Frequently Asked Questions

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What is DeMolay?

DeMolay is a dynamic group of young men, between the ages of 12 and 21, who are active and like challenges. Whether on the softball field, in the chapter room, on the dance floor, or at the annual statewide convention, DeMolay Leaders of New Jersey is definitely where the ACTION is! DeMolay Leaders of New Jersey is part of DeMolay International, a nonprofit international youth organization that was founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri, where our international headquarters is located, and is dedicated to helping today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders. What do DeMolay members do? Basically, just about anything they want. Because DeMolay chapters are run by DeMolays! Members are encouraged to be DIRECTLY responsible for their chapter’s activities. Dances, fundraisers, sporting event trips, softball and basketball tournaments, pool parties, competitions, community service projects—you name it—as long as it is within our guidelines and is done in the presence of at least two special, certified and trained adult men, called "Dad" Advisors.

Where do DeMolays Meet?

DeMolay chapters meet at least twice each month at a local Masonic lodge building, the one that belongs to each chapter’s Masonic sponsor. The sponsor provides an adult group, or Advisory Board, to supervise the Chapter’s activities.

What is in DeMolay for me?

The answer to that is easy... as much as you put into it! Active DeMolays expand their circle of friends, practice public speaking, enjoy fun activities, help their community, learn how to be team players, and effective leaders. There are also many opportunities to visit other chapters and to meet young women that belong to organizations similar to DeMolay. If there is one thing that DeMolay chapters are famous for, it is their activities with other fun organizations. Hayrides, beach parties, dances, theme parties: dream it and it can be done by you in your DeMolay chapter!

What are the membership requirements?

DeMolay accepts applications from young men between 12 and 21 years of age. It is required that applicants be of good character and believe in God or a Supreme Being. While DeMolay does not teach or require any particular religion, it encourages members to attend their own place of worship. Although prospective members need a Mason and a DeMolay to sponsor their petition for membership, they do not need to be related to either to join DeMolay.

What is the initiation like?

DeMolay’s initiation is a two-step process that is a serious, deeply meaningful ceremony. The first section explains the virtues of DeMolay by which one should guide his life. The second section is a thrilling drama about the final days in the life of our namesake, Jacques DeMolay, who gave up his life rather than betray his friends. The initiation contains no hazing or embarrassing acts, as they have no place in DeMolay.

Are there any famous DeMolays?

There are many Senior DeMolay members who have distinguished themselves as leaders in Government, Athletics and Sports, Entertainment and a variety of other fields. Many have been named to the DeMolay Hall of Fame. (For more information, visit: http://www.demolay.org)

Carl O. Albert, Speaker, House of Representatives
Robert B. Anderson, Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Navy
Reubin Askew, Governor, Florida
William "Bill" Bradley, U.S. Senator, New Jersey
Carrol Campbell, Governor, South Carolina
Mark Hatfield, Governor and U.S. Senator, Oregon
Henry (Scoop) Jackson, U.S. Senator, Washington
Charles Robb, U.S. Senator, Virginia
Paul E. Tsongas, U.S. Senator, MassachusettsAthletics/Sports
Alvin Dark, Baseball player and Manager
Dallas Green, Baseball Manager
Harmon Killebrew, Baseball Hall of Fame member
Bob Mathias, Olympic Decathalon Champion (twice)
Fran Tarkington, Football Hall of Fame member
Danny White, Football Quarterback
Mel Blanc, Comic and voice of Bugs Bunny
Ernest Borgnine, Actor
Roy Clark, Musician/Guitar Player
Gary Collins, Actor and TV Personality
Walt Disney, Producer and Creator
Buddy Ebsen, Actor (Barnaby Jones/Beverly Hillbillies)
Greg Evigan, Actor (My Two Dads)
Burl Ives, Singer and Actor
Van Johnson, Actor
Tom & Dick Smothers (Smothers Brothers), Entertainers
John Wayne, Actor
Neil Armstrong, Astronaut
Frank Borman, Astronaut
Red Barber, Sportscaster
Walter Cronkite, TV Newscaster
David Goodnow, CNN Newscaster
Paul Harvey, Radio Newscaster
Chet Huntley, TV Newscaster
Elmer Lower, President, ABC News
Dan Rather, TV Newscaster
Willard Scott, TV Weatherman
John Steinbeck, Author
John Cameron Swayze, TV/Radio pioneer
John P. McConnell, General, USAF Chief of Staff

How can I join?

You can apply for membership online, or if you would like more information about DeMolay Leaders of New Jersey, contact us through this web site.