Georgia DeMolay DeMolay Connections January 2007 Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
With the support of the Grand Master of Masons in Georgia Most Worshipful Brother Eli Stafford, Georgia DeMolay has established a new alumni chapter called George Washington’s Chapter. The alumni chapter is a way for Master Masons who were not DeMolays in their youth, to receive the degrees and assume the obligations of the Order of DeMolay. After receiving the degrees, these Master Masons become lifetime members in the DeMolay Alumni Association and are given the title of “Honorary Senior DeMolays.” This is a great way for Georgia Masons to show their support for DeMolay and become more aware of what DeMolay is doing in Georgia. George Washington’s Chapter had its first initiation on January 6th, 2007. Most Worshipful Brother Eli Stafford was the active candidate for the class numbering 18. “I’m proud to be an Honorary Senior DeMolay,” said MWB Stafford. “I’ve witnessed the Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees countless times before, but personally receiving them makes them much more meaningful to me”, he continued. A second initiation was held on January 13th at the York Rite Center in Savannah. At this class, 37 master masons received both degrees along with 2 new members for Cecil Cheves Chapter. The enthusiasm at this event was awe inspiring. The one time initiation fee is used in part to pay for a lifetime membership in DeMolay International’s Alumni Association for our new Honorary Senior DeMolays. The initiation ceremonies are being held at each of the Masters & Wardens Workshops each Saturday in January . The workshops in Atlanta (20th) and Macon (27th) still remain. Tell your friends. Kick-Off of George Washington’s Chapter Alumni Program Grand Master Takes DeMolay’s Vows
With the support of the Grand Master of Masons in Georgia Most Worshipful Brother Eli Stafford, Georgia DeMolay has established a new alumni chapter called George Washington’s Chapter. The alumni chapter is a way for Master Masons who were not DeMolays in their youth, to receive the degrees and assume the obligations of the Order of DeMolay. After receiving the degrees, these Master Masons become lifetime members in the DeMolay Alumni Association and are given the title of “Honorary Senior DeMolays.” This is a great way for Georgia Masons to show their support for DeMolay and become more aware of what DeMolay is doing in Georgia. George Washington’s Chapter had its first initiation on January 6th, 2007. Most Worshipful Brother Eli Stafford was the active candidate for the class numbering 18. “I’m proud to be an Honorary Senior DeMolay,” said MWB Stafford. “I’ve witnessed the Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees countless times before, but personally receiving them makes them much more meaningful to me”, he continued. A second initiation was held on January 13th at the York Rite Center in Savannah. At this class, 37 master masons received both degrees along with 2 new members for Cecil Cheves Chapter. The enthusiasm at this event was awe inspiring. The one time initiation fee is used in part to pay for a lifetime membership in DeMolay International’s Alumni Association for our new Honorary Senior DeMolays. The initiation ceremonies are being held at each of the Masters & Wardens Workshops each Saturday in January . The workshops in Atlanta (20th) and Macon (27th) still remain. Tell your friends. Passing of an Era DeMolay Says Farewell Hampton, GA—Five DeMolay brothers made a pact several years ago that when the reached age 21 they would receive the Majority Degree together. These young men grew up in DeMolay together and felt that going out together was the best tribute to their brotherhood relationship. The Legacy Justin Nobles—Past State Master Councilor, Region 3 Coordinator, DeMolay of the Year, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter), Master Mason (Nelms Lodge #323) Brian Eidson—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Clayton Chapter), Master Mason (Hampton Lodge #70) Alex Williams—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Clayton Chapter) Adam Fowler—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, DeMolay of the Year, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter), Master Mason (Nelms Lodge # 323) Marcos De Los Santos—Past State Officer, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter) The Majority Service was hosted by Clayton Chapter and the service was presented by Michael Griggers, PSMC. Others Participating in the degree conferral were Geoff Bard, SMC; Peter Bard, SSD; Stephen Bohn, SM, and Brandon Derifield, PMC—Clayton Chapter.

MWB Eli Stafford kneels at the DeMolay altar to accept the Initiatory and DeMolay Degree vows.  Others in the class repeated the obligation with the Grand Master standing at their seats.

Photo Credit: Larry Griggers
DeMolay Says Farewell
DeMolay Says Farewell Hampton, GA—Five DeMolay brothers made a pact several years ago that when the reached age 21 they would receive the Majority Degree together. These young men grew up in DeMolay together and felt that going out together was the best tribute to their brotherhood relationship. The Legacy Justin Nobles—Past State Master Councilor, Region 3 Coordinator, DeMolay of the Year, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter), Master Mason (Nelms Lodge #323) Brian Eidson—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Clayton Chapter), Master Mason (Hampton Lodge #70) Alex Williams—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Clayton Chapter) Adam Fowler—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, DeMolay of the Year, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter), Master Mason (Nelms Lodge # 323) Marcos De Los Santos—Past State Officer, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter) The Majority Service was hosted by Clayton Chapter and the service was presented by Michael Griggers, PSMC. Others Participating in the degree conferral were Geoff Bard, SMC; Peter Bard, SSD; Stephen Bohn, SM, and Brandon Derifield, PMC—Clayton Chapter.
Passing of an Era

These brothers received the Majority Service during a special night hosted by Clayton Chapter (Hampton, GA)

L to R—Justin Nobles; Brian Eidson; Alex Williams; Adam Fowler; Marcos De Los Santos

Photo Credit: Larry Griggers

 Hampton, GA—Five DeMolay brothers made a pact several years ago that when the reached age 21 they would receive the Majority Degree together. These young men grew up in DeMolay together and felt that going out together was the best tribute to their brotherhood relationship. The Legacy Justin Nobles—Past State Master Councilor, Region 3 Coordinator, DeMolay of the Year, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter), Master Mason (Nelms Lodge #323) Brian Eidson—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Clayton Chapter), Master Mason (Hampton Lodge #70) Alex Williams—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Clayton Chapter) Adam Fowler—Past Illustrious Knight Commander, DeMolay of the Year, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter), Master Mason (Nelms Lodge # 323) Marcos De Los Santos—Past State Officer, Chevalier, Senior DeMolay (Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter) The Majority Service was hosted by Clayton Chapter and the service was presented by Michael Griggers, PSMC. Others Participating in the degree conferral were Geoff Bard, SMC; Peter Bard, SSD; Stephen Bohn, SM, and Brandon Derifield, PMC—Clayton Chapter.

Active Duty

Brian Eidson, a Senior DeMolay from Clayton Chapter, will be reporting for active duty on January 14th, 2007.  After a short training period, Brian’s unit will be deployed to Iraq.  Please  keep Brian and our other  DeMolay brothers in your prayers as they serve our country in harms way.

Photo Credit: Larry Griggers

 The adult leaders and members of Georgia DeMolay have been working hard for the past several years to create opportunities for growth. We’re now seeing signs of the fruits of those labors. Over the past 12 months we have seen a lot of activity to start new chapters and rejuvenate forfeited chapters. Let’s review some of this activity: Peachtree City is only a few members away from qualifying for their Letters Temporary. This is a chapter that has started from scratch and really put forth the effort to be successful. Since the SMC reception Albany Chapter has filed papers for reinstatement, trained 7 new Master Masons to serve as advisors, and initiated their first member for the new chapter. What a great start for the folks in Albany. Special kudos go to Dads Cliff and Charlie Reed for their efforts to get things rolling. I look forward to great things from Albany Chapter. Cecil Cheves Chapter has made great strides in returning to its status as one of Georgia’s power houses. After an extended period without any initiations and active membership hovering around one or two, Cecil Cheves brought in 7 new members in the last half of 2006. This is a great start and the adult leaders in Savannah deserve a big round of applause. In December, Dads Bard and Bohn along with our SMC Geoff Bard visited the members and guests of Richmond Lodge near Augusta. Brother Geoff performed the Ceremony of Light and made a small presentation about activities in Georgia. The presentations were followed up by a lengthy question and answer period. This resulted in 6 Master Masons raising their hands to volunteer to become advisors. The lodge expects to discuss and vote on reinstituting Augusta Chapter this month. They have already identified their first new member if they should decide to proceed. There is a rumor going around that there is some interest in starting a DeMolay chapter in the Carrollton area. The Opportunities Abound MARIETTA, GA - In an effort to help chapters initiate new members before the year's end, State Master Councilor Geoff Bard organized Statewide Degrees prior to the Holiday Formal Dance. The degree teams were composed of members from all over the state, including Cecil Cheves, Mountain Park, Samuel S. Lawrence, Clayton, and Peachtree City Chapters. There was a great turnout of Masons, Advisors, Parents and DeMolays to witness the degrees. In all five new members were welcomed into the brotherhood of DeMolay, including one member for the newly re-born Albany Chapter. Said Dad Charles Reed of Albany Chapter, himself a Senior DeMolay, "I'm a stickler for precise ritual work, and what I saw here today was some the finest work that could be done!" Article Credit: Jim Bard Photo Credit: Jim Bard Here We Grow Again word is that a revered senior member from Mountain Park Chapter, Joey Bush, is considering being one of the spark plugs to bring this new chapter to life. Dad Skip Mason has been working with a couple of masons in LaGrange who are interested in starting a DeMolay Chapter. After participating in the Masters and Wardens Workshop in Albany, several members of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Albany have called masons in the LaGrange/Griffin area to encourage them to follow through with the establishment of a new DeMolay Chapter. As you can see, there is a lot of activity in Chapter Development and Membership. Please take every opportunity to offer your help and support to Dad Skip Mason and the others working on making these chapters a success. Working together, we can grow together.
The adult leaders and members of Georgia DeMolay have been working hard for the past several years to create opportunities for growth. We’re now seeing signs of the fruits of those labors. Over the past 12 months we have seen a lot of activity to start new chapters and rejuvenate forfeited chapters. Let’s review some of this activity: Peachtree City is only a few members away from qualifying for their Letters Temporary. This is a chapter that has started from scratch and really put forth the effort to be successful. Since the SMC reception Albany Chapter has filed papers for reinstatement, trained 7 new Master Masons to serve as advisors, and initiated their first member for the new chapter. What a great start for the folks in Albany. Special kudos go to Dads Cliff and Charlie Reed for their efforts to get things rolling. I look forward to great things from Albany Chapter. Cecil Cheves Chapter has made great strides in returning to its status as one of Georgia’s power houses. After an extended period without any initiations and active membership hovering around one or two, Cecil Cheves brought in 7 new members in the last half of 2006. This is a great start and the adult leaders in Savannah deserve a big round of applause. In December, Dads Bard and Bohn along with our SMC Geoff Bard visited the members and guests of Richmond Lodge near Augusta. Brother Geoff performed the Ceremony of Light and made a small presentation about activities in Georgia. The presentations were followed up by a lengthy question and answer period. This resulted in 6 Master Masons raising their hands to volunteer to become advisors. The lodge expects to discuss and vote on reinstituting Augusta Chapter this month. They have already identified their first new member if they should decide to proceed. There is a rumor going around that there is some interest in starting a DeMolay chapter in the Carrollton area. The Opportunities Abound MARIETTA, GA - In an effort to help chapters initiate new members before the year's end, State Master Councilor Geoff Bard organized Statewide Degrees prior to the Holiday Formal Dance. The degree teams were composed of members from all over the state, including Cecil Cheves, Mountain Park, Samuel S. Lawrence, Clayton, and Peachtree City Chapters. There was a great turnout of Masons, Advisors, Parents and DeMolays to witness the degrees. In all five new members were welcomed into the brotherhood of DeMolay, including one member for the newly re-born Albany Chapter. Said Dad Charles Reed of Albany Chapter, himself a Senior DeMolay, "I'm a stickler for precise ritual work, and what I saw here today was some the finest work that could be done!" Article Credit: Jim Bard Photo Credit: Jim Bard Here We Grow Again word is that a revered senior member from Mountain Park Chapter, Joey Bush, is considering being one of the spark plugs to bring this new chapter to life. Dad Skip Mason has been working with a couple of masons in LaGrange who are interested in starting a DeMolay Chapter. After participating in the Masters and Wardens Workshop in Albany, several members of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Albany have called masons in the LaGrange/Griffin area to encourage them to follow through with the establishment of a new DeMolay Chapter. As you can see, there is a lot of activity in Chapter Development and Membership. Please take every opportunity to offer your help and support to Dad Skip Mason and the others working on making these chapters a success. Working together, we can grow together. MARIETTA, GA - In an effort to help chapters initiate new members before the year's end, State Master Councilor Geoff Bard organized Statewide Degrees prior to the Holiday Formal Dance. The degree teams were composed of members from all over the state, including Cecil Cheves, Mountain Park, Samuel S. Lawrence, Clayton, and Peachtree City Chapters. There was a great turnout of Masons, Advisors, Parents and DeMolays to witness the degrees. In all five new members were welcomed into the brotherhood of DeMolay, including one member for the newly re-born Albany Chapter. Said Dad Charles Reed of Albany Chapter, himself a Senior DeMolay, "I'm a stickler for precise ritual work, and what I saw here today was some the finest work that could be done!" Article Credit: Jim Bard Photo Credit: Jim Bard Here We Grow Again word is that a revered senior member from Mountain Park Chapter, Joey Bush, is considering being one of the spark plugs to bring this new chapter to life. Dad Skip Mason has been working with a couple of masons in LaGrange who are interested in starting a DeMolay Chapter. After participating in the Masters and Wardens Workshop in Albany, several members of the Scottish Rite in the Valley of Albany have called masons in the LaGrange/Griffin area to encourage them to follow through with the establishment of a new DeMolay Chapter. As you can see, there is a lot of activity in Chapter Development and Membership. Please take every opportunity to offer your help and support to Dad Skip Mason and the others working on making these chapters a success. Working together, we can grow together.

Gold Brick and Traveling Gavel
Are you aware that Georgia DeMolay has a program to promote visitation among the chapters? It is the Traveling Gavel and Gold Brick program. The traveling Gavel is a prize to be sought after and can be taken from whatever chapter currently holds it by visiting that chapter with 5 active DeMolays and 1 advisor. On the other hand the Gold Brick is something to be gotten rid of, the Chapter possessing the Gold Brick must drop it off at another chapter by making the visitation with, you guessed it, 5 DeMolays and 1 advisor. Calendar of Events Details are available on-line at www.gademolay.org January Jan. 20: Clayton Chapter Installation of Officers, 6PM; Hampton Lodge #70 Jan. 27: Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter Installation of Officers, 6PM; Douglasville, GA February Feb. 2-4: Tournament Of Champions Ritual Competition, Atlanta Masonic Center Feb. 10: Middle Georgia's Seventh annual Valentines Dance, 7-11PM, Tyrian Lodge Feb. 16-18: State Officer Bash, State Officers Only Feb. 23-25: Georgia Leaders’ Academy, 8 p.m. on Friday till 1 p.m. on Sunday March Mar. 3: Peachtree City Chapter Installation of Officers and Reception, Detail TBA Mar. 10-18: NASCAR Race Fundraiser; Details TBA Mar. 10-11: Annual Clayton Campout; Details TBA Mar. 16-18: Old South Ritual Tournament; New Orleans, LA; Details TBA April Apr. 12: SMC Official Visit to Panthersville Apr. 14: Grand Master's Class, details TBA Apr. 14: Georgia DeMolay Spring Senate, details TBA Apr. 14: Miss Rainbow Dance, details TBA May May 4-6: Spring Jam, FFA/FCCLA Center, Covington June Jun. 3: SMC Official Visit to Cecil Cheves Jun. 7: SMC Official Visit to Clayton Jun. 12: SMC Official Visit to Mountain Park Jun. 13-17: DeMolay International Jun. 26: SMC Official Visit to Don R. Roberts Jun. 28: SMC Official Visit to Middle Georgia July Jul. 12-15: Rainbow Grand Assembly; Columbus Trade Center, Columbus Jul. 21: Clayton Chapter Installation of Officers; 3:00PM, Lock-in to follow; Griffin, GA Jul. 26-29*: Conclave 2007, details TBA This electronic publication acknowledges authority and yields allegiance to DeMolay International, of which Frank S. Land was founder. These trophies also change hands at conclave and TOC, the chapter having the highest percentage of its total membership attend the event gets to take home the traveling gavel while the chapter that registers last gets the gold brick. Visitations are a great way to build the brotherhood that makes DeMolay so special among youth organizations today. They are also learning experiences for both DeMolays and advisors. So let's get out there and make some visits! I believe the Traveling Gavel is at Mountain Park Chapter, while the Gold Brick continues to rest at Clayton Chapter. Sincerely and fraternally, Dad Jim Bard—Director of State Events and Programs

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