History of DeMolay

A young man named Frank S. Land founded the Order of DeMolay in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1919. World War I was nearing its end, and America had suffered the loss of many men. During this time, Land became concerned with the problems of boys who had lost their fathers. He thought, "How lonely it must be for a boy not to have a man to talk with or a man to provide some type of inspiration and direction." Land decided there was a need for an organization where boys would have the opportunity to associate with other boys—a place where they could share common interests and learn responsibility and other skills that would benefit them throughout their lives. His ideal model for the organization included having business or professional men (Masons) take an interest in the young men, befriend them, advise them, and perhaps even provide them with employment opportunities.

In March 1919, Land met with Louis Lower. Louis' father had died, leaving the young man without a father figure in his life. Land took the time to listen to Louis, learn about his dreams, and help him. He learned that others, like Louis, sought companionship, leadership, inspiration, and competition. Land asked Louis to invite some friends to a meeting. This original group included nine young men: Louis G. Lower, Ivan M. Bentley, Edmund Marshall, Gorman A. McBride, Jerome Jacobson, William W. Steinhilber, Elmer Dorsey, Clyde C. Stream, and Ralph Sewell. By the second meeting, there was a total of 31 young men present. They were excited about their new club!

Next, the group needed its own identity and name. DeMolay was suggested after Land related a story of a man who was tortured and ultimately killed for refusing to reveal the location of his hidden brother Knights and their vast wealth to the evil king of France. That man was Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the medieval Knights Templar. Inspired, the boys decided to name their club the "Order of DeMolay."

"Dad" Land, as he came to be called, provided the philosophy and principles to be embodied by the organization. As interest in DeMolay spread, Land answered many requests for information and authority to start chapters. Initiations and ceremonies took place in many locations. By the fall of 1920, Mother Chapter had developed activities for its members as well. These included an outstanding baseball team, a DeMolay marching unit, and a 100-piece band!

Until his death on November 8, 1959, Frank S. Land worked tirelessly for the Order of DeMolay. He is remembered as a great man, a proud American, and a person who millions referred to simply as "Dad." Under his charismatic leadership, hundreds of devoted workers have aided in the creation and extension of the Order of DeMolay. Frank Land's life touched, and continues to impact, generation after generation of young men who are looking to better themselves by emulating the lessons and examples by which he himself lived.