What does DeMolay teach young men?
Friendship
DeMolay provides a safe and rewarding environment in which young men can form lasting bonds of friendship during their teenage and early adult years.
Skills
DeMolay helps young men develop and refine the thinking, planning and decision-making skills they will need to lead successful, happy and productive lives.
Citizenship
DeMolay builds civic awareness, emphasizing the vital importance of engagement with the community. As with all chapters, London undertakes various charitable activities that help members develop personal responsibility and an appreciation for others.
Leadership
At DeMolay, leadership stems from participation and personal experience. Each chapter is run by its members. Whether age 12 or 21, they all play central roles in the day-to-day operations, making the decisions that shape the unique character and direction of their chapter.
Confidence
DeMolay helps young men build the critical self-assurance necessary for the transition to post-secondary education, careers and the challenges of adulthood.
How much does it cost to join DeMolay?
There is a one-time fee of $50 to become a member, and no annual dues. Members pay for some extracurricular activities but the chapter often provides subsidies.
When and where do you meet?
Our regular meetings are on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from September to June. We get together at the London Masonic Temple, 453 Dufferin Ave. Other events, including fundraising, charity and leadership activities, take place throughout the year, often on weekends.
Do members have to wear a uniform?
Although chapter officers wear capes that denote their position, there is no uniform. To encourage professionalism in our meetings, most members wear suits; however, the minimum dress code is shirt, tie, slacks and dress shoes. Some families pass on gently used suits to younger members as their boys grow.
Is DeMolay a religious organization?
DeMolay is not a religious organization, although belief in a supreme being is a qualification for membership. DeMolay welcomes-and teaches respect and tolerance for the beliefs of-members from all religious and ethno-cultural backgrounds.
The order is founded on what are called the seven cardinal virtues-in other words, the seven qualities considered morally good in a person. All members pledge to develop these qualities
within themselves and practice them in their daily lives.
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Filial love
respect and care for our parents, who are too often under appreciated.
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Reverence for sacred things
honour our promises, uphold our religious beliefs and respect the beliefs of others.
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Courtesy
be polite, respectful and considerate in attitude and behavior toward others.
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Comradeship
remember the example of Jacques DeMolay and be true as a friend in the fellowship of the order.
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Fidelity
remain loyal in living up to our vows as DeMolays.
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Cleanliness
more than keeping our bodies clean, this virtue refers to remaining honourable in spirit and action-being respectable in all that we think, say and do.
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Patriotism
believe in our country and be prepared to stand up for it against enemies or detractors.
Is DeMolay part of the Shriners or the Masons?
DeMolay was founded by the masons in 1919 as an organization for young men who had lost their fathers in the first world war. For decades, however, DeMolay has welcomed all young men as members. Shriners also have a masonic heritage, yet this is the only link between their organization and DeMolay.
Are DeMolay activities supervised by adults? If so, are these individuals screened?
Yes, DeMolay activities are supervised by adults. The safety and security of DeMolay members is the organization’s highest priority. Refined across decades, our recruiting and development procedures thoroughly screen adult applicants to ensure every volunteer exemplifies the values and integrity of the order. Youth protection training is mandatory, and DeMolay maintains strict
policies concerning the behaviour of all members or leaders. It is expected that the members are mature enough to govern themselves.