DeMolay Month 2017

March is only a day away, which means one thing, DeMolay Month is upon us. By now, your chapter should already have a solid plan of the activities taking place throughout the month. We ask that you please share these activities with us through social media. Create a story of the events and post it on the PA DeMolay Facebook, take a picture and post it to the PA DeMolay Instgram, or write a status and post it to the PA DeMolay Twitter. You can also send photos and video from these events to our Snapchat account as well. So what events should you post? Well, everything of course, but here is a list of the DeMolay Month events that we look forward to seeing the most: 

1. Senior DeMolay appreciation event
2. Masonic Sponsor appreciation event
3. Devotional Day Observance
4. Receiving a Proclamation from a Government Official
5. Obligating members during the month
6. Community or Masonic based service project
7. Visitation with another chapter
8. DeMolay newspaper article
9. Social Activity
10. Radio or TV announcements

DeMolay Month is the best chance to get our name out to the local community. Let's get out there and promote the greatest youth organization in the world. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

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 

Be Different Spotlight: Elizabethtown Chapter

The following post is part of a series entitled the “Be Different Spotlight.” This post will display a chapter’s effort to grasp the concept of the theme for this year. Each chapter was challenged by the State Master Councilor, Adam Pritchard, to “Be Different.” 

Challenge Accepted!  This is the story of how Elizabethtown Chapter embraced that challenge...

Our Chapter proudly accepted the challenge and decided to do something different for our Frank S. Land Memorial Obligatory Day by doing something we have never done before. With the cooperation of family and friends of our members, with some kind and courteous Masonic Village Residents helping, we collected nearly 400 gently used books and presented them to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster. We presented the books in support of the center's book give away which was held as a part of the Extraordinary Give in Lancaster County on Friday, Nov. 20^th.  This one day, 24-hours of online giving raised over 6.1 million dollars for over 350 charitable organizations.  The Children’s Dyslexia Center had over $7,000 donated to it in just 24 hours.  The books that were collected and donated were available for pickup by anyone who stopped by the Dyslexia Center on Nov. 20th. 

In addition to donating the books, 8 members of our Chapter willingly donated a total of $225 for the purchase of any other books in support of the book drive that brought donors into the center.  Over the past 15 years Elizabethtown Chapter has raised and have been honored to donate nearly $35,000.00 to the center through various fundraisers, which includes our annual chicken pot pie dinners.  Our Chapter Advisor, Dad Jesse Spence, makes a very good chicken pot pie, and if you haven't had one yet I highly recommend it to you! Our next chicken pot pie dinner and special auction of gifts and passes will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016. 100% of our profits are donated to the center, our state charity that helps kids get the help they need to overcome dyslexia and succeed in school.

Along with presenting the books, 5 of our chapter members helped prepare and serve a luncheon for the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection. The Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, is the main sponsoring agency of the Children's Dyslexia Center of Lancaster. We thought that supporting the Scottish Rite in this way was especially appropriate since the founder of DeMolay, Frank S. Land, was an employee of the Scottish Rite Valley located in Kansas City. The officers of Elizabethtown DeMolay were happy with the success of the luncheon and donation of the books, and appreciated the support of family members, friends, residents of the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, and our advisors, as without them this would not have been possible. 

From the Officers, Members, and Families of Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay we want to wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

This blog post was written by current Senior Councilor of Elizabethtown Chapter, Blake Anderson. Thank you Brother Blake for your contribution.

Elizabethtown Chapter has completed the challenge to “Be Different.” What has your chapter done in order to change things up a bit? Send in program details or write a post for your chapter and send it to me at JAPullin@pademolay.net.

Hi, Dad!

Today's post comes from"Dad" Dan Kane, of Erie Chapter, who volunteered to write this piece in honor of our recently observed Obligatory Day, "Dad" Frank S. Land Day. Enjoy!

You don’t have to be involved with DeMolay for very long before you learn about a man named Frank S. Land or “Dad Land” for short.  Dad Land is known as the founder of the Order of DeMolay, a Masonic youth group for boys ages 12 to 21,  the story of which is shared with many through Herbert Ewing Duncan’s book titled, Hi Dad!  The root of the story is grounded in the relationship that Dad Land had with a young fatherless boy named Louis Lower. 

Dad Land, having no children of his own, developed a friendship with Louis and served as a mentor to him.  Dad Land recognized that there were many young men who would also benefit from this type of mentorship from a father figure and discussed the idea with Louis and some of his friends.  This event is known as the birth of DeMolay.

To this day, all advisors are addressed as either “Dad ____” or “Mom ____.”  I must admit that having boys address me as Dad was awkward at first as I have no children of my own, but it was something that I grew accustomed to hearing within the confines of the club or Chapter Room.
A couple of weeks ago, I entered a fast food restaurant and was immediately greeted by the boy behind the counter taking orders with “Hi Dad Kane!”  I was taken back by hearing this greeting outside the walls of the Chapter Room and with others close by who did not know of the customs of DeMolay.  Then, instead of hearing “number 46, your order is ready,” I heard, “Dad Kane, your order is ready.”  I laughed to myself as I retrieved my order wondering what questions were going through the minds of the others in the restaurant.

As I sat and enjoyed my meal, a sense of humility and honor came over me - humility in that did I live up to the example set by Dad Land? Then, honor, by being recognized by a DeMolay as being worthy to be called “Dad!”

Different Day of Comfort Choice

With the Thanksgiving Holiday behind us, we now find ourselves in prime season for one of the DeMolaly Obligatory days - the Day of Comfort. This Obligatory day can be celebrated any time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so basically the holiday season.

Many Chapters have something they do year and year out to observe this day. My home Chpater, Erie, always rang bells for the Salvation Army. While everyone did their part, after several years, it was hard to get people excited for this program. If your Chapter is in the same boat, why not mix it up a bit?

Here are some great idea that your Chapter could use for your Day of Comfort observance (thanks to Ask.com for some of these ideas):

• Use your in-house talent to stage a charity Christmas Ball with a reception, raffle and prizes
• Decorate a hospital ward, children's ward, or Assisted Living, Nursing Community, or Geriatric Unit with garlands, snowflakes, and holiday cheer. (Use tape and ribbon loops to hang items, not hooks, and non-glass ornaments, so everything is safe even if grabbed later on
• Send performers out for special charity performance appearances at worthy locations like local libraries, community centers, or hospitals, with the addition of raffles or ticket sales benefiting the location recipient
• Donate a Christmas tree to a local charity then show up and decorate it as well!
• With help from your Chapter’s designers or artists, bring the supplies for making holiday cards, ornaments, and holiday decor, and set up a hospital, group home, or children's ward visit where group members pair off with a child or elderly patient to create a pretty and charming ornament, snowflake or holiday card
• Or use your designers’ special skills to create ornaments shaped like dogs and cats, then get your group members to help decorate them, then sell them off in support of your local animal shelter.
• Assemble a group of carolers to visit local hospital wards or nursing homes – and be sure to encourage interaction and sing-alongs!

It sounds cliché, but you are only limited by your ideas for this observance, so think outside the box!

~ Frat! "Dad" Seth Anthony

A Very Special Patriots Day Observance

We recently received information from Lorraine Chapter, located in Butler, PA, about their upcoming Patriots observance. In an effort to get out the word, we thought we'd share it with all of you. Below is the information received from "Mom" Rauschenberger.

What:    Lorraine Chapter Patriot's Day Observance, All are welcome to attend

When:   Sunday, February 19th, 2012

Where:  Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA 

Time:     Begin at 3pm with memorial service, followed by touring the memorial with dinner to follow

              at nearby restaurant, Ruby Tuesday located in Somerset, PA

Dress:    Suit and tie for men, street length dresses or pant suits for ladies.

Cost:      Free admission to the National Memorial; Dinner is at your own expense.

RSVP:    "Dad" or "Mom" Rauschenberger by Wednesday, February 15th

                at JCRausch@aol.com so we can make proper restaurant reservations.

The group will begin with prayer followed by a ceremony, written by Bro. Alex Rauschenberger, Deputy State Master Councilor, comparing the heroic actions of Jacques DeMolay with those of the passengers of United Flight 93 and how both saved hundreds or thousands of lives by sacrificing their own.  A wreath will be laid at the memorial in honor of the lives given in sacrifice.  

Following the 15-30 minute ceremony, there will be ample time to tour the National Memorial grounds before we head into Somerset to enjoy a dinner at Ruby Tuesday Restaurant located at 1019 North Center Avenue, Somerset, PA, (pay for your own meal).

The Butler group is planning on leaving at 1pm.  That should put them in Shanksville around 2:30.  Since they are not familiar with the memorial set up, it will give them plenty of time to talk to the park workers to see where they want them according to the park permit obtained for the event.   There will around 40 chairs available on a first come first serve basis - everyone will just need to gather close and the young men will need to project, especially if the weather is not good. Also available are three wheelchairs.

What a great way to observe an important day!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Not Your Ordinary Obligatory Day

As DeMolays, we observe seven Obligatory Days each year (as discussed in one of our recent posts.) Of the seven, the one that is listed last in the Rules and Regulations of DeMolay International is Frank S. Land Memorial Day. According that document, to observe this Obligatory day,

"it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a memorial program in honor and memory of Dad Frank S. Land, Founder of the Order of DeMolay, andto carry out a special fund raising effort with the proceeds being donated to a Masonic charity."

Sounds pretty simple, right? It's true - it really is that simple; and that, my friends, is just the issue with it. Many Chapters just "phone in" their Frank S. Land Memorial Day observance. They raise some money, give it to a charity, and then wash their hands of it. They meet the requirements quite ably, but it's not a very exciting Obligatory Day to observe. However, we recently received a copy of an invitation to a different kind of Frank S. Land Memorial DayObservance - enter Allentown Chapter!

Allentown Chapter has been going gangbusters for the past two years. They have continually produced quality young men with several Past Master Councilor's Meritorious Service Awards being presented to their leadership. They have had a string of Chevaliers, Legionairres, and one of their Advisors, "Dad" Eric Blew, was presented with the Guild of the Leather Apron at Convention 2011(otherwise known as the Advisor of the Year.) This Chapter is really on the move and they are proving it with their Frank S. Land Memorial Day observance.

Just what are they doing? Well, on Monday, November 28, 2011, the members of the Chapter have organized a charity dinner in observance of the day. Sounds pretty normal, right? Think again! Instead of just another dinner, admission to this feast is conditional on two things. First, you have pay $5, which will go to a charity. Then, you have to bring some kind of Thanksgiving left over to share with everyone else. Oh, did I mention that you don't start with any utensils either? If you want a fork, you can shell out another dollar towards the charity. Yep - this isn't a banquet - it's a medieval feast! That's right, you feast on the food with your fingers, toss the scraps on the floor, and enjoy fellowship with Brother DeMolays, all while raising money for charity in honor of "Dad" Land!

This is one of the most creative observances we have ever seen here at PA DeMolay! Congrats to Allentown Chapter for spicing up their program, thinking outside of the box (or is that bun?) and making Obligatory days fun in the process!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

The Obligatory Post

This post is a day later than usual (for which I apologize to our regular readers.) We have just come off of a big weekend of Flag Football and I'm furiously working on the Keystone Crusader and the Masonic Youth Minutes. These two publications account for almost 3000 pieces of literature going out to the Masonic Fraternity all over the country. However, this doesn't lessen the importance of this Blog, which is also rising in viewer-ship. But, I digress...

Today's post is something we've been discussing here at the office for the past week. As reports of Obligatory Day observances begin to flow in, it has become obvious that some of our members don't quite understand what kinds of activities are considered good Obligatory Day observances.

Part of the problem is that most DeMolays refer to their DeMolay Leaders Resource Guide for ideas, and it was written 20 years ago, but the rules were changed in 2006 by vote of DeMolay International.  There was a good reason for the changes-- now, the requirements specifically fall to the officers of the Chapter to establish a chapter activity as an observance.  The old requirements were all over the place-- some applied to the Chapters, some to officers, and some to individual members.  Consistency-- even 50 years late-- is still a good thing!  Why is this important to know?   Well, if you are applying for the PMC-MSA you will certainly want to get it right!

The question then comes to mind, what exactly are we supposed to do for these observances? The real definitive answer can be found in a document that I guarantee most of you have never looked at... (cue scary Halloween theme music) the DeMolay International Rules and Regulations; specifically Section 323.1 - Obligatory Observances. Let's take a look, shall we? (Boldfacing of some text was added by PA DeMolay.)

323.1 - Obligatory Observances

(a) Dates.  The following days are fixed as special ceremonial days, and their observance is obligatory for all DeMolay Chapters unless prevented by unavoidable circumstances: (2006)


(1)  Devotional Day: A day during the week that includes March 18. (2006)


(2)  Patriots' Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter in the month of February.

(3)  Educational Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter. (Note: by virtue of section [b] below, the EO of PA DeMolay has chosen to require this day to be observed in September.

(4)  DeMolay Day of Comfort: a day between November 15 and December 31. (2006)


(5)  Parents' Day: A day between May 1 and June 21. (2006)


(6)  My Government Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter in the month of July.


(7)  Frank S. Land Memorial Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter near November 8.


(b) Executive Officer.  The Executive Officer may change the date of any Obligatory Day.


(c) Notify Members.  The officers of each Chapter shall arrange for the observance of these Obligatory Days, and notify active members of the dates. (2006)


(d) Devotional Day.  On Devotional Day it is the duty of the members of each Chapter of DeMolay to attend as a group, a worship service in some church, synagogue, mosque, temple, chapel or other place of worship approved by the Advisory Council. (2006)


(e) Patriots' Day.  On Patriots' Day each Chapter shall arrange a program at which the great patriotic events of the country in which the Chapter is located shall be reviewed, so that the great light of patriotism may never grow dim. (2006)


(f) DeMolay Day of Comfort.  On DeMolay Day of Comfort it is the duty of each Chapter to visit the sick or aged. (2006)


(g) Educational Day.  On Educational Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a program that will tend to emphasize the value of an education and the fact that the public school is a bulwark of liberty and must be maintained. (2006)


(h) Parents' Day.  On Parents' Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a program to which the parents, guardians, mentors or other significant caregivers are invited and at which they will be suitably recognized. (2006)


(i) My Government Day.  On My Government Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a program at which the members may learn about the government of the country in which the Chapter is located. (2006)


(j) Frank S. Land Memorial Day.  On Frank S. Land Memorial Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a memorial program in honor and memory of Dad Frank S. Land, Founder of the Order of DeMolay, and to carry out a special fund raising effort with the proceeds being donated to a Masonic charity.

Now, take a moment to review what your Chapter has been doing for these observances. Did your program on George Washington really fulfill a My Government Day observation, or would that have been better suited to Patriot's Day? Having someone help teach the members some basic music skills is fun, but does it really count for Education Day? Did you forget the "fundraiser" requirement of Frank S. Land Day, last year?  That is a perfect time to raise funds for the Children's Dyslexia Centers-- your State Charity!


We suggest that you print out this post and tuck it away so that the next time you have an observance you can make sure that it meets all the requirements! Now, go start observing!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Did you say bicameral?

This morning I drove on to Patton Campus to be greeted by Westmoreland Chapter who were preparing to visit the Capitol in Harrisburg as part of their My Government Day observance. "Dad" Bruce Neubauer, the Chapter Chairman, asked if I would talk to the young men and coach them on how to interact with the politicians they were about to meet. The Chapter was lucky enough to secure time with the State Senator from their home area. I asked the members if they understood what a Senator was. I was met with a blank, deer in headlights look. We then had a discussion with everyone about how government in Pennsylvania works and why it's important to them. As I sad down to write this post, I wondered out loud what I should write about. Matt Blaisdell, DSMC, who is sharing my office, responded "... how about My Government day?" Perfect! So, we're going to learn about PA government with today's post.

Pennsylvania is a Commonwealth, not a State. That history could fill an entire post by itself. However, for the moment, know that in PA they are equivalent. The Commonwealth is lead by the executive branch, consisting of Governor Tom Corbett, Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley, Attorney General Linda Kelly, Auditor General Jack Wagner, and State Treasurer Robert McCord. These folks manage the government of the Commonwealth.

Now, like the federal government, we also have a bicameral (meaning two part) legislative branch. Known as the General Assembly, it includes 50 Senators and 203 Representatives. These are the men and women who create laws within Pennsylvania and modify existing laws on the books.

The job of interpreting those laws is left to the judiciary, which is composed of 60 judicial districts, most of which (except Philadelphia) have magisterial district judges (formerly called district justices and justices of the peace), who preside over preliminary hearings in felony and misdemeanor offenses, all minor (summary) criminal offenses, and small civil claims. Most criminal and civil cases originate in the Courts of Common Pleas, which also serve as appellate courts to the district judges. The Superior Court hears all appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas not expressly designated to the Commonwealth Court or Supreme Court.The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the final appellate court. All judges in Pennsylvania are elected; the chief justice is determined by seniority.

I also asked the guys what the difference between a Democrat and a Republican. I got some varied answers, but again, that's a topic that is more than this blog post can handle. However, in the past decade, no political party has been clearly dominant in Pennsylvania. This, combined with Pennsylvania's rank of 6th in the country in population, has made it one of the most important swing states. Democrats are strong in Philadelphia County, Delaware County, Erie County, Allegheny County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, Luzerne County, and Lackawanna County (which, for those keeping track, are counties with large cities in them.) Republicans are strong in Lancaster County, York County, Franklin County, Westmoreland County, Butler County, Blair County, Lycoming County, and Cumberland County (which are more rural counties.) Swing counties in the state include Bucks County, Chester County, Berks County, Dauphin County, Cambria County, Beaver County, and Mercer Counties. In general, the Democrats are strongest in the large metro areas, particularly Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, and Allentown, while Republican support is widespread in rural areas in the central Allegheny Mountains and in the northern counties.

Furthermore, Pennsylvania is unique in the way it governs on a local level. Pennsylvania is divided into 67 counties. Counties are further subdivided into municipalities that are either incorporated as cities, boroughs, or townships. This where I have to give a shout out to my father, who has worked as the Manager of a municipality for the majority of his career. One county, Philadelphia County, is composed solely city of Philadelphia after it was consolidated in 1854. It is the only county like this.

There are a total of 56 cities in Pennsylvania, which are classified, by population, as either first, second, or third class cities. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city, has a population of 1,547,297 and is the state's only first class city. Pittsburgh (311,647) and Scranton (71,944) are second class 'A' cities, respectively.

The rest of the cities, like the third and fourth largest—Allentown (107,815) and Erie (103,571)—to the smallest—Parker with a population of only 738—are third class cities. First and second class cities are governed by a "strong mayor" form of mayor–council government, whereas third class cities are governed by either a "weak mayor" form of government or a council–manager government.

Boroughs are generally smaller than cities, with most Pennsylvania cities having been incorporated as a borough before being incorporated as a city. There are 958 boroughs in Pennsylvania, all of which governed by the "weak mayor" form of mayor–council government.

Townships are the third type of municipality in Pennsylvania and are classified as either first class or second class townships. There are 1,454 second class townships and 93 first class townships. Second class township can become first class townships if it has a population density greater than 300 inhabitants per square mile. There is one exception to the types of municipalities in Pennsylvania: Bloomsburg was incorporated as a town in 1870 and is, officially, the only town in the state.

I hope you learned a little bit more about how your government works in PA. The next time you get to meet a State level political official, keep this mind. They'll be impressed with how much you know!

My special thanks to Wikipedia, which does a great job of explaining much of this! 

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony