DeMolay Leaders of our Nation’s Capital
What is DeMolay?
DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men
to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its
approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on
experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21
by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility
and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today.
DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach
that builds important bonds of friendship among members in
more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.
DeMolay alumni include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Walter Cronkite, football Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton, legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, news anchor David Goodnow and many others. Each has spoken eloquently of the life-changing benefit gained from their involvement in DeMolay.
DeMolay alumni include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Walter Cronkite, football Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton, legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, news anchor David Goodnow and many others. Each has spoken eloquently of the life-changing benefit gained from their involvement in DeMolay.
Who was Jacques Demolay?
The
Order of DeMolay takes its name from Jacques DeMolay, who gave his
life rather than betray his friends. His example of friendship and
devotion is the primary lesson of the organization for all of its
members. DeMolay (1244-1314 A.D.) was the last Grand Master of the
historic Order of the Temple. These knights, known as Templars, were a
band of men who were both knights and monks, and who protected
pilgrims on their travel to and from the Holy Lands.
The Templars were both wealthy and influential. The French King, Philip the Fourth, was envious of the Templars and wanted their wealth. He trumped up charges of sacrilege, or heresy against the church, and ordered the arrest of all Templars in France.
Through Philip's influence over Pope Clement the Fifth, the persecution of the Templars extended through much of Europe, effectively destroying the Order. Jacques DeMolay and other officers were jailed and tortured for more than seven years. They repeatedly refused to turn over the Templars' wealth or to reveal the names of Templars who had managed to escape arrest.
It was common to torture prisoners until they confessed to whatever charges were made against them, and DeMolay reportedly made such a tortured confession. However, he later publicly denied the confession. In those days, "recanting" a confession was punishable by death, and so, on March 18, 1314, DeMolay and one of his principal officers were burned at the stake near the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Because he was true to his brethren, even at extreme personal cost, our founding members selected DeMolay as the namesake for our Order in 1919. Although the Templars identified with the (Catholic) Christian faith, the Order of DeMolay is open to young men of all religious faiths. DeMolays are taught to imitate the courage and character of DeMolay, not necessarily his specific beliefs and faith.
The Templars were both wealthy and influential. The French King, Philip the Fourth, was envious of the Templars and wanted their wealth. He trumped up charges of sacrilege, or heresy against the church, and ordered the arrest of all Templars in France.
Through Philip's influence over Pope Clement the Fifth, the persecution of the Templars extended through much of Europe, effectively destroying the Order. Jacques DeMolay and other officers were jailed and tortured for more than seven years. They repeatedly refused to turn over the Templars' wealth or to reveal the names of Templars who had managed to escape arrest.
It was common to torture prisoners until they confessed to whatever charges were made against them, and DeMolay reportedly made such a tortured confession. However, he later publicly denied the confession. In those days, "recanting" a confession was punishable by death, and so, on March 18, 1314, DeMolay and one of his principal officers were burned at the stake near the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Because he was true to his brethren, even at extreme personal cost, our founding members selected DeMolay as the namesake for our Order in 1919. Although the Templars identified with the (Catholic) Christian faith, the Order of DeMolay is open to young men of all religious faiths. DeMolays are taught to imitate the courage and character of DeMolay, not necessarily his specific beliefs and faith.
Why Join DeMolay?
Young men choose to join DeMolay for a variety of reasons. Some join
because
they enjoy the sports, others join
for the leadership experience, others for the friends that they make.
By joining DeMolay you will have the opportunity to learn leadership
skills,
make new friends, play sports, go to movies.
How do I Join DeMolay?
To join DeMolay you will need to fill out a membership form. You may
choose to do this using our online form, or using the PDF below and
mailing it to:
Nation's Capital DeMolay
4441 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
An adult volunteer will contact you to arrange an appointment to meet with you and your family. A formal induction ceremony will occur explaining the purposes of DeMolay will be scheduled.
Nation's Capital DeMolay
4441 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016
An adult volunteer will contact you to arrange an appointment to meet with you and your family. A formal induction ceremony will occur explaining the purposes of DeMolay will be scheduled.
What is the induction ceremony like?
DeMolay Members will explain to you in a formal serious scripted ceremony the precepts of DeMolay followed by a
dramatic historical play talking about the life of Jacques DeMolay
What if I have more questions?
Please visit our FAQ page, or contact a
DeMolay member or send an email to Nation's Capital DeMolay at DCDeMolay@gmail.com
