having our second annual class competitions. Each class can compete for a prize that will be given at the end of the week. In addition, we will be having sweetheart competitions to the class competitions.

Key Man will be a fun week! I encourage all of you to come to this fantastic fun week! Should you have any questions or concerns about the Key Man experience, please do not hesitate to contact me or the Key Man Staff. Keep an eye out for applications, as they will be coming out soon!

I look forward in seeing you at KMU!

Ancora Imparo!

Bro. Mitch Holmes

Key Man Youth Director 2017

Building Relationships Between DeMolay and Masons

This past weekend, I had the privilege of watching one of the things that makes our organization great. I had the chance to watch the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Masons, take time out of his schedule and spend it with the DeMolay. The relationship between DeMolay and Masonry is a very important one. After all, one day the members of DeMolay may become Masons themselves. It's always great to see that the "fraternity" aspect that we teach can be exchanged between the organizations.  

This past weekend was PA DeMolay's Grand Master's Class, a membership class in honor of the  Right Worshipful Grand Master, Raymond T. Dietz. Most years this event takes place with the Grand Master stopping in, sitting with us at the formal banquet, speaking to the members during his remarks with words of wisdom, and leaving shortly thereafter. This year was different. This year, the RWGM and the RWJGW decided to challenge the members to a basketball game later that night, and if the DeMolay members won, they all received $5. The members of DeMolay, represented by Mitch Holmes of Templar Chapter and Cody Anderson of Elizabethtown Chapter, won the game and won the $5 for every member in attendance. Although money may have been exchanged, the dollar signs are meaningless in comparison to the memories that were made that night. I saw members rallying and cheering for their team. I heard music playing and a megaphone used by our State Master Councilor Eric Dye (Yes, we gave him a Megaphone.) The Grand Master, who has a busy workload as it is, took the time to play a game with the members. The DeMolays will remember that as a high point throughout their DeMolay and maybe even Masonic career.  

Its not often that members of DeMolay can say that they spent such a great time with the Right Worshipful Grand Master. Sure some may have held meaningful conversation with a GM in the past, but the interaction that took place on that basketball court was priceless. Sometimes the relationship between Mason and DeMolay tends to be more business than anything else. Its important for us to build relationships with the members of the Masonic Fraternity, and occasionally enjoy a laugh or two. Get to know the members in your local Masonic Lodge better. You'll find that the more down to earth our relationships are with the Masons, the more they may help us in the long run. Thank you Mr. Dietz and Mr. Wonderling for making memories with the DeMolay members. It truly meant a lot.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin      

Throwback Thursday: Grand Master's Class 2014

It's Thursday, which means its also "Throwback Thursday." With Grand Master's Class taking place tomorrow, I figured we should remember back to the last Grand Master's Class, two years ago. 

The year was 2014. The Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was Robert J. Bateman, who was in attendance. A total of 24 members were brought into DeMolay during the fantastic degree work performed by an All-Star cast, led by the Elected State Officers. Along with the outstanding work that PA DeMolay did to promote the Children's Dyslexia Center's, PA DeMolay also presented a check to the Right Worshipful Grand Master for one of the charities he was promoting throughout his term, Change for the Troops.

I remember being at this particular class, and I remember the professionalism that went into the performances that day. I've always been proud of the work I've seen in DeMolay, and that day was no exception. I look forward to seeing the same effort taking place this weekend at Grand Master's Class.

I'll leave these photos here for you to reminisce.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin