DeMolay << `dee` moh LAY, >> International is a worldwide organization of young men between the ages of 12 and 21. The purpose of the organization is to provide a supportive environment that helps young men grow into responsible, caring adults. Members engage in activities that develop leadership and social skills, civic awareness, and responsibility. The organization has local chapters in the United States and several other countries.
The organization was founded as the Order of DeMolay in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1919 by Frank S. Land. Land asked a boy named Louis Lower to invite some of his friends to a meeting to discuss forming a club. The boys chose Jacques de Molay (1243?-1314) as the club’s namesake. Jacques de Molay was the last grand master of the Knights Templars, a famous group of French crusaders.
The philosophy of the organization is based on seven virtues: filial love, reverence for sacred things, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness, and patriotism. The organization has international headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
