Demolay

Stillwater DeMolay

The Stillwater Chapter of DeMolay, Exemplary Chapter for 2013 - 2016 for Oklahoma DeMolay. DeMolay is the premier organization for young men ages 12-21 that teaches loyalty, toleration, public speaking, and leadership through virtues such as love for parents, reverence, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism.

What is DeMolay?

"DeMolay is the premier youth organization dedicated to teaching young men to be better persons and leaders. 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."

What makes DeMolay great?

Youth led directives that focus on community involvement and civic awareness through adult ‘advisorship’. The 2014 year was geared to provide a great opportunities for these young men; through the very first Squires Manor in the state of Oklahoma (Travis Fast Manor for young men ages 9 through 11), our public speaking team compilation, and the community wide Battle of the Bands in October. The chapter is committed to become a household name to truly make a difference in our community.

Stated Meetings are at the Stillwater Masonic Center (322 W Miller Stillwater, OK 74074) every Tuesday at 7:00 PM.

How did it all start?

The Order of DeMolay was founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri by a man named Frank Sherman Land, but known by many as Dad Land. The order was created to teach young men virtues that are important to carry into effect in their daily lives. It also provided a father figure for those who didn't have a strong father role model to look up to.

Who was Jacques DeMolay?

"The namesake of the Order of DeMolay was born in Vitrey, Department of Haute Saone, France in the year 1244. At the age of 21, DeMolay joined the Order of Knights Templar.

The Knights Templar was an organization sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1128 to guard the road between Jerusalem and Acre, an important port city on the Mediterranean Sea. The Order of Knights Templar participated in the Crusades and earned a name for valor and heroism.

With many nobles and princes sending their sons to join the Knights Templar, the Order also became very wealthy and popular throughout Europe.

In 1298, Jacques DeMolay was named Grand Master of the Knights Templar, a position of power and prestige. As Grand Master however, Jacques DeMolay was also in a difficult position. The Crusades were not achieving their goals. The non-Christian Saracens defeated the Crusaders in battle and captured many vital cities and posts. The Knights Templar and the Hospitalers (another Order of Knights) were the only groups remaining to confront the Saracens.

The Knights Templar decided to reorganize and regain their strength. They traveled to the island of Cyprus, waiting for the general public to rise up in support of another Crusade.

Instead of public support, however, the Knights attracted the attention of powerful lords, who were interested in obtaining their wealth and power. In 1305, Philip the Fair, King of France, set about to obtain control of the Knights Templars. They had been accountable only to the Church. To prevent a rise in the power of the Church, and to increase his own wealth, Philip set out to take over the Knights.

The year 1307 saw the beginning of the persecution of the Knights. Jacques DeMolay, along with hundreds of others, were seized and thrown into dungeons. For seven years, DeMolay and the Knights suffered torture and inhuman conditions. While the Knights did not end, Philip managed to force Pope Clement to condemn the Templars. Their wealth and property were confiscated and given to Philip's supporters.

During years of torture, Jacques DeMolay continued to be loyal to his friends and Knights. He refused to disclose the location of the funds of the Order and he refused to betray his comrades. On March 18, 1314, DeMolay was tried by a special court. As evidence, the court depended on a forged confession, allegedly signed by DeMolay.

Jacques DeMolay disavowed the forged confession. Under the laws of the time, the disavowal of a confession was punishable by death. Another Knight, Geoffrey de Charney, likewise disavowed his confession and stood with Jacques DeMolay.

King Philip ordered them both to be burned at the stake that day, and thus the story of Jacques DeMolay became a testimonial to loyalty and friendship."

- DeMolay International

Who can join DeMolay?

To become a member of the greatest youth organization in the world, DeMolay, you need only be a young man between the ages of 12 and 21. If you would like to apply for membership, come by and see us on our regularly scheduled meetings, or email us at stillwater@okdemolay.com.