A Parents Guide to Illinois DeMolay

Since 1919, DeMolay has been a premier youth program for leadership and character development of young men ages 12 to 21.

You may be asking yourself, “Why have I never heard of DeMolay?” “What does DeMolay do?” “What can my son get out of being part of DeMolay?” “Is DeMolay Junior Freemasons?”

Unlike other youth serving organizations, DeMolay has grown membership through word-of-mouth or friends asking friends to join.  However, this does not mean a young man has to be asked to become a member.  If he is interested in the activities we do, contact a local Chapter or the State office and we will get him in touch with DeMolays in your area.  Chances are if there is a Chapter in town, your son probably knows a DeMolay or two.

When a new Member joins, they take an oath (or obligation) to live by seven “cardinal” virtues:

• Filial Love (or love/respect for parents)
• Reverence for Sacred Things (respect for religion institutions or that which one holds sacred)
• Courtesy
• Comradeship
• Fidelity (loyalty)
• Cleanness (in thought, word and deed)
• Patriotism

We ask our members to hold a belief in the supreme being of THEIR faith and we ask all to be respectful of the beliefs of others.  DeMolay is not a religious organization but feel a key cornerstone in youth development is the exploration of their faith.

The DeMolay program is designed to bring out the best in young men.  Members learn to plan and carry out several activities within a 6 month term.  These include social events, athletic competition, community service and Masonic service so there is a broad range of activities your son will be able to take part.  Chapters usually meet twice a month to conduct business and plan events.  The members will elect their peers to lead the Chapter and plan activities they feel would be fun for the Chapter Members.

You might be asking what DeMolay can do for your son?

The most impressive part of DeMolay is the ability to raise the self confidence of it’s members.  As a member progresses in his Chapter, he will be given leadership roles that will help develop his natural leadership abilities.  By taking part in the DeMolay ceremonies, he will be given speaking parts that will slowly build his confidence in public speaking.

A recent State Master Councilor (the youth head of our organization) commented that before he was in DeMolay, he felt he was a “nobody”.  By participating in DeMolay and becoming a state officer, kids wanted to hang out with HIM.  That is what DeMolay does for our youth.

DeMolay offers an affordable lifetime membership so there is never ongoing registration or dues to be paid.

Invest in your son today, and in his leadership skills of the future, by signing him up to become a DeMolay.