|
| |
The Order of DeMolay was founded in 1919, in Kansas
City, Missouri, by a young man named Frank S. Land. Land was a community leader
who, at the age of 28, already had a successful business career as a
restaurateur behind him.
- The main event that lead to the founding of the DeMolay movement
was World War I. This was a time when the nation was caught up with a passion and desire
to bring democracy to the world. When the United States joined in the fight against German
power, every resource of men and materials was poured into the war effort. America
suffered not only the loss of its men who had fallen in battle, but on the homefront as
well. A positive response to this critical situation came about with the development of
many charitable organizations. Frank S. Land was selected to act as the director of the
Masonic Relief and Employment Bureau of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. This charity
would come to help hundreds and hundreds of families.
- Near the end of the war, 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." Frank decided there was a need for an organization where boys would have
the opportunity to associate with other boys, a place they could share common interests,
learn responsibility and other skills that would benefit them throughout their lives. His
ideal model for this organization included having business or professional men, Masons,
taking interest in the young people, being a friend to them, advising them, and perhaps
even providing them with employment opportunities.
- In March, 1919, Land met with young 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 to help him. He learned that others, like
Louis, sought companionship, leadership, inspiration and competition. He asked Louis to
invite some friends to a meeting, the original group of nine DeMolays: Louis G. Lower,
Ivan M. Bentley, Edmund Marshall, Gorman A. McBride, Jerome Jacobson, William W.
Steinhilber, Elmer Dorsey, Clyde C. Stream, and Ralph Sewell.
- At the second meeting, there was a total of 31 young men
present. They were excited about their new club!
- The group needed its own identity and its own name. After Dad
Land related the story of Jacques DeMolay, the group decided to name itself for this
historical figure connected with Masonry.
- Dad Land, as he came to be called, provided the philosophy and
principles to be embodied. As interest in DeMolay spread, Land answered many requests for
information and authority to start chapters. Initiations and ceremonies took place in all
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 even a
100-piece band!
- By the end of 1921, Dad Land realized he had to devote full time to this new
organization and become a full time DeMolay employee. As DeMolay chapters grew in numbers
and strength, the organization as a whole grew in prestige. With this greater prestige,
interest developed in the Masonic fraternity. Official recognition and approval by Masonic
groups began giving their seal of approval to foster DeMolay in their states. Many
distinguished organizations endorsed DeMolay including the General Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons, Grand Lodges, Knights Templar, etc.
- A devoted champion of Freemasonry and of its teachings, Land would become a figure
of international prominence within Masonry, eventually becoming Imperial Potentate of the
Shrine of North America. He counted among his friends U.S. Congressmen, state governors,
movie and radio stars, military leaders, leaders of industry, Presidents of the U.S. and a
veritable legion of young men in their teens.
- Dad Land worked tirelessly for the Order of DeMolay until his death on November 8,
1959. Hundreds of other devoted workers aided in the creation and extension of the Order
of DeMolay, but looked to one man for guidance. Frank S. Land was the charismatic leader
of the Order. Frank S. Land was truly a great man, a proud American, and a person who came
to be known by millions, simply as "Dad". Frank Land's life touched, and
continues to impact generation after generation of young people, young men looking to
better themselves by emulating the lessons and examples by which he himself lived.
|
Dad Land
