Far East Chapter

What is the Order of DeMolay?

It is a fraternity for young men ages 12 to 21. It is based around 7 cardinal virtues: filial love, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism. It's a group of guys who get together for meetings and activities. They do lots of things: bowling,
camping, laser tag, movies, sports. Basically anything you can think of can be done. The members themselves decide what they're going to do or not do. I apologize to any of you who
are Boy Scouts, it's a great organization, but seriously, who wants adults to tell them what fun stuff they're going to be doing when that's all they hear at home? Not too many. There are Obligations that every member must memorize. Another difference from the Boy Scouts (again, I apologize for using that as an example, but I had to think of omething). Each chapter is run by a boy who is called the Master Councilor, which is basically the president of the Order. He runs the meetings and tries to keep the chapter running smoothly. There is adult supervision (for you
worried parents out there) but they mostly make sure the chapter follows the by-laws and their lodge's rules. If you are interested in learning more, you can contact me at my e-mail address..

franz710@yahoo.com

History of Jacques De Molay

Jacques DeMolay was born in France in the year 1244. In 1265, at the age of 21, he joined the Order of the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar fought in the Crusades and earned a name as valor and heroism. Because many nobles and princes sent their sons to join the Knights, they became very wealthy and popular. Jacques DeMolay became the Grand Master in 1298.
It was a powerful and prestigious position, but it was very difficult as well. The Christians were being defeated in the Crusades. The Knights Templar and one other group were the only ones left to confront the Saracens. When the Knights Templar gathered on Cyprus to regain strength, the King and other nobles became jealous of their power and wealth. Philip the Fair, King of France, sought to gain control of the Knights Templar in 1305. In order to limit power of the Church, he wanted to take over the Knights Templar, who were answerable only to the Church. The persecution of the Knights began in 1307. Jacques DeMolay and hundreds of his followers were thrown into dungeons and tortured. For seven years, they suffered inhumane and barbarous conditions. Even though the Knights were not destroyed, King Philip forced Pope Clement to condemn the Knights. Their wealth was then given to Philip's upporters. Through all the years of torture, Jacques
DeMolay remained loyal to his friends and followers. He would not betray his comrades, or disclose the location of the wealth.
March 18, 1314, Jacques DeMolay was tried in a special court. The main evidence was a forged confession allegedly signed by DeMolay. He disavowed the confession, an act punishable by death. A fellow Knight, Guy of Auvergne, also disavowed his confession and took his stand with his comrade, DeMolay. They were ordered to be burned at the stake and as an act of loyalty, comradeship, and friendship, they were burned horrifically at the stake.