Centennial Memory #53: Trinity Chapter 30th Anniversary

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.

Several of the DeMolay Chapters across Pennsylvania were founded in 1923, something that we will detail later with the founding of PA DeMolay. One of these Chapters was Trinity Chapter, based out of Bradford, PA.

In 1953, Trinity Chapter held a celebration for their 30th Anniversary. "Dad" Clarence W. Head served as the main speaker for the banquet. The part of this event that is unique, is that a radio program was held along with this celebration. The show aired on local radio station WESB, and was titled "This is DeMolay." "Dad" Clarence W. Head and Mayor J.L. Hinaman served as speakers for the program. Below, you will see the article of this program, along with a photo of Trinity Chapter's officers.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #54: Chester and Templar Chapters Raise Funds For Sessions in KC

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 1969, the 50th Anniversary of DeMolay International, Chapters were attempting to raise funds for the trip to DeMolay International Sessions, which was held in Kansas City, Missouri. The DeMolay Cordon featured Chapters making their best efforts to raise funds for this adventure.

Two Chapters from Pennsylvania, Templar and Chester Chapters, were featured in the Cordon for their efforts in this project. Both plans were very detailed as you will see in the article. Several fundraisers took place, such as car washes, bake sales, Christmas Tree sales, Potluck dinners, and various other ways to earn money for the Chapter. Here is the full article below, which was originally published in the June edition of the DeMolay Cordon. Enjoy!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #55: Chapters Bidding for Convention

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 annual PA DeMolay Convention is known to travel to different locations every year. They traditionally go from the East, to the Central, and to the West on a rotational basis. However, Chapters used to make bids to host the annual Convention, or as it was called many years ago, Conclave.

This was the case for most of the existence of Pennsylvania DeMolay. Two of the photos I am providing prove this with a large year gap in-between. Below is a excerpt from the May 1972 issue of the Associated Chapter of Pennsylvania Newsletter, a newsletter sent out by the Executive Secratary, not to be confused with the Keystone Crusader, which was generated by the members.

Another interesting piece that I will provide is from much earlier. Pilgrim Chapter provided me with a box of fun things from the history, one of which falls into this topic. In 1937, Beaver Valley Chapter was making a bid to earn the right to host the annual Conclave. They handed out a metal rivet, with a note attached of their intent to host the event.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #56: Grand Lodge Approves DeMolay Sponsorship in PA

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.

For many years, Pennsylvania DeMolay has had the overwhelming support of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and many of the subordinate bodies within Freemasonry. Where did it all start? I'm sure at a later time, we will talk more about the founding of DeMolay in Pennsylvania and the part that the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar played in making it possible for PA DeMolay to form.

Today we will discuss the support from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. In 1959, the 40th year of DeMolay International, Right Worshipful Grand Master, Sanford M. Chilcote, established an edict permitting lodges within Pennsylvania to sponsor a DeMolay Chapter. They were allowed to spend their current lodge funds to financially support a Chapter.

Although this may not seem like a big deal now, in 1959 this was a big deal. PA DeMolay was founded by the Grand Commandery, and although the Grand Lodge was supportive of DeMolay coming to Pennsylvania, this was the first sign of contribution. Since then, the lodges working within Pennsylvania have provided homes and support for Chapters all through the Commonwealth. The article below is from the March/April 1959 issue of the DeMolay Cordon.

Centennial Memory #57: PA DeMolay celebrates 90th Anniversary

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 2013-2014 term, PA DeMolay celebrated 90 years by sharing its "Honor and Heritage" through its statewide program. Special ceremonies were held to commemorate our Founder, Ralph Minehart, some of which will be highlighted in a separate post. Memories were shared throughout the year, with a "90 second talks" book that allowed chapter members to bring up their fondest memories. At the annual Convention, a 1920's themed party was held to officially celebrate this occasion. Members and Advisors dressed in formal wear, with their best efforts to be vintage. Rainbow and Job's Daughters were invited to help DeMolay celebrate. A live band performed, making the part a true celebration.

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

Centennial Memory #59: International DSA to Kalodner

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's post, we talked about the Distinguished Service Award, in which a recipient was determined for each jurisdiction. DeMolay International also awarded an International DSA to one of the recipients chosen from each jurisdiction, per term. In 1973, the distinction for the winter term went to a PMC of Chester Chapter, Brother David R. Kalodner.

A summary of his achievements is found in the picture below, which is from the December edition of the DeMolay International Cordon Magazine.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

Centennial Memory #60: Distinguished Service Awards in Pennsylvania

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 has many honors and awards that can be earned throughout time spent in the organization. One of those prestigious awards is the Distinguished Service Award.

The Distinguished Service Award is one that can be applied for. Letters of recommendation are required from various activities of everyday life; home, school, religion, community, and DeMolay. A summary needs to be provided proving the service completed in each of these areas. The Executive Officer takes all letters into consideration and determines the recipient. An award is given for two six month terms of the year, allowing two recipients per year if applicable.

