DeMolay has provided numerous honors and awards for the official recognition of service and achievements.This page briefly describes some of the honors and awards available. It’s important to remember that there is a difference between an award and an honor:
- An award – is an achievement to be worked toward, a goal or a recognition to be earned. You can apply for an award.
- An honor – is granted without the recipient knowing about it until it is announced. DeMolay honors must be voted on by the International Supreme Council.
There are honors and awards for Active DeMolays, Senior DeMolays, adult volunteers and anyone else who provides special service to a DeMolay Chapter. To learn more about other honors and awards, contact DAD Shawn Rains at 614-588-7746 or email DAD Rains.
Past Master Councilor Meritorious Service Award (PMC-MSA)
One of the most prestigious awards in all of DeMolay, the Past Master Councilor’s Meritorious Service Award, was designed by our founder, “DAD” Frank S. Land. The award itself is an attractive gold-colored medal and is granted without charge. Qualifying for the PMC-MSA is an exercise in good program planning.
Representative DeMolay Award
The Representative DeMolay Award is the highest self-achievement award Active and Senior DeMolays can earn. It’s a self-assessment program where you progress toward goals you set for yourself. You complete a detailed survey of your interests, achievements, general knowledge and habits.
“DAD” Land said it was his dream that every DeMolay should be a Representative DeMolay. The Representative DeMolay program was first established in 1924, and for many years was a competition to select outstanding DeMolays. In 1935, the program was redesigned to fill a growing need for self-evaluation by every DeMolay.
Merit Bars
Merit Bars primarily are awards that recognize DeMolays for achievement in some phase of chapter activity. Religion and scholastics are the two exceptions. Merit Bars are awarded to individual members on the recommendation of the chapter Awards Advisor. The Advisory Council makes the final decision about whether an individual has met the requirements for each bar.
The categories in which Merit Bars are awarded through DeMolay International are athletic, attendance, civic service, conclave, fine art, fund-raising, installing, journalism, correspondence course, masonic attendance, masonic service, membership, merit, priory, religion, scholastic, visitation and ritual.
Membership Awards
Membership awards are given for bringing new members into DeMolay. DeMolay International grants these awards automatically. Here are the membership awards.
- #1 Lapel Pin: It’s exciting to sign up your first new member. The #1 lapel pin recognizes this important achievement.
- Merit Bar: The Membership Merit Bar is granted for being the first-line signer on three initiates.
- Founders Membership Award: This award is granted to a DeMolay who is the first-line signer on his first five membership applications.
- Blue Honor Key: The Blue Honor Key is awarded to an Active or Senior DeMolay for being the first-line signer for 10 new members initiated by the chapter. These 10 membership applications do not have to be secured for any one class or in any one year. An active member who secures fewer than 10 applications before he reaches his majority may complete the requirements list after he reaches majority. Additional Blue Honor Keys, with stars to designate each multiple of 10 new members secured, are also granted.
Degree of Chevalier
The Degree of Chevalier is the highest honor that an active DeMolay can receive. This honor also may be granted to a Senior DeMolay. The Degree is a citation for outstanding and marked DeMolay activity and labor. The nominee must be a minimum of 16 years of age, with Executive Officer approval, on January 15th of the year nominated, and have been a member in good standing for at least two years as of that date.
The degree cannot be applied for, and the nominationis made without the knowledge of the DeMolay to be honored. The unanimous vote of DeMolay International at its regular Session is required to elect a nominee.
Recommendations are made by Advisory Councils to the Executive Officer of the jurisdiction. Nomination forms are available from the Executive Officer. The nominations must be received by the Executive