Remember, Remember, the 8th of November

Today marks an important day for the Order of DeMolay, as it is the day that our Founder, Frank S. Land, passed away. "Dad" Land created this great youth organization in 1919, and we are still going strong to this day, nearly celebrating 100 years of existence. His vision for a young men's youth organization has turned into a program that has helped young men grow into better leaders all over the world. 

In DeMolay, November 8th is also known as "Frank S. Land Memorial Day," an obligatory day designed for us to pay tribute to "Dad" Land for giving us this incredible group to be proud of. Chapters are asked to celebrate in two ways: hold a program in memory of "Dad" Land, and donate money to a local or Masonic charity in memory of "Dad" Land. 

As a Chevalier, this date also is the day that we promised "To hold communion with a fellow Chevalier, or Court of Chevaliers, wherever I may be, and should this be impossible, I will break bread with an active DeMolay or a young man in his teens." Chevaliers all over the world will get together to pay tribute to "Dad" Land. Some Chevalier Courts choose to observe this on a day closest to November 8th. My Chevalier Court celebrated at Fogo de Chao in Philadelphia on November 5th.

So thank you "Dad" Land, for giving us a group of friends that we can rely on, a Masonic family that is always there for us, and an extended family that cares about us the same way that our real families do. We salute you on this very special 8th of November.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

DeMolay Memorial in Paris, France

TO FIND THE 

"DeMOLAY MEMORIAL"

IN PARIS, FRANCE

Recently I was asked by one of our DeMolay families how to find the DeMolay Memorial in Paris France, so they could visit it on their vacation this summer.  And once I did the research, Dad Berry thought it was a good read, and would make a good blog post, so, here ya go!

Far from authoritative, this is a combination of my recollections and a lot of help from Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google images.  Interestingly, neither Sam nor I had a camera on this excursion—not sure why—but I have no photos of our entire trip to England and France in 2000!  Pre-cellphone era, so, no selfies!

First of all, there is no Memorial Grave, or heroic statue erected to the memory of Jacques DeMolay.  He was, after all, considered to be a lapsed heretic by the Catholic Church for over 700 years.  Additionally, there is a story (apocryphal?) told by John Robinson in his history of the Knights Templar, called DUNGEON, FIRE AND SOWRD, that after the burning, the “ashes had taken on a mysterious, even sacred aura.  During the night people of Paris swam out to the island to put bits of cinders in the mouths, then swam back with the conviction that they were taking home holy relics.”  Unfortunately, Robinson only provided a bibliography with his works, and didn’t footnote citations of sources for these claims, hence my qualification of it as being of dubious origin. But the idea of creating a memorial to a “heretic” in the shadow of the great cathedral may not have been well received, but it was, ultimately, permitted.

Here is what you are looking for.  This is the plaque that was commemorated during the Order of DeMolay’s 50^th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Paris in July of 1969. 

It is located on a support wall of the bridge called Pont Neuf, at the far end of Isle de la Cite, far from where the Cathedral of Notre Dame stands. Pont Neuf, which means “New Bridge” is actually the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine that cuts through the city of Paris.  Much more detail can be found in the Wikipedia article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pont_Neuf

Not being a French language student, my command of the language is limited to some food items, so it opened my eyes when I understood the relationship between Crème Brulè, and the burning of Jacques DeMolay!

On the map below, it is at the upper left hand corner of the picture.  The Cathedral of Notre Dame is in the lower right.

  

The next picture is an aerial shot of that portion of the island, and on the bridge, to the left of the label “Pont Neuf” you will see a large square courtyard.   

In the center of the courtyard is a large equestrian statue of King Henri IV.

Google Maps errantly labels this as the “Memorial du Jacques DeMolay.”  It is close by, but this is a benign good reason why you can’t believe everything you read on the internet!

But, you have to find this statue of Henri IV to get where you want to go.

Here is a photo from behind the statue, taken from across the river.

Where you want to go is BEHIND and BELOW the horse.  Looking at the photo below, trace back from the statue to the edge of the courtyard, and then look down the wall that leads to the lower level where you can board the boats.  You will see two door-like openings in the wall… and in between them, about 10 feet above the steps, is a small bronze plaque commemorating the burning place of Jacques DeMolay—almost as far away from the cathedral as it could possibly be put! 

But how do you get down there? (It has been 16 years since I was there, and my memory of how I eventually found it is a little shady—it took Dad Williamson and I nearly an hour to find it, and I thought I knew where I was going!)  

In the photo below, look at the street lamp to the left, located at the back of the courtyard, behind the statue.  This is positioned at the top of a long flight of steps that leads to the lower level. 

The image below is taken from inside the steps leading to the lower level, and I it will bring you through one of those openings on either side of the plaque.

A word of caution: 

This is an OK place to go in the daytime, but it had a reputation for being a gathering place for some unsavory activities in the evening, regardless of how well-lighted the area seems to be.  I doubt much has changed in 16 years… best avoid it after dinner time, just to err on the side of caution.

