Masonic-sponsored youth organisation / United States
DeMolay International
DeMolay International is a Masonic-sponsored youth leadership organisation for young men, founded in 1919 and built around local Chapters, adult advisers, service and character development. It is not Freemasonry and does not make a young man a Master Mason.
This guide places DeMolay International in United States within the wider Masonic family. It focuses on public purpose, participation and safeguarding rather than treating the organisation as another degree. By Beyond the Craft Editorial Team · Published 14 June 2026 · Last reviewed 21 June 2026 · 8 min read.
What it is
DeMolay International is part of the wider Masonic family rather than a degree beyond Master Mason. Its age, family or sponsorship rules and safeguarding framework matter more than a conventional progression chart.
Why people explore it
Young men seeking leadership practice, friendship, service, public speaking and structured responsibility.
What not to assume
DeMolay International is connected with the Masonic community but does not confer Craft membership or make a participant a Freemason.
Documented chronology
DeMolay was founded in Kansas City by Frank S. Land with a group of young men. [2]
The official homepage describes over a century of helping boys become men of character through mentoring and life-skill programmes. [1]
Local Chapters, advisers and programmes provide the ordinary setting for membership. [1]
Youth leadership, not adult Masonry
DeMolay’s own public description emphasises mentoring, character and hands-on life skills for boys and young men. Masonic sponsorship provides adult support, but Chapter membership is not Masonic initiation. [1]
That distinction is essential for readers. A DeMolay member may later choose to petition a Lodge when eligible, but DeMolay itself is a youth organisation with its own officers and programme. [1] [3]
A documented 1919 beginning
The organisation identifies 1919, Kansas City and Frank S. Land as its founding setting. The Jacques DeMolay name supplies an exemplar of loyalty and courage; it is not a claim that the medieval Templars created the modern youth order. [2]
This helps avoid the usual haze around youth bodies. The modern organisation has a specific twentieth-century origin even while using older chivalric and moral imagery. [2]
What a Chapter can involve
Local DeMolay work can include meetings, ceremonies, elected offices, service projects, leadership training, sports, social events and jurisdictional activities. The exact rhythm depends on the Chapter and its advisers. [1] [3]
Parents and prospective members should ask about age range, supervision, safeguarding, fees, travel and time commitment. A national homepage can explain purpose, but the local Chapter determines daily experience. [1] [3]
Who may value it
DeMolay may suit young men who want structured responsibility, public speaking practice, mentoring, service and friendship in a Masonic-sponsored environment. [1]
It may not suit someone looking for adult Freemasonry or a family order for all ages. Craft Lodge membership and organisations such as Eastern Star or Amaranth answer different needs. [1] [3]
Key distinction
DeMolay is youth formation under Masonic sponsorship; its value is leadership practice, mentoring and service rather than adult Masonic degree work.
Key questions
Frequently asked questions
What most distinguishes DeMolay International?
DeMolay is youth formation under Masonic sponsorship; its value is leadership practice, mentoring and service rather than adult Masonic degree work.
Who may join DeMolay International?
Youth ages and local eligibility are set by DeMolay. Membership does not require being a Mason or having a Masonic relative. Ask the local group directly about age, sponsorship, safeguarding, adult leadership and the current programme.
How should its history be understood?
DeMolay was founded in Kansas City by Frank S. Land with a group of young men. Its institutional history should be read through the development of the present organisation and its public youth or family purpose.
What should I compare with DeMolay International?
Start with Mainstream Craft USA and Rainbow for Girls. Compare age range, leadership, safeguarding and programme rather than treating the organisations as Masonic degrees.
- DeMolay International: official homepage ↗DeMolay International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: youth leadership, mentoring, current identity.
- DeMolay International: DeMolay Month ↗DeMolay International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: 1919 foundation, Frank S. Land, organisational history.
- DeMolay International: join route ↗DeMolay International · Official organisational source · Retrieved 21 June 2026 · Supports: membership enquiry, chapter contact, youth participation.
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Related Reading
The network of sovereign state and territorial Grand Lodges often described historically as mainstream American Freemasonry.
United States guidePrince Hall FreemasonryA historic family of sovereign Grand Lodges tracing authority through African Lodge No. 459.
United States guideRoyal Arch Masonry in the USAThe Capitular branch of the American York Rite, normally the first body entered after the Master Mason degree.