Here are all of the recipients of the Distinguished Service Award from Pennsylvania:

1960: James M. Morgan - McKeesport
1960: Leland G. Almes - Greenville
1960: Robert Stark - Chester
1960: Richard R. Shunk - Wilbur
1961: William M. Young - West Shore
1962: None Awarded
1963: Raymond Moyer - Fellowship
1963: Raymond H. Thrush - Lincoln
1963: Kenneth B. Muhleisen - Chester
1964: Arthur L. Shaffer - West Shore
1964: John E. Suddoth - West Shore
1965: None Awarded
1966: Park E. Deitz - West Shore
1967: Robert T. Holland - West Shore
1967: Wayne L. Garrett - Chester
1968: Charles A. Rothermel - Chester
1969: Melvin J. Wolpert, III - Pilgrim
1969: Robert L. Taylor - Reading
1970: None Awarded
1971: David S. Forster - Reading
1972: Stephen R. Logan - Pilgrim
1972: Dennis E. Yeingst - Carlisle
1973: David R. Kalodner - Chester
1974: Darryl R. Sycher - Allentown
1975: None Awarded
1976: William S. Shillady - Reading
1976: Mark Volz - Delaware Valley
1977: None Awarded
1978: Kenneth B. Rizzo - Friendship-Bray
1979: Harry G. Camic - McKeesport
1980: None Awarded
1981: Edward J. White - Allentown
1982: Jess A. Leidig, III - George Washington
1983: Eric C. Johnson - Delaware Valley
1984: Christopher S. Schnabel - Lafayette
1984: Steven Schappell - Lafayette
1985: Randy Boone - Lafayette
1985: Scott A. Brooks - George Washington
1986: Peter S. Seibert - Pilgrim
1986: Val W. Finnell - Fidelity
1987: Brent D. Richards - Susquehanna
1988: None Awarded
1989: David Groh - Allentown
1989: David Messner - Pilgrim
1990: John C. Tynan - Lorraine
1991: Kris G. Sabin - Fidelity
1991: Kevin Sciullo - Kiski Valley
1992: William W. Burch - Erie
1992: Mark D. Wagner - Reading
1993: Michael J. Preletz - Reading
1993: Matthew A. Curtin - Somerton
1994: Jason B. Stains - George Washington
1994: A. Nathaniel Croumer - Elizabethtown
1995: Jason R. Solano - Pilgrim
1995: Mark J. Preletz - Reading
1996: Robert R. Nye - Elizabethtown
1996: Jeffrey R. Kline - Elizabethtown
1997: John K. Saltzgueber - Somerton
1997: Erik K. Paisley - Allentown
1998: Daniel J. Forrer - Reading
1998: Gregory M. Schaeffer - Elizabethtown
1999: Kevin D. Luy - Elizabethtown
1999: Rakesh Kumar - Allentown
2000: George M. Stauffer - Reading
2001: Keith A. Bortz Jr. - Reading
2001: Christopher M. Fry - Elizabethtown
2002: None Awarded
2003: Justin D. Killian - Elizabethtown
2004: Stephen L. Prazenica - Elizabethtown
2004: Seth C. Anthony - Erie
2005: Stephen R. Logan Jr. - Elizabethtown
2005: Chad G. Reichard - George Washington
2006: David A. Labagh - Elizabethtown
2007: Michael L. Brown - Elizabethtown
2007: Joseph A. Pullin - Northeast
2008: Michael R. Labagh - Elizabethtown
2009: Matthew S. Maple - George Washington
2010: W. Thomas Moyer - Pilgrim
2011: Matthew A. Traverso - George Washington
2012: Jeffrey R. Hample - Northeast
2013: Colton M. Swindler - Carlisle
2014: None Awarded
2015: None Awarded
2016: None Awarded
2017: Alex M. Spence - Elizabethtown
2017: Brandon S. Whited - Northeast

Who will be the next recipients of the award? Apply for it and find out.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #61: Pirates Takeover Erie at Convention 2004

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.

Ahoy Matee!

During the 2003-2004 term, pirates had taken over Pennsylvania DeMolay. They interrupted installations, meetings, state weekends, and various other activities that took place throughout the Commonwealth. The pirates took over a weekend at Patton Campus in May and made several people walk the plank, calling the weekend "Pirates Revenge Weekend." The pirates then took it a step further by taking over the PA DeMolay Convention, which was located at the Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA.

A day at the beach turned into a pirate takeover in search for their buried treasure. The takeover was not complete until the pirates took over the boat of a civilian at shore (honestly, we didn't know the guy, but he was really great with playing along and allowing the guys on his boat.) Although a rowdy bunch of characters, they sure did know how to have a good time.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin