Centennial Memory #96: Pilgrim Chapter Band

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.

This specific post will be more about sharing pictures than it will be about telling a story.

One of the things that separates DeMolay from other youth organizations is the ability for the youth to plan the activities. In some cases, this included Chapters creating their own groups or teams. Some Chapters had sports teams, while other Chapters formed bands or other extracurricular activities. Below you will see photos from Pilgrim Chapter, and their very own Marching Band. The first picture is from their 10th Anniversary. Thank you Pilgrim Chapter for sharing several memories from the Chapter's history for us to share. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #97: Mutual Respect Agreement

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.

Pennsylvania DeMolay has always had a very successful relationship with the fellow Masonic Youth Organizations; Rainbow, Job's Daughters, Knights of Pythagoras and Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls. At the 2006 PA DeMolay Convention, the relationship between DeMolay and the Knights of Pythagoras, a male youth organization sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall, became a little stronger.

On July 15, 2006, Brother S. Alexander Fizz, State Master Councilor of Pennsylvania DeMolay, and Brother Terrence D. Green, Grand Master Knight of Pennsylvania Knights of Pythagoras, signed a document known as the "Resolution of Mutual Respect, Recognition and Fraternal Love" within the two organizations. The documents were signed and authorized by Pennsylvania DeMolay Executive Officer, Thomas R. Labagh and Worshipful State Youth Director for Pennsylvania Knights of Pythagoras, Kevin D. Mahoner. The signing was also witnessed by the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Ronald A. Aungst.

"What exactly is a Mutual Respect, Recognition and Fraternal Love Agreement?" I'm glad you asked. The document not only expresses the mutual recognition and respect of the two organizations, which had already existed for years, but also encourages membership of the two organizations to visit each other. As stated below:

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT we, the members of The Order of DeMolay in Pennsylvania hereby adopt this resolution of mutual respect, recognition and fraternal love for our Brothers of The Order of the Knights of Pythagoras in Pennsylvania, and encourage visitation to stated and special meetings, as well as participation in shared programs of education, athletics, ritual and fun."

Up until that point, DeMolay and Knights of Pythagoras worked together as much as they could. They participated in Brotherhood Weekends, including the one taking place earlier that year entitled "Brotherhood Evolved: Road to Glory." DeMolay is proud of the ongoing relationship we have with the members of Knights of Pythagoras. I'm proud to say that I am still friends with Terrence, and a few of the other members I had the privilege to meet during my time in DeMolay.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #98: PA DeMolay Supports the Children's Dyslexia Centers

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

For many years now, members of PA DeMolay have been accustomed to the State Charity being the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, sponsored by the Scottish Rite. When did this start? Here is a little backstory of our history with the Learning Centers.

The Children’s Dyslexia Centers officially became the State Charity at the PA DeMolay Convention in 1999. Starting in 2000, the State Sweetheart has taken on the responsibility of working closely with the State Charity, helping to make the Chapters aware of the Dyslexia Centers and helping motivate the Chapters to donate. Here is a list of some of the known fundraisers that have taken place to benefit the Dyslexia Centers:

• PA DeMolay Sweatshirt sales
• “Not just a Fraternity..but a way of life” T-Shirt sales
• Bake Sales
• Penny Wars
• Soda Can and Soda Tab Collection
• Spaghetti Dinners
• Chicken Pot Pie Dinners
• Sub Sandwich sales
• Charity Poker Tournament
• Raffles and Door Prizes
• Dodgeball for Dyslexia

These are just some of the fundraisers that have taken place over the years. One thing that Chapters were encouraged to do was create a fundraiser for Frank S. Land Memorial Day, with the proceeds going to the State Charity. Chapters still do this to date, and are encouraged to be inventive when thinking of ideas. Some Chapters also do more than just raise money; they participate in walks to help bring awareness to the cause, and even visit their local center. A few PA DeMolays have been a product of the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, making them even more a meaningful cause for our youth.

 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #99: Grand Master's Class

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be observing 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

Every December, Pennsylvania DeMolay has become known for holding a Membership Induction Class in the honor of a Masonic affiliated dignitary. Some of the previous classes include “Supreme Tall Cedar Class,” “Grand High Priest Class,” “Thomas Ranken Patton Class,” and even a “Walt Disney Class.” Two weeks ago we held the “Right Eminent Grand Commander's Class.”

One of the regular induction classes that PA DeMolay holds is the “Grand Master’s Class,” in honor of the current Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Traditionally, this celebration takes place every other year, although it has been known to rotate due to the Grand Masters availability.

The classes are held at the Masonic Conference Center - Patton Campus in Elizabethtown. The degree teams are made up of an All-Star cast of DeMolay members from across PA DeMolay. This class allows the members of DeMolay to meet and interact with the Right Worshipful Grand Master (and yes, as the pictures indicate, sometimes that includes a game of basketball). It also gives the Grand Lodge Officers the chance to see the young men perform ritual work and display leadership. PA DeMolay appreciates the continued support of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #100: Founder's Cross Recipients

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be observing 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

The Founder’s Cross is an award that was given out by the Founder of DeMolay, Frank S. Land. "Dad" Land gave the award to several deserving individuals who were loyal to him and to the Order of DeMolay. Below, you will find the proper description of the award, according to the 9th Edition DeMolay Handbook:

"The Founder's Cross is the most prized and highest distinction that could possibly come to anyone connected with the DeMolay movement. 

The award is not a Supreme Council honor but was a personal recognition by the late Dad Land of those whom he desired to honor for their personal, consistent and conspicuous loyalty and service to him in making the Order of DeMolay the greatest youth movement of its kind in the world.

The award was established in June, 1937, and only 135 were presented up to Dad Land's death on Nov. 8, 1959. The Founder's Cross is now officially retired."

Of the 135 awards given out, 11 of them were given to representatives of Pennsylvania DeMolay. Here are the names of the Pennsylvania recipients:

Louis U. Strassburger - Germantown 12/15/1937

Kendig C. Bare - Lancaster 6/22/1939

James N. Deeter - St. Mary’s 6/22/1939

William A. Hoffman - Beaver Falls 6/22/1939

W. I. Hurst - Johnstown 6/22/1939

Wilbur L. Minich - Harrisburg 6/22/1939

James A. Wieland - Pittsburgh 6/22/1939

M. J. Bishop - Beaver Falls 10/27/1939

Paul M. Moore - Butler 10/28/1939

James N. Wilson - Erie 10/28/1939 Edward A. King - Pittsburgh 12/6/1956

Although the location of a few of them can not be accounted for, PA DeMolay is in possession of one, which can be found in the display cases at Patton Campus. Pilgrim Chapter is also in possession of one, which belonged to longtime Chapter Advisor, Wilbur Minich.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin