Masonic Youth “Order of DeMolay” Mohawk Valley Chapter Celebrates Centennial with Celebration Banquet at Hart’s Hill Inn
by Tom Loughlin Jr.
Utica NY Oct 5 2024 The Utica -based chapter of the youth fraternity which helped shape the lives of Walt Disney, John Wayne, President Bill Clinton ,Walter Cronkite, astronaut Frank Borman and other luminaries marked its centennial year with a banquet and awards presentation Saturday at Harts’ Hill Inn.
The Mohawk Valley Chapter of the Order of DeMolay was chartered May 24,1924, five years after the establishment of the national organization in Kansas City,
The event featured addresses by national and New York State Masonic and DeMolay officers and officials of sponsoring groups, foremost, the Yahnundasis Bodies of the Scottish Rite Valley of Utica, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of NY and local lodges. The organization’s namesake, , Jacques.. .DeMolay , the last Grand Master of the original Knights Templar was burned at the stake March 18 1314 for refusing to admit to false charges of blasphemy, even though doing so would have earned him his release and a pardon . DeMolay’s bravery in the face of death and refusal to compromise his integrity are the keystone of the Order’s teachings. The Order of DeMolay describes itself as a “premier international youth leadership organization, striving to shape young men into leaders of character. By epitomizing timeless values, and accepting the challenge of leadership – both of character and of action – the young men of DeMolay transform themselves into citizens of the highest caliber..” It offers membership to boys aged 12-21
The Order of DeMolay describes itself as a “premier international youth leadership organization, striving to shape young men into leaders of character. By epitomizing timeless values, and accepting the challenge of leadership – both of character and of action – the young men of DeMolay transform themselves into citizens of the highest caliber..” It offers membership to boys aged 12-21
