Centennial Memory #88: Senior DeMolays serving as RWGM

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 Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania is a proud supporter of PA DeMolay, and has been for many years. Often times, DeMolay has been credited as a starting point for men to become Masons. Although it is not a guarantee that a DeMolay will one day become a Mason, a good percentage of them do join a lodge.

Pennsylvania DeMolay has had three Senior DeMolays serve in the rank of Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The first, "Dad" John L. McCain, a Senior DeMolay from South Hills Chapter, served the Grand Lodge from 1976 to 1977. The second, "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson, a Senior DeMolay from McKinley Chapter, served the Grand Lodge from 1982 to 1983. The third, and most recent, "Dad" Edward H. Fowler Jr. from North Boroughs Chapter, served the Grand Lodge from 1992 to 1993. Several others have served as Advisors for DeMolay Chapters over the years.

EDIT: It was brought to my attention that I missed a Grand Master, an oversight that I'd like to sincerely apologize for. "Dad" George H. Hohenshildt, who served as Grand Master from 1994-1995, was a Senior DeMolay of Pilgrim Chapter. His photo has been added to the bottom of the page.

 

"Dad" John L. McCain

1976-1977

"Dad" Samuel C. Williamson

1982-1983

"Dad" Edward H. Fowler Jr.

1992-1993

"Dad" George H. Hohenshildt 

1994-1995

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Why Do We Do Ritual?

One of the things that sets DeMolay apart from other youth organizations is our ability to perform Ritual. When the term "Ritual" is used, it's usually referred to in a negative sense. The definition of Ritual is "an established or prescribed procedure." When DeMolay performs Ritual, it's used as a prescribed way of expressing the beliefs of our organization and the things we stand for. It expresses our belief in the 7 cardinal virtues of the order, our appreciation towards our country and all those who have served for our freedom, and our respect for the public school system, among several other things. Each piece of Ritual is a lesson that is used to educate members of DeMolay as well as others.    

At a young age, young men and women have choices to join activities, such as sports and theater, that allow our youth to share their talents with an audience. The way Ritual is performed by our DeMolays is no different from those activities. The young men of DeMolay take pride in the way they perform each ritual part. They want the viewers to leave satisfied with the way they present the work. The young men make sure that the movement looks good, the words flow properly, and that they look professional in the presentation of the work. It takes effort and practice to make sure that it's performed right, the same way that athletes attend practice and actors hold rehearsals.

As a Senior DeMolay, I enjoy seeing the Ritual performed to such a high quality that the members  are capable of performing it. It reminds me of the days that I put the same effort into those parts. Recently in Pennsylvania, the Mid-Atlantic Tournament of Champions was held in Gettysburg, a DeMolay Ritual Tournament in which members perform their parts competing against the best of the best in the Mid-Atlantic Region. It was encouraging to see the young men perform the Ritual of our work to the level that they did. It shows that we really do have something special with the organization of DeMolay.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin     

  

From DeMolay to the Big Leagues

At a young age, we all have hopes and dreams to become something above and beyond, such as a doctor, a lawyer, a professional athlete, or a famous movie star. For some, those dreams change over time, realizing other ambitions that come to us later in life. For others, they set every goal to make sure that this dream becomes a reality. For one Senior DeMolay from New Jersey, his dream to become a Professional Baseball Player is becoming more of a reality every day. 

In the 2017 MLB draft, the San Diego Padres selected Tyler Benson, a recent Senior DeMolay of Phoenix Chapter in New Jersey, who was playing for Outfield for Bloomsburg University. After just a few short months, Benson has already been promoted twice, currently playing for the Single-A Fort Wayne TinCaps. 

After all this excitement in his life, he still remembers his time in DeMolay and took a conversation with Past State Master Councilor of New Jersey, Matt Hoffman. Tyler stated that his favorite memory of DeMolay was "Playing in the 2012 NJ State Flag Football Tournament under the lights with his home chapter - Phoenix Chapter." He went on to say "To see everyone from all around the State coming together, it was really a cool experience to just have fun with everyone. And of course, I’m naturally a competitive person so I loved the competition, even though we barely lost in the championship." When asked what is one take away from DeMolay, he states "Brotherhood. No matter how long we are away from each other, we are always there for one another and our conversations pick up where they last left off."  

Although Tyler is not finished with his journey, his dream is being fulfilled by playing baseball everyday as a professional. This story proves that dreams can become a reality if you put the work in to make it happen. Thank you to "Dad" Peter Brusoe and Brother Matt Hoffman for sharing this story. Keep up the great work Tyler Benson, and I hope to see you in the big leagues sometime soon. To see an article on his promotion to Single-A ball, click the following link.
http://www.dailyrecord.com/…/tyler-benson-montvi…/467483001/

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin  

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

I AM DEMOLAY!

November is finally here, which means that it's DeMolay Rush Month. DeMolay International has dedicated the entire month of November to promoting this great organization and attempting to bring in new members to DeMolay. This is a way to be proud of the organization that has turned us into the people we are today.

So what are some things that you can do to promote DeMolay in Pennsylvania? The first thing is to wear a DeMolay shirt to school or work. DeMolay International is making every Tuesday a day in which you wear a DeMolay shirt, but why limit it to just Tuesday. Social media posts are another way that can help promote DeMolay. Post a picture of you wearing your DeMolay shirt and post it to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other form of social media (maybe even Myspace.) When posting, please remember to use the #IAMDEMOLAY. This is an attempt to make DeMolay a trending topic all over the world throughout November. 

So what are your waiting for? Get out there and promote the greatest youth organization around. Start posting and start bringing in new members. Pennsylvania is currently in second place with 73 new members. Lets make our way to first place. We can do it!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

#IAMDEMOLAY

Difference Makers: John Wayne

“Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” No quote better encapsulates the "true tough as irons with a heart soft as leather nature" of “The Duke.” Born Marion Robert Morrison, the future American actor would go on to be the most recognized name in all of the western genre of film. However, before all of that, John Wayne, then known as “Little Duke” because of the massive Airedale Terrier that he always had with him which was also named Duke, was a brother in the Order of DeMolay.

After his high school years, Wayne went to the University of Southern California on a football scholarship to major in Pre-Law. While there, he engaged deeply in his studies and became a member of the Sigma Chi greek fraternity. Unfortunately, Wayne lost his scholarship due to a bodysurfing accident and was forced to return home to Southern California, unable to pay the hefty price of college tuition.

While at the time this seemed devastating to the young star-to-be, it was in fact a miracle. While working odds and ends in the acting industry, he was cast for the lead role in The Big Trail (1930), one of the first big budget films in the greatest decade in film history. It was here that he got his stage name “John Wayne.” His success on the big screen began to climb, and before long he was starring in his immortal pictures such as The Searchers (1956), True Grit (1969), The Quiet Man (1952), and The Alamo (1960).

John Wayne’s story of success is one for the history books, but it is all the more meaningful to us, his brothers. So when you hit some troubles down the road, remember to be like John Wayne; "I'm not the sort to back away from a fight. I don't believe in shrinking from anything. It's not my speed; I'm a guy who meets adversities head on."

This edition of the blog has been provided by PA DeMolay State Treasurer Daniel Shevalier. Thank you Daniel for your contribution. 

Be Proud of DeMolay!

Since March is less than a month away, now is the best time to decide what your chapter will do for DeMolay Month. DeMolay Month is an entire month of celebrating the fun and exciting things that DeMolay has to offer. In Pennsylvania there is also a DeMolay Month Competition with awards presented at Convention to the top 3 chapters with the most points during the month.

So, what are some good ways to celebrate DeMolay Month? I put together a short list of ideas that your chapter may want to consider in order to make it the best DeMolay Month ever.

1. Have your chapter go on a visitation to another DeMolay Chapter. It’s always interesting to see a DeMolay meeting from a different perspective.
2. Invite Senior DeMolays to an activity, whether a meeting or fun activity. Most Senior DeMolays enjoy seeing their chapter again. It reminds them of why they enjoyed DeMolay so much when they were a member.
3. Present the “Hi Dad!” book to a local library or school.
4. Perform a community service project and a Masonic service project. DeMolay members take pride in providing service to the community and to the Masonic bodies.
5. Invite your chapter’s Masonic Sponsors to a meeting or a fun activity. This will help show that your chapter appreciates the support the sponsors have been giving.
6. Induct new members into the chapter. Membership is a big part of what makes DeMolay successful.
7. Send in an article and photo about your DeMolay chapter to a local newspaper. This will help promote DeMolay through the local community.
8. Contact local government officials and have them sign proclamations making March DeMolay Month.
9. Make the week of March 18^th, DeMolay Week.
10. Advertise DeMolay. You could wear a DeMolay shirt to work or school, display the DeMolay logo on your vehicle or backpack, or change your profile picture to be DeMolay related on your social media account. Be proud of DeMolay!

March is almost here, so plan the month now before it’s too late. Look at the DeMolay Month checklist to see all of the ways your chapter can earn points. Good luck to all chapters, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

Until next time – “Dad” Joe Pullin 

Gridiron Gang: Fran Tarkenton

With Super Bowl 50 taking place in a little over a week, I figured this is a good time to acknowledge the former football stars that were, or currently are, part of our Masonic Family. We start with a former member of the Order of DeMolay, legendary Quarterback Fran Tarkenton.

Francis Asbury Tarkenton, who later shortened the name to Fran, was born on February 3^rd, 1940 in Richmond, Virginia. He became the star Quarterback for Athens High School, where he led the team to a state championship in 1955. It was during his time in high school that Tarkenton found DeMolay, joining Frank Hardeman Chapter from Athens, Georgia in 1954. He attended the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to the Southeast Conference Championship and to the Orange Bowl. He became an All-American athlete for the Georgia Bulldogs.

In 1961, Tarkenton was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. In his first NFL game, Tarkenton threw 4 touchdowns, an accomplishment that had not been repeated until this past year when Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans made the same accomplishment. Tarkenton became known as a mobile Quarterback, often referred to as “The Mad Scrambler” or “Frantic Fran.” In 1968, after playing his first 6 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, he was traded to the New York Giants. In 1972, which would prove to be the prime of his career, Tarkenton was traded back to the Minnesota Vikings. From here, Tarkenton would lead the Vikings to 3 Super Bowls in 4 years, unfortunately missing out on all three tries. Tarkenton was named the League MVP in 1975 and was selected a total of 9 times to the Pro Bowl team. Tarkenton became a Pro Football Hall of Famer in 1986.

After his playing days were over, Tarkenton became a very well-known business man. Tarkenton has started twelve businesses, including a multi-million dollar computer software company that he sold in 1994. He also became known as a motivational speaker and an author, writing the books “What Losing Taught Me about Winning,” and “How to Motivate People: The Team Strategy for Success.”

In 1986, the same year Tarkenton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, DeMolay International inducted him into the DeMolay Hall of Fame. He was a Senior DeMolay as well as an Active Legion of Honor recipient. This Hall of Fame class was the inaugural class for DeMolay International.

“It is a great honor to be inducted into the DeMolay Hall of Fame. In today’s society where there is so much violence and heartache, it’s a gratifying feeling to know there is such a fine organization as DeMolay to look up to and lean on for guidance and support. I am proud to be a member!”

Be proud of who you are, both as a person and as a DeMolay.

Until next time – “Dad” Joe Pullin   

From Master Councilor to Worshipful Master

Last night, I had the privilege of watching a longtime friend and DeMolay brother become the Worshipful Master of his lodge. Brother and "Dad" Seth C. Anthony was installed into the office of Worshipful Master for Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682 of the Free and Accepted Masons. The official title changes hands on December 28th, while an open Installation was held at the Elizabethtown Masonic Lodge within the Masonic Villages.

"Dad" Seth Anthony has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity since he turned 21. He started as a member of Erie Chapter Order of DeMolay, where he became Master Councilor after a brief time as a member. Seth also served as State Junior Councilor and State Senior Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay, as well as becoming a respected advisor for the organization. He previously worked as the Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and currently works for the Masonic Villages. In fact, this very blog site was once written by "Dad" Anthony.

It takes a true Mason to have the same level of dedication for the entire Masonic Family. It's not everyday that a former Master Councilor becomes the Worshipful Master of his lodge. Of members who were active in DeMolay while I was, Seth is the first of my peers to reach this goal.

On behalf of Pennsylvania DeMolay I'd like to congratulate Brother Anthony! Good luck in your term; I know that you will do a fantastic job!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin    

Who will be the next John Steinbeck?

Have you read "Of Mice and Men," "The Pearl," "The Red Pony," "The Grapes of Wrath," or "Cannery Row?"  These, and 27 other major works were authored by Senior DeMolay John Steinbeck, (1902-1968) who received a  Pulitzer Prize in 1940 for "The Grapes of Wrath," and a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 "for his realistic as well as imaginative writings, distinguished by a sympathetic humor and a keen social perception.”

Brother Steinbeck was a charter member of Watsonville Chapter in Watsonville, California, in 1921, and was inducted posthumously into the DeMolay Hall of Fame on June 16, 1995.  To learn more about Bro. Steinbeck, take a look at this link to a

Biography of John Steinbeck.

If, like Bro. Steinbeck, you enjoy creative writing, think that you have a knack for putting words on paper with style and a pizzazz and are an Active DeMolay, then we have a challenge for you: the annual  Kach Essay Contest.

The Scottish Rite Paul R. Kach Essay Competition awards $300 to each Region winner (two winners from each of the ten regions) and $1,200 for the national winners (two national winners.)  There are two competition categories, the first for young men in the 11th grade and above and the second for those in the 10th grade and below.  Entries in the 2015 essay contest must be titled: "100 Years More of Frank S. Land's Vision."  The content of the essay is of primary concern, but proper grammar and spelling will also be factors in the judging.  The essays must be an original work with a minimum of 1,000 words and a maximum of 1,500 words.  All essays must be submitted to Executive Officer "Dad" Tom Labagh by March 31, 2015.

Complete details on the Kach Essay contest have been mailed to all Pennsylvania DeMolay Chairmen, Chapter Advisors and Leadership Team Members.  A copy of the informational pamphlet is also available at the DeMolay International Webpage under Resources:Forms;2015 Kach Essay at:

http://www.demolay.org/resources/forms/

We challenge all of our active DeMolays in Pennsylvania - and in all Jurisdictions - to emulate Bro. Steinbeck, pick up a pen or settle in behind your keyboard of choice, and share your thoughts on what the vision of DeMolay will be for the next 100 years!

The Terrible, No Good, Very Bad, Double Letter Foul

The first time I encountered the term "double letter foul" was from "Dad" Brent Richards. He was explaining the proper wearing of DeMolay regalia when he told us not to "double letter." Confused, I asked him what he meant by this. He explained that in the collegiate Greek fraternity system, it was considered bad form to wear more than one garment or piece of jewelry proclaiming your fraternity allegiance at one in the same time. If you were wearing your fraternity hat, you didn't also need to wear a fraternity sweatshirt. It was a simple, unwritten rule to keep people from going over the top.

In DeMolay, there are several ways to commit a double letter foul. For instance, if you are wearing your Chevalier cords, then you shouldn't also be wearing a Chevalier pin. Likewise, if you are wearing a Blue Honor Key, you shouldn't also wear your Founder's Membership Award. By displaying former, we already know that you have earned the latter.

I often see this happen with the multiple wearing of lapel pins and honors. Remember the old rule - one of each! You should wear no more than one honor or award around your neck, on your lapel, on your pocket, and on your hand. Also, as much as possible, they should all be for different things.

As an example, the wearing of an RD Medallion, a PMC Jewel, a Number One pin, and a Chevalier Ring is a perfect way to show that you have earned many awards and honors in DeMolay without going overboard. However, wearing your RD Medallion, Chevalier Cords, PMC Jewel, PMC-MSA, RD Lapel Pin, Chevalier Tie Tack, and Chevalier Ring is extreme and very overboard.

Whenever you are representing DeMolay in public, remember to wear only one DeMolay piece of clothing at a time. If you are wearing that awesome new shirt your Chapter just had created, you don't also need DeMolay shorts and a DeMolay hat. People will notice your shirt and ask you about it. They won't be any more inclined to ask you if you wear three more additional versions of the same logo. If they are interested, they'll ask. If not, they won't.

This issue isn't just limited to DeMolay! I see members of the Masonic Fraternity double lettering all of the time! More people than you may realize notice choices such as these and make judgments about the wearer without even knowing. It's always better to be safe and wear your affiliation in moderation. Be proud of what you have earned, but don't overdo it!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

 

The Value of Connections

As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, I've recently purchased my first home. While the structure of the home is solid, it requires several "facial" updates. The light fixtures, paint, counter tops, vanities, etc. are all pretty dated. The electrical outlets need to be replaced and some minor plumbing needs to be completed to really make the house new again. This is the "price" I'm paying for having gotten a great deal on the home at well under market value. In real estate terms, they refer to this as putting in "sweat equity."

For the last week and a half, I have worked nearly 100 hours on my new home. I've learned how to wire an outlet, plumb a sink, paint an ugly wall, fix a garage door, trim an overgrown tree, clean my gutters, change a light fixture, and so much more. I was discussing these projects with a Masonic Brother and he asked where I learned to do all of these things. I answered honestly and told him that much of it came from my father, while the rest came from watching videos on the internet. Everything was going very smoothly. Then, last weekend came.

Saturday was a huge day of work. I arrived at the house around 9 AM and immediately got cracking. I had some help, thanks to "Mom" Stacy Meeker, who took on the major task of painting. Then, around 1 PM, Bro. Matt Blaisdell came over and offered to assist as well. He and Stacy took to painting a bathroom while I completed some electrical work. The projects were going well, until I hit an issue with a light switch. It had many more wires than I had previously worked with and I wasn't sure what to do. I tried several combinations. Finally, the light came on and I thought I had it fixed. Then, at the end of the night, when I went to turn the light off, it wouldn't switch off. Drats! I ended up flipping the breaker and left it for Sunday morning.

I started working on the switch first thing on Sunday. I spent nearly two hours trying to get the switch to work, with no luck. Realizing that further work was futile, I moved on to the next project - mounting a new light above the vanity in my bathroom. I removed the previous fixture off of the wall, only to realize that the wires were punched through the wall in the wrong place for the new light, stopping that project dead in its tracks. I was frustrated. I was getting angry. I wasn't sure what to do. My new house was causing me much consternation.

It was about this time that I remembered that Bro. Scott Smeltzer, a Senior DeMolay from the old Continental Chapter in York, is an electrician. I called and left Scott a message and he got back to me pretty quickly. I explained my issues and he offered to come to my house on Wednesday to look at my problems. As promised, Scott arrived on Wednesday and got right to work. In an hour and a half, he managed to take care of three projects. I had spent three times that much working on just one issue. He was a life saver, to say the least.

As he was finishing up the job, I asked him how much I owed him for the work. Scott responded "Nothing. This is what Brothers do. I help you, you help me. That's what it's all about." I was blown away. I had never expected him to do the work without cost and had money in my pocket ready to pay him. However, he wouldn't take any remuneration from me (and I tried a couple of times.)

This is the value of the DeMolay program - connections. Over a decade ago, I spent $50 to join Erie Chapter. Since that time, that $50 has grown in ways that I could never have expected. Had I called in an outside electrician, it could have cost me hundreds of dollars and this doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what the Fraternity has done for me over the years.

The value of DeMolay (and Freemasonry) isn't monetary. It's the connections that it gives you the opportunity to make. If you invest in making, keeping, and supporting your connections, you're investing in a better future for yourself and your Brothers.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

PA's Senior DeMolays - Kendig C. Bare

The history of PA DeMolay is fairly vast. Hundreds of thousands of young men have called a PA Chapter home. Some of those DeMolays went on to lead ordinary, uneventful lives, filled with service and love. Others preferred the spotlight, fulfilling a deep desire to affect the world around them; of the latter, one stands out to me as a DeMolay worthy of emulation.

Bro.  Kendig C. Bare, colloquially known as “KC” by his Brothers and friends, was an early member of Lancaster Chapter. Born on November 5, 1913, KC was at the perfect age for DeMolay when Lancaster Chapter was founded in October of 1928. It is an interesting side note that Lancaster Chapter was instituted in a ceremony overseen by someone you should all know about – “Dad” Ralph C. Minehart, Founder of PA DeMolay.

KC was an active member of Lancaster Chapter, rising to the position of Master Councilor in September, 1932. His biggest goal was to have Lancaster Chapter publish a better newsletter. He quickly assigned a committee and got to work. The Chapter published the first issue of the Sentinel during KC’s term, with his older Brother, Howard, a PMC himself, at the helm as Editor. When KC completed his term of office, he took over the Editor’s desk and retained it for the next 14 months.  For his work on the Sentinel, KC was honored as the first “DeMolay of the Year” for Lancaster Chapter.

However, honors and awards did not satiate Bro. Bare’s appetite for service. In 1933, Lancaster Chapter undertook a major campaign to host the 1934 Conclave of the Associated Chapters of the Order of DeMolay in Pennsylvania. Bro. Bare headed up this committee, which did indeed win the bid to host the event. KC put in hundreds of hours of work to arrange all of the details for the Conclave. Everyone was very impressed with the event Lancaster Chapter put on. Riding high on this success, Bro. Bare made a fateful decision. He would run for State Master Councilor.

At this time in PA DeMolay history, one did not have to serve in another elected office to be State Master Councilor. While it was unusual for someone to jump straight to the top, it can and did happen, mostly thanks to politics. Think of the situation; Bro. Bare just arranged and hosted a very successful Conclave. Everyone around the Commonwealth knew of the success of the Sentinel, his newsletter. Finally, the vote was taking place in his home town, where several members of Lancaster Chapter could be mustered to bolster his vote count. All of these things combined to help KC get elected State Master Councilor for the 1934 – 1935 term.

KC’s claim to fame in that office was the development and publishing of the Keystone Crusader, the first newsletter of the Order of DeMolay in Pennsylvania, which is still printed today. Initially published out of Kendig’s home in Lancaster, the “Key Cru,” as it is sometimes called today, has been the main channel for distributing DeMolay information in Pennsylvania for close to eighty years.

So well liked was Bro. Bare, that, upon completion of his term as SMC, at the age of 21, he was inducted into the DeMolay Legion of Honor. The Degree of Chevalier had not yet been developed, so the Legion of Honor was used to show the Order’s enthusiasm for Bro. Bare’s hard work and dedication.

KC’s service to DeMolay was far from over, however. He would go on to serve on the Advisory Council for Lancaster Chapter for a number of years. He was later elevated to the rank of District Deputy for the area surrounding Lancaster, where he would administer and assist several other Chapters.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate much information on Kendig’s personal life following his DeMolay career. We know he remained a life-long resident of Lancaster, but we do not have record of his profession, outside of one important distinction. He was married, but had no children.

At the age of 37, in 1950, Kendig was elected as the Mayor of the City of Lancaster. He managed to serve only nine months, before being called to the service of his country to help win the Korean War. He served at the rank of Captain with the United States Army. In his absence, his older Brother, Howard, took over the reins of the City while his Brother performed his service. Upon his return to the States, Kendig was re-instated as Mayor and would serve another full term, before retiring from that office in 1958. The City of Lancaster honored Bro. Bare by naming its public safety building after him, which still stands today.

Kendig Bare was a paragon of service, both to his community and to Pennsylvania DeMolay. He passed away in 1989, leaving one heck of a legacy. Throughout his life he showed dedication, patriotism, and his ability to communicate well. All of these traits are something every DeMolay should try to master, ever keeping in mind the example of Bro. Bare.

Frat! ~ “Dad” Seth Anthony

 

Addendum: Following the publishing of this article, "Dad" Eric Ullom, PSMC, sent me a picture of Bro. Bare's PSMC key. Yes, that's right, a key - just like the Blue Honor Key. Prior to the institution of the PSMC jewel, Pennsylvania awarded keys to its PSMC's. Sadly, this key was sold at auction to an unknown buyer. If you know who owns this item, please let us know at webmaster@pademolay.net. We would really like to bring back to Pennsylvania!

PA's Senior DeMolays - William Shillady

I keep being impressed with how many hits my stories on PA's Senior DeMolays are getting. Since everyone seems to be interested in these articles, I'm going to post another one! Today, we take a look at one of PA's Past State Master Councilor's, Bro. William Shillady, who served in 1975-76. While you may not know his name, some very important people do - like former President Bill Clinton and his family!

I found a great biography of Bro. Shillady at the United Methodist City Society's web page:

"Rev. Dr. William S. Shillady has served as Executive Director of the United Methodist City Society since September 2008. Before taking this position, he served as a pastor for 29 years.

A native of Reading, Pennsylvania, Rev. Shillady received his undergraduate degree from Lebanon Valley College. In 1981 he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School. During his time at Duke he served a four point United Methodist charge in Eastern North Carolina and a Presbyterian Church in downtown Raleigh.

After seminary, Rev. Shillady served one year in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference at the Hawes Avenue United Methodist Church. In 1982 he transferred to the New York Conference and served for six years as the associate pastor to Rev. Dr. Clayton Miller at Asbury Crestwood United Methodist Church in Yonkers.

In 1988 he was appointed to the Mamaroneck United Methodist Church on the Sound shore in Westchester, where he was senior pastor for 11 years. During his tenure, the church raised the funds for and accomplished a major restoration project, prompted by the 2,000 pound church bell falling through the steeple one memorable Sunday morning. Also during this period, Shillady earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew Theological School.

In 1999, he was appointed to the Park Avenue United Methodist Church on the upper east side of Manhattan, where he served as senior pastor for 9 years.

On September 1, 2008 Shillady became the fifth Executive Director of the merged mission associations that created the United Methodist City Society.

Over the years, Rev. Shillady has served on a variety of boards and committees of the New York Annual Conference, as well as community based programs and boards. He now is the chairperson of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits of the Conference, a mentor to candidates for ministry, and serves as chair of the District Committee on Ministry. And currently, he is a member of the Board of Visitors of Duke Divinity School and on the Leadership Council for Habitat for Humanity, NYC."

Pretty impressive huh? Well, check this out, from an article by Linda Bloom, located at http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2789393&ct=8551293

"A United Methodist pastor and Jewish rabbi officiated at the July 31 wedding ceremony of Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky in Rhinebeck, N.Y.

The Rev. Bill Shillady, executive director of the New York City Society and a clergy member of the New York Annual (regional) Conference, performed the ceremony with Rabbi James Ponet, the Jewish chaplain of Yale University.

“It was a wonderful honor to be part of this special day in Chelsea and Marc’s life,” Shillady told United Methodist News Service."

Brother Shillady continues to live the life of a DeMolay and we are proud to have such an esteemed member of society among our PSMC's!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

PA's Senior DeMolays - Glenn Grell

Continuing our look at some of Pennsylvania's more well known Senior DeMolays, we come to Bro. Glen R. Grell, who serves in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 87th District, which covers Cumberland County. Much of the information below comes from Rep. Grell's website.

Rep. Glen R. Grell was first elected in 2004 to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 87th District in Cumberland County.  He is currently serving his fifth, two-year term in the state House.

A long-time civic and community leader, Grell is a lifelong resident of Cumberland County.  The 87th Legislative District is comprised of the townships of East Pennsboro, Hampden and Silver Spring, the Borough of Camp Hill, and the second voting precinct of Wormleysburg Borough, pending completion of the 2012 legislative redistricting process.

During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Grell has been the principal sponsor or House floor leader on legislation on subjects ranging from eminent domain; public pension reform; the 2012 Justice Reinvestment Initiative for corrections reform; revisions to the Uniform Commercial Code on secured transactions; a recodification of the Notary Public Law; tort reform and other subjects.  

Prior to being elected to the House, Grell was a practicing attorney in central Pennsylvania since earning his law degree from the Dickinson School of Law in 1981. He was formerly with the law firm of Klett, Lieber, Rooney & Schorling, having previously practiced in the areas of municipal and administrative law, government affairs, real estate law and finance, and public procurement.

As a highly-regarded real estate attorney, Grell was appointed in 2004 to serve on the Joint State Government Commission’s Advisory Committee on Real Property Law, in the first phase of its mission to advise the General Assembly on the codification of real estate laws in Pennsylvania.  During the 2005-06 legislative session, Grell was the prime House sponsor of legislation to protect private property rights and reform the Pennsylvania Eminent Domain Code, which became Acts 34 and 35 of 2006. 

Grell served as Deputy General Counsel to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge from 1995 to 2000. In that capacity, he had primary responsibility for Commonwealth contracting, review and approval of Commonwealth contracts, deeds, leases, inter-agency agreements, and other obligations.  He has also been a member of the Republican National Lawyers Association, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Solicitors, the Urban Land Institute, the West Shore Chamber of Commerce, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors, and Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg.  Grell is also a graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area.

Grell has been active politically at the local, statewide and national level for more than 25 years. He has served as an elected committeeman in Hampden Township, as deputy chairman and vice chairman of the Cumberland County Republican Committee, as county coordinator and regional field director for Gov. Tom Ridge’s gubernatorial campaign, as Pennsylvania co-chairman of Lawyers for Bush-Cheney, as a volunteer for the 2000 Republican National Convention, County Co-Chairman for Romney/Ryan 2012 and has been active in many other local and regional political campaigns.  

Grell is a 1974 graduate of Cumberland Valley High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 1978, as well as his J.D. from Dickinson Law School in 1981.  He and his wife, the former Elaine Sanzotto, reside in Hampden Township.  They have two children: Cory, PMC and Senior DeMolay himself, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, and Alyssa, a student at Millersville University.

His civic activities include serving on the Shippensburg University Council of Trustees since 1995; serving on the Board of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation and as chairman of the Foundation’s Educational Endowment Fund Scholarship Committee; prior service as director of the Cumberland Valley Eagle Foundation from 2002-10.  He has also served as chairman of a Fund Distribution Panel of the United Way of the Capital Region and was a member of the Board of Directors of Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties from 2006-12.  He is also an honorary member of the board of New Birth of Freedom Council, Boy Scouts of America, Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company #30, the Mechanicsburg Sportsmen’s Club, and a member of the Central Pennsylvania College President’s Circle. 

PA's Senior DeMolays - Jason Klock

I've gotten an amazing response to my first article highlighting Senior DeMolay's from Pennsylvania. Several people have sent in information regarding Senior DeMolay's from PA that are making a name for themselves in their communities. Today, we take a look at a Senior DeMolay from Pilgrim Chapter, in Harrisburg.

Bro. Jason Klock is well known in central Pennsylvania, as he runs one of the most successful DJ businesses in the mid-state. Klock Entertainment now employs more than 20 staffers, who work several hundred events a year. Jason is also well known to PA DeMolay, as he is fondly remembered for his rambunctious years as an active DeMolay. Jason loved to DJ DeMolay dances - in fact, it's where he got his start. DeMolay gave him the chance to find his passion. Now, Jason has turned that passion into a full time business.

A short biography from his website (http://www.klockentertainment.com) states:


"Jason is the owner and founder of Klock Entertainment.  Jason started his DJ career back in high school and has not been able to let go of the microphone since.  After attending Harrisburg Area Community College majoring in Communications and Business Management, Jason decided it was time to turn his passion into a business.  Throughout the past few years, Jason has been able to grow his passion into a 20+ employee entertainment company.  Even though you’ll always catch Jason in the office, you’ll still find him working over 75 events a year!  When Jason isn’t working on KE or Emceeing an event you’ll find him spending time with his wife, Jess and their Australian Shepherd, Bailey.  Jason also enjoys playing the drums and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers."

You can read more about Jason in a recent article from Harrisburg Magazine at http://www.harrisburgmagazine.com/April-2013/Life-is-One-Never-Ending-Party/

This is a great example of a DeMolay succeeding in business and channeling his talents into a life long career. Congratulations to Jason for his success!

Do you know of a Senior DeMolay who deserves highlighting? Drop me a note at webmaster@pademolay.org and let me know!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

PA's Senior DeMolays - Lyell Cook

I'm always looking for new ideas for series of articles. Last week, as I was working on documents for Convention, I stumbled across a great interview of a Senior DeMolay from Erie Chapter. This gave me the idea to begin spotlighting some of Pennsylvania's Senior DeMolays who are making an impact on their community.

It seems only appropriate that we start this series with Brother who gave me the idea. Bro. Lyell Cook is currently serving as the Erie County Coroner (and has been doing so since 2000.) He is an active supporter of Erie Chapter and holds the Legion of Honor. The Erie Reader, an online magazine, produced a great piece about Bro. Cook and I encourage all of you to read it. It can be found here: http://www.eriereader.com/article/you-ought-to-know-lyell-cook

I think it's easy to see how DeMolay impacted Bro. Cook's life. He is a model of public service and DeMolay experience, which all should try to emulate. We hope to have Bro. Cook at Convention 2103 so that everyone can meet him and experience his jovial nature first hand.

If you have information on a Senior DeMolay from Pennsylvania that deserves a write up here on the blog, shoot the information to webmaster@pademolay.org and I'll be glad to post it!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

A Letter from Bro. Walt

Anyone has been around DeMolay knows that Walt Disney was a member of our Order. In fact, I've discussed that on this blog before. In an effort to find something to post today, I did some digging and came across the text of a  letter written by Bro. Disney in February of 1965. The actual letter is retained by the Disney History Institute.

According to the Institute, several young men were forming Acacia Chapter in Stuart, FL. They wrote to Disney asking for his support and any insight he may have. He responded with the following letter:


"To my young brothers in the Acacia Chapter, Order of DeMolay, in Stuart, Florida I am happy to extend my warm greetings to you all.

I am proud, indeed, still to retain my bond with DeMolay as an honorary legionnaire. I am deeply grateful for the association which materially influenced not alone my young years but my whole personal and professional life.

One of he most important events of my youth, and one of the happiest too, was my acceptance into the membership of DeMolay. And I realize now, even more than then, how deeply my whole life, personal and professional, has been influenced by that early association. I am proud, indeed, still to retain my bond with DeMolay as an honorary legionnaire.

I was among the first members of the order when it was conceived and established in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1919 by that grand humanitarian, Dad Land. At his invitation, a number of my young neighbors and I from the Benton School joined the first chapter in the city of its birth.

Through the years I have watched the growth and progress and prestige of this great organization. I have witnessed the inspiration it has been to many of our finest citizens and ablest leaders in all walks of life. The composite record of the 2,000,000-odd past and present DeMolays is most impressive for its many outstanding contributions in the private and public life of our nation.

I feel a great sense of obligation and gratitude toward the order for the part it has played in my endeavors. Its precepts have been beyond value in making decisions, in facing dilemmas and crises, in holding onto faiths and ideals and in meeting the tests which are best borne when shared with others in a bond of confidence and mutual respect.

The DeMolay creeds had become a definite guide by the time I started making motion pictures, first in Kansas City, then in Hollywood.

There is always some connection between a man's character and what he creates or perfects, so we are told. And it may well be that the same influences which shaped the thinking and behavior and preferences of my youth, had something to do with the early steps of my movie career and the direction it took.

It is gratifying to be assured that these same influences of DeMolay are still at work among so many young Americans today."

