 What
is DeMolay?
DeMolay
is a community-based international organization for young
men ages 12-21 which emphasizes leadership skills and
character-building within a program of social, sports, and
community service activities.
What is the History of
DeMolay?
DeMolay was
founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri by Frank S. Land.
Since its inception, DeMolay has spread to 14 countries and
there are currently 650 chapters in North America. |
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What
is the purpose of DeMolay?
The DeMolay
program is based on timeless principles and practical,
"hands on" experience. Members develop civic awareness
through community service projects, personal responsibility
by planning and executing their own activities, and gain
self-confidence through leadership and public speaking. |
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What
activities are offered in the DeMolay program?
Community
service projects, sports, social functions and fundraising
events. Rather than focusing on any one type of activity,
DeMolay members are encouraged to test their interests in a
varied program of events. |
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Who
can become a member of DeMolay?
DeMolay is
open to any young man between the ages of 12 and 21 who
professes a belief in a Supreme Being and strives to be of
good character.
|
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Is
DeMolay a religious organization?
No. DeMolay
teaches that one of the steps toward becoming a happy and
successful person is developing a strong faith and being
true to it. Just as important, DeMolay teaches respect and
toleration for the beliefs of others. DeMolay does not
teach a specific religion and does not require and does not
require belonging to a church. Membership is open for young
men from all religions. |
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Success stories?
Thousands of
DeMolays have assumed leadership roles in business,
politics, military service, sport and the arts
and entertainment industries. DeMolay Alumni include Walt
Disney, Walter Cronkite (a member of Houston Chapter), John
Wayne, Tom Osborne, Mel Carnahan, John Steinbeck, Buddy
Ebsen, Colonel Frank Borman, Harmon Killebrew, Bob Mathias,
Fran Tarkenton and Paul Harvey just to name a few. |
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What are the
benefits of membership?
The main
benefit of membership in DeMolay is growing up engaged.
Studies show that people who are active in the community in
their youth grow up to become involved and
community-oriented adults. Members of DeMolay learn
personal responsibility, management skills, public speaking
skills, and civic responsibility, making them better
employees, stronger leaders, and more responsible citizens. |
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How much
does it cost to join?
The fee of
$15.00 is a lifetime membership fee. There are no yearly
dues or fees. However, there are costs associated with
attending particular events. |
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How do I
apply?
You must
complete an Application (Petition) for Membership. Then
return it to the Chapter at the mailing address shown
below. Download the
Application for Membership
(PDF format). Include a check for $15 made payable to
Tacoma DeMolay to cover the Lifetime Membership Fee. Each
new member of Tacoma Chapter will receive a copy of the
DeMolay Leader's Resource Guide, a copy of
the book containing the Ceremonies of the organization, a
copy of our term plan with all scheduled events, and a
membership card. |
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What should I
expect at my Initiation?
The
initiation ceremony will be a memorable evening for you and
your family. Unlike other fraternities you may hear about,
there is no horseplay or "hazing" involved in a DeMolay
initiation. |
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Can my parents
attend the Initiation?
Yes, indeed. Both of your parents and any other adult family
members are most welcome to attend your Initiation. In
addition, any relatives or family friends who may have a
Masonic background are welcome to attend. |
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Is DeMolay a
secret organization?
DeMolay does have its particular signs and words which are
not supposed to be shared with anyone who is not a DeMolay.
Our organization, however, is far from secret, and we have
many public ceremonies. |
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Does my
father have to be a Master Mason?
No, not
at all. Many of our members have no Masons in their families
and DeMolay is in no way considered a "Junior Masons"
organization. We require no Masonic connection for
membership in our Order. |
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Will DeMolay
conflict with my school and church activities?
DeMolays are encouraged to place education and family before
attendance at our meetings. Our teachings and activities
will in no way conflict with those of your church and
school. There are no required activities associated with
your membership in DeMolay. |
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Where can I
find more information?
This web site has information about the Order of DeMolay and
Tacoma Chapter in particular, for more information check
out the
DeMolay International
website or the
Washington DeMolay website. |
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DeMOLAY
FAQ'S
