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The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
 

The North Lodge Room
On viewing this stately room for the first time, many visitors are seized with a sense of reverence and awe; they seem particularly impressed with the architectural dignity, reminiscent of a Cathedral of the Middle Ages.

The room follows the ecclesiastical Gothic style of architecture, and represents a departure from the rest of the building. The room accommodates Andrew Jackson Lodge No. 120 which was issued a charter by the Grand Lodge of Virginia December 13, 1854.

Also meeting in the North Lodge Room are:

• Mt. Vernon Chapter No. 14, Royal Arch Masons
• Old Dominion Commandery No. 11, Knights Templar
• Martha Washington Chapter No. 42, Order of the Eastern Star
• Alexandria Court No. 7, Order of the Amaranth
• Temple Forest No. 136, Tall Cedars of Lebanon
• Bethel No. 22, International Order of Jobs Daughter's
• A. Douglas Smith, Jr. Lodge of Research No.1949
• Alexandria-Washington Chapter, DeMolay International

DeMolay International is the largest fraternity of young men in the world. The fraternity is an association of young men, twelve to twenty-one years of age who are seeking to better themselves by learning leadership skills and practicing civic responsibility; all the while having a lot of fun.

DeMolay was started more than 70 years ago in Kansas City, Missouri. Today, there are approximately 1000 chapters in the United States, as well as many chapters located in 7 foreign countries.

There have been more than a million young men who have been members of DeMolay. Alumni members (over 21 years of age) of DeMolay include John Wayne, Dan Rather, Willard Scott, Walt Disney, and countless others. DeMolay's alumni include United States Senators, State Governors, U.S. Astronauts, Professional Athletes and Chairman of major U.S. corporations. To see a larger list, go to the Famous DeMolays section, or if you want to see a larger list and learn how DeMolay affected their lives, visit the DeMolay Hall of Fame at the DeMolay International website.

DeMolay is dedicated to providing a fraternal environment (one of brotherhood and acceptance) in an organization for young men who govern and direct their own activities under the advisorship of adults. DeMolay provides young men the opportunity to practice leadership techniques and their real-world applications through its chapter activities. The organization develops leadership skills, civic responsibility and character-building in young men, providing them an environment in which they can create their own successes, and comfortably learn from their failures.

The organization assists young men in growing into responsible adults with good moral character, and provides them with a place to go, have fun, companionship, be accepted by peers, and develop social skills.

DeMolay is the premier youth organization dedicated to teaching young men to be better persons and leaders while still having a fun time.  Under the advisorship of adults; leadership skills, civic awareness, responsibility, and character development are learned through a variety of self directed, real world applications and activities.  DeMolay builds confidence; teaches responsibility, cooperation and community service; and fosters trust, respect, fellowship, patriotism, reverence, and sharing.

DeMolay teaches the lesson of Fidelity. 

In a confusing and often troubled world, a DeMolay learns he can count on good friends to help and guide him as he grows. He learns that friendship is a treasure and that good friends don't encourage you to do bad things. The bonds of brotherhood made through DeMolay are strong and extend well into his adult years.

DeMolay teaches no religious creed. 

A young man's beliefs are his own. DeMolay does, however, encourage reverence for scared things and each year Chapters have a Devotional Day at a local Church or Synagogue thereby encouraging members to mature with a strong foundation in the tenets of morality and virtue.

DeMolay is not a substitute for family 

In fact, DeMolay actively encourages the bonds of family. It welcomes parental participation at all levels and it encourages parents to become involved with all of its activities. Parents are free to attend meetings to see for themselves just what DeMolay is all about.

DeMolay Advisors are called "Dad" in recognition of the special trust placed in them as they work with these young men. Both male and female parents are welcomed at all activities and are encouraged to become a part of the Chapter's adult leadership if they wish.

DeMolay has a ceremony to honor our Mothers. Anyone who has ever witnessed a Flower Talk cannot help be moved by the ideals and thoughts of this presentation, particularly when made by a young man in his teens. It is a truly inspiring presentation.

DeMolay is an 'experience' 

Unlike other organizations where members come and go and whose events are controlled by adults, DeMolays learn to take responsibility for planning and executing whatever events they wish. They are supported by a group of 'Advisors' who provide input and mature oversight so that things won't go awry but they encourage these young men to learn and grow into adulthood through leadership experiences and training. DeMolay is truly unique amongst organizations for young men.

DeMolay has 'rituals' 

Like most clubs, there are ceremonies of initiation but they are totally without any type of hazing whatsoever and are designed to impress upon the mind of the candidate the precepts of DeMolay:

• Filial Love - Love of parents
• Reverence - for sacred things
• Courtesy - to all and not just our friends and family
• Comradeship - the true friendship that comes from a fraternal bond
• Fidelity - to his ideals, principles, and friends
• Cleanness - in thought, word, and deed
• Patriotism - with a recognition that our countries are build on strong principles worth defending.

It is our goal that No DeMolay shall fail as a Leader or as a Man!

DeMolay is not a 'junior Masonic organization'. 

Many of its adult leaders are members of the Masonic fraternity and from the examples they set, many DeMolays decide to petition Masonry themselves when they reach age 18 (Different Masonic jurisdictions may vary on age requirements). DeMolay affiliation, however, is no expectation or guarantee of later Masonic membership.

DeMolay is a lifetime membership. 

DeMolay membership in Alexander-Washington Chapter costs $40 for a lifetime membership in the Order. There are no additional yearly dues. Some activities involve a cost but members regularly hold fund raising projects so that they can pay for these activities as much as possible. Fund raising and financial planning helps prepare these young men for the 'real world' where financial management is important. There's a great pride in raising the money so that it can be enjoyed on a later activity. In both the fund raising and fund spending, DeMolays have fun.

DeMolays do what THEY want! 

Chapter, state-wide, and national events are all designed and run by DeMolays. Whether it's a basketball tournament or a week at camp sharing fun and fellowship; a dance or donating time at a food pantry, DeMolays decide what they want to do and then do it! Mature, responsible adult leadership ensures that activities are safe and sane but by allowing the members to 'direct their destiny', they learn important lessons for their later manhood.

No DeMolay Shall Fail as a Citizen and as a Man

For 80 years, this has been a guiding principle upon which the Order of DeMolay has been built. Every activity - every event - every interaction is designed with this concept in mind! DeMolay supports good behavior and personal growth.

DeMolay can be different things to different boys but at its core, DeMolay is Fun!

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For further information, please e-mail Dad Jim Schimmel by clicking on the hyperlink.

This publication acknowledges authority and yields allegiance to DeMolay International of which Frank S. Land was founder.
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