If you could ask any Senior DeMolay for support and advice, who would it be? Leave your answer in the comments!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Senior DeMolay Highlight - John Steinbeck

It's been quite some time since I did a Senior DeMolay Highlight on the blog. As the school year winds down and the winds of Spring bring warm air to the Commonwealth, many young people are turning their attention to the final projects and papers required to complete their coursework. There are very few high schools that don't require some sort of reading and one of the most widely read authors is also a Senior DeMolay. Let's find out more about...

John Steinbeck

Great American Author

Bro. Steinbeck is probably one of the most notable writers of the 20th Century. His works have become standard fare for high school and collegiate English classes and many young people cut their proverbial teeth analyzing his novels. However, John never wanted the spotlight. He was a solitary man and valued his personal time more than anything else.

Born February 27, 1902, John was much loved by his parents. His father, John, was the Treasurer of Monterrey County in California, where the family resided. His mother, Olivia, was a retired school teacher. Episcopalians by faith, the Steinbecks were actually of German descent, while his mother was Irish. In his youth, John worked at a local farm and ranch where he encountered the darker side of migrant and farm labor that later influenced his novels. He assisted in founding Watsonville Chapter, Order of DeMolay, in Wastonville, CA, as a Charter member. As he aged, he attended Stanford University, but left after three years without earning a degree.
John entered the workforce, finding little success. He bounced from job to job, including acting as a tour guide and working in a warehouse. The only good thing to come out of this labor was that he met his first wife, Carrol, whom he would marry in 1930. Seeing his potential, his parents put he and Carrol up in a small flat where they subsidized his income so that he could concentrate on writing. He found a groove and penned his first books in the 1930's, but his life took a turn when he divorced Carrol in 1941. By 1942 he had remarried, this time to Gwyn, with whom he would have his only children - Tom and John IV.

Steinbeck wasn't immune from World War II. He served as a war correspondent until the completion of the conflict in 1945. Following the war, John travelled around the world, including several trips to Russia. In 1948 he returned to California to visit a dying friend, but sadly the man passed before John could arrive. Upon returning to his home from that trip, Gwyn asked John for a divorce, leaving him a broken man at the end of the 1940's.
 
If the 40's were rough for John, the 50's and 60's were his golden years. He met his third wife, Elaine, and wed her in 1950. He spent the next 18 years with her while he furthered his literary career. John passed away on December 20, 1968, at the age of 66, due to complications from a life time of smoking.

Before passing, John left such a volume of work that he would be lauded for decades to come. His books "The Grapes of Wrath," "Of Mice and Men," and "East of Eden" are considered modern day classics. He won a Nobel Prize in 1962 for his literary work. He was also honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Lyndon B. Johnson.
 
The legacy of John Steinbeck is apparent. Sometimes the most creative and talented people are the most reserved and quietest in group situations. While he may not have been a Master Councilor, Bro. Steinbeck was certainly a leader in his own right.
Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Senator, Congressman, Captain, & Brother

This post is part of series of entries written by the Elected State Officers of PA DeMolay. Each of them have been assigned topics to discuss and offer their opinions on. Today's post is offered by Bro. Neal Skibicki, State Treasurer. Enjoy!

Since its beginning, the Order of DeMolay was noted for its support of patriotic ideals and virtues. This is mostly likely attributed to the diligence and effort of the members of the Order in practicing the seventh cardinal virtue - Patriotism. While every DeMolay should embody this virtue, some have gone above and beyond the call of duty in representing our great nation.

 Most of us are familiar with a few famous DeMolays such as  Terry Bradshaw and Walt Disney, but there are even more of us who have given so much to our country. For example, Bro. Robert B. Anderson (Former Secretary of the Treasury, Former Secretary of the Navy), Bro. Paul E. Tsongas (Former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and 1992 Democratic Presidential Candidate), Bro. Mike Enzi (US Senator from Wyoming), Bro. and Captain Lance P. Sijan (Vietnam Prisoner of War and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient), Bro. and General John P. McConnell (Fighter Pilot and Former United States Air Force Chief of Staff), Bro. James H. Douglas (Governor of Vermont), Bro. Charles Robb (Former Governor of Virginia, and also a Former US Senator from Virginia), and even Bro. and President Bill Clinton. Although they may hold high positions in our government or military forces, you can call each and every one of these men your brother, and know that many of them would not have "reached for the stars" as they did if they had not been members of DeMolay.

Bro. Carl Albert, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said, "In reflecting on my forty-nine years of public service, I find that the precepts of the Order of DeMolay have been invaluable to me. This was particularly true the two times I was just a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States and faced very difficult decisions. My public life, as well as my private life, has been guided by the DeMolay vow – to love and serve God, my country, and my fellow man". Take those words to heart and always remember each and every one of our famous patriot brothers in history was just like you when they were growing up, a member of this great fraternity DeMolay.

Bring your Patriotic pride to your Chapter's Patriots Day Observance and our annual Patriots Class in Reading, PA, where we will be honoring another great Patriot, and proud supporter of DeMolay, Illustrious "Dad" Russel W. Baker, 33°, and Deputy for Pennsylvania of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction!