PHILIPPINE BODIES, A. & A. S. R.
Youth and the Order of DeMolay
ARTEMIO C. BAYAS, SENIOR COUNCILOR
JOSE ABAD SANTOS CHAPTER
The Order of DeMolay is an international fellowship of young men between the ages of fourteen and twenty-one and who are of good moral character. The Order has for its purpose the teaching of clean and upright living. By influencing the Seven Cardinal Virtues of comradeship, reverence for God, love of parents, patriotism, courtesy, cleanness, and fidelity. Its aim is to develop a boy’s character and create leaders out. The Order of DeMolay will prepare a boy for his future, cultivate strong friendships, and exemplify not only manliness, but honor, loyalty, fidelity, integrity, honesty, and sportsmanship as well.
The Initiation into our Order is very different from those which are being practiced by college fraternities and other clubs. When a boy joins our Order, he must rest assured that he will never be subjected to hazing, horseplay, or anything which will lead him to embarrassment. There are two degrees that a boy must undergo before he can say that he is a DeMolay. The Initiatory Degree is one of the great solemnity and dignity. When he circles the chapter room, he receives the seven cardinal virtues which he promises to follow till he reaches the age of manhood. This ceremony is followed by the DeMolay Degree which is in itself dramatic and full of life. It depicts the great lesson of fidelity and shows the faithfulness to a trust of Jacques DeMolay, the exemplar of our Order.
In Manila, we can be proud of the Jose Abad Santos Chapter which is the first chapter ever organized in this corner of the world. It is sponsored by the Philippine Bodies, A.&A.S.R., S.J., U.S.A. Instituted on March 23, 1946. It has up to the present a total of sixty-three members. This is due to the fine and continual cooperation of Masons in this Jurisdiction, but the man mainly responsible for this success is our Deputy ‘Dad’ Michael Goldenberg whose untiring efforts and great interest in this youth movement led to the organization of other chapters in our country and other places in the Far East.
Every one of you can help us by letting your sons or your friends’ sons join our Order. I am your son, every DeMolay is your son, so why not your sons join us? Let them join us and our Order will prepare them for the manhood they and every DeMolay is approaching, as every DeMolay is approaching, as every father would dream of their son to be. Then and only then would a father who has a son be proud to say “That’s my boy”.
So, to the members of the Philippine Bodies, I say, “We still need assistance and cooperation”.
The Cabletow
JULY, 1946
SCOTTISH RITE PAGE