You can clearly see the plaque in the center, below:

(Note: I apologize for the size of the next two photos, but, in order to see the detail, I felt that posting them at their original size would be helpful to you.)

The group picture that follows is of a DeMolay International Pilgrimage there in 1979.  Don't look for me-- I am not in the photo.  I had just gotten married, and although my wife has always supported DeMolay and my activity with it, she didn’t want to honeymoon with a bunch of DeMolay kids!  But I DO recognize a lot of people in the photo from around the country.  I didn't come to Pennsylvania until 1981, so I didn't know a lot of people back then.  I can only recognize one of our Pennsylvania brothers in it, but there may be others. (If you recognize anyone from Pennsylvania, please share that information!)

Lastly, at the bottom of this post I have included a scan of a page of the September 1969 CORDON magazine (a monthly magazine about DeMolay that was published consistently from the 1950s until the late 1970s.)  It includes a description of the dedication of the plaque and the events following, during the 50^th Anniversary European Pilgrimage.

Edit: 12:11 AM, 5/25/2016

Upon reading this blog post, "Dad" Tom Moberly, (left) friend, mentor, co-worker at DeMolay Headquarters from 1979-1981, long-time DeMolay "full-timer" in Northern California, and inductee in the DeMolay International Hall of Fame, sent me a copy of the map he used, from National Geographic, to give people directions to the memorial plaque.  He noted that he was present at the dedication in 1969.  He wrote, "I was there with over 500 of my very close friends, standing in the rain before we headed to the l'Hotel de Ville (City Hall) for a reception (See invitation, below, if you can read French!) with lots of French pastries and real champagne!"

Tom related that he was also privileged to go back for the 700th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of DeMolay on March 18, 2014.  He remembers commenting that "I can still smell the smoke" and nobody reacted, as if they either didn't understand or didn't have a sense of humor.

For Katie, Jake and family... happy hunting!

    "Dad" Thomas R. Labagh

    Executive Officer

Post Script:
"The directions worked perfectly!"  (Jake found the plaque, and Katie sent this as proof.)

A Tribute to a Fallen Advisor

"Dad" Matt Wills

Today's post comes from "Dad" Matt Wills, Chapter Advisor of Crusade Chapter in Scranton, PA. Earlier this week, we posted a write up regarding the memorial tree that was planted in memory of "Dad" Garfield Beynon, who was an Advisor for Crusade Chapter for several decades. During that dedication, "Dad" Wills offered the following eulogy, in memory of "Dad" Beynon:

"Dad" Beynon never missed a beat,;always getting in on the action, whether it being the mediator to a disagreement of the Advisors and members or wanting to join in on the action in order for him to get his two cents in - no matter what.

It didn’t matter what he was asked of or for, he was always willing, no matter how far out of reach it seemed to be.  He never turned a person, a member, or a brother away - always lending that helping hand, and giving everyone he came in contact with the satisfaction and comfort of always knowing he was there if you needed him. 

So many people would remember his uncanny ability of always being able to tell someone where they could go could go and how to get there, in just a few words, and if you were unsure he would probably map it out for you. His DeMolay boys were "Dad" Beynon’s family, life, passion, and one of life’s prized possessions. When it came to DeMolay it seemed as nothing else mattered.

"Dad" Garfield Beynon

He was so very well known in PA DeMolay, having received so many honors and distinctions; but one sticks out as the most re-lived memory; so much so that no matter how many times we would tell the story, he would always get that deep down laugh and he would have tears in his eyes.  It was the 2000 PA DeMolay Convention, in Camp Hill.  "Dad" Labagh spent quite a few minutes speaking of the many attributes, and qualities "Dad" Beynon had given to DeMolay in his 31 years as an advisor.  After "Dad" Labagh finished speaking about the person who was nominated for the 2000 Advisor of the Year and recipient of Guild of the Leather Apron, he requested that they come to the podium.  Unbeknownst to Dad Labagh, "Dad" Beynon was fast asleep at the banquet table and snoring. Having been getting yelled at to get his attention, we were able to wake him up. He was a bit confused as to why were we yelling at him and all these people were standing looking at us and clapping, as "Dad" Dubeck was yelling Tom wants you at the podium.  Once he arrived at the podium, he was bewildered as to what he did or why he was standing at a podium with it only being him and "Dad" Labagh, as 200 members, and advisors were standing and applauding him. The table that the members and advisors sat at for that dinner and every other dinner was always the furthest one from the podium, unfortunately in this cases he found himself taking the longest walk and not knowing where he was going or why.

"Dad" Beynon will always be remembered for being able to catch himself a quick power nap. He always as he sat down the off switch would kick in.  So, I say to my friend, and to my Brother, "...and until we meet again," in your own frequently quoted wording “we’ll catch ya”.   

Remembering "Dad" Garfield Beynon

Over this past weekend, PA DeMolay played host to its annual Flag Football Tournament at Patton Campus. As usual, the event was well attended and filled with good, quality, sportsman-like competition. Yet, even as the young men played hard on the field, they took a moment to remember someone who could not be with them.

"Dad" Garfield Beynon, who was an Advisor for Crusade Chapter in Scranton, PA, died in a tragic automobile accident last December on his way home from PA DeMolay's annual Grand Master's Class. "Dad" Beynon was a fixture of not only Crusade Chapter, but also PA DeMolay. To honor his memory, Crusade Chapter talked with the PMYF office about dedicating a tree in honor of "Dad" Beynon on Patton Campus, in Elizabethtown, where he spent many a weekend over the last 30+ years.

On Saturday, October 18, 2014, members and friends of PA DeMolay and Crusade Chapter gathered around a new tree, to honor the memory of "Dad" Beynon. The Master Councilor, the Junior Councilor (who is also "Dad" Beynon's grandson), and the Chapter Advisor of Crusade Chapter all spoke about the impact he had before placing the first shovel of dirt around the base of the tree, which will stand as a fitting reminder of the impact this man had on all who came in contact with him.

Thank you to everyone who helped remember "Dad" Beynon - we know his tree will grow strong and loom large, just like his work with the young men.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony 

A Dedication to Life

During the annual PA DeMolay Flag Football tournament, held this past weekend, members and friends of PA DeMolay gathered on the lawn near Memorial Hall to dedicate a newly planted maple tree to the memory of "Mom" Patty Palo. Patty was an advisor for Erie Chapter who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. She left a legacy of love and caring and many in PA DeMolay were the benefactors of her wisdom and advice.

Below, you'll find a video of the dedication, under the direction of Bro. Matthew Maple, State Master Councilor.

 

In Memoriam

Today's post is a sad one. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of the most senior Past State Master Councilor( whom we could still confirm as alive prior to his passing.) "Dad" and Bro. Robert D. Griewahn, of Erie Chapter, served as the last State Master Councilor prior to World War II. He took the oath of office of State Master Councilor and admirably served from 1941 to 1942. Due to the war, another State Master Councilor would not be elected until 1951. "Dad" Griewahn would go on to earn his Juris Doctorate after a stint in the armed services during the war. He was known to  regularly participate with the Chevalier Court and Legion of Honor Preceptory up to his passing. From his public obituary:

Robert David Griewahn, Sr. passed away suddenly on October 1, 2011. Bob was born in Erie on July 31, 1922 to William and Loretta Engel Griewahn. He attended the University of Pittsburgh College of Arts and Sciences, and School of Law. He was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa society, the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and president of the Pitt chapter of Phi Delta Phi law fraternity. Prior to law school, Bob served in World War II as lead bombardier, 15th Air Force, European Theater, 454th Bombardment Group. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. Returning to Erie, Bob opened the firm of Robert D Griewahn & Associates on State Street, in the 1950s. He still was operating his company at the time of his death. Bob was a leader in the insurance industry as a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, and past president of the Northwestern Chapter of the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters. He was past president of the Estate Planning Council of Erie, and was a member of the Erie Torch Club. Bob's leadership in the community will be missed. Among his roles were: president of the Erie County Heart Association, state president of DeMolay, Hamot Hospital Corporator, Erie Day School board director, Shipley School board trustee, and director of the Washington Trail Council of Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of The Erie Club and The Kahkwa Club. Active in the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Bob was an elder, deacon, and board trustee. He also was a board trustee of the Chautauqua Presbyterian Association. Bob had a love of learning, giving back to the community, traveling, and being with his family. He instilled in his children a love of sailing on Chautauqua Lake, and was a member of the Chautauqua Yacht Club. An avid supporter of the performing arts, he served as board director of both the Erie Philharmonic and the Erie Playhouse. Bob's optimism, creativity, warmth, humor, and love will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Griewahn; daughter Pamela, daughter, Shelley Griewahn (Patrick Okita); son, Robert Griewahn, Jr. (Laura Smith), daughter, Leslie Gurney (Ronald); granddaughter, Jessamine Griewahn-Okita; and sister, Beverly Deininger (James) and her family. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dr. Janice Beebe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 and SafeNet Erie, 1702 French St., Erie, PA 16501, (www.safenet.org). Calling hours will not be observed. Burial was private in Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements entrusted to Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th St. Online condolences may be made atwww.Burtonfuneralhome.com or at www.legacy.com. 

As of today, Pennsylvania DeMolay can confirm that "Dad" and Bro. Rodney L. Caulkins, of Williamsport Chapter, is the most senior living Past State Master Councilor. While we do not have final obituary information on John E. Groome (SMC '29-30), Robert W. Sarvis (SMC '36-'37) and Charles M. Jones (SMC '39-40) we believe them to have all passed from our presence, leaving the title to Bro. Caulkins. Based upon this information, 24 of the 75 Past State Master Councilor's of Pennsylvania DeMolay have passed or are assumed to have died. We ask that you keep them in your prayers as they continue to support Pennsylvania DeMolay in spirit.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Anthony