The Order of DeMolay, the premiere Masonic Youth organization worldwide will be celebrated its 100th Year Founding Anniversary last March 16, 2019.
It was held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) with more than 2,800 delegates attended from around the country composed of Masons, Senior DeMolays and Active DeMolays.
The International Order of DeMolay was founded by Freemason Frank Sherman Land, together with nine young men, on March 18, 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. They adopted the name DeMolay in honor of Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar.
The Order is a worldwide youth organization which aims to build good character and teach leadership skills among young men who are 12 to 21 years old, to mold them into good sons, better men, responsible citizens and leaders of character. It empowers the youth to become productive members of society and leaders in their respective spheres of influence – all for the benefit of their family, community and country.
Active members take part in a wide range of wholesome and adult-supervised activities, such as athletic tournaments, public speaking competitions, leadership training, summer camps, local community service programs, and fund-raising projects.
The Order of DeMolay implements a program that is anchored on timeless precepts and practical experiences which complement and enhance home, school, church and community activities. Its “Seven Cardinal Virtues” teaches reverence for sacred things or love of God, filial love or love of parents and family, patriotism or love of country, fidelity, courtesy, cleanness (in mind and body), and comradeship.
Likewise, its “Code of Ethics” guides the members’ conduct and emphasizes: service to God, honor to all womanhood, honesty and honest toil, loyalty to ideals and friends, word of honor (“his word is as good as his bond”); behavior fit for a gentleman, support to public schools, duties of a good and law-abiding citizen, and high standards to which he has pledged himself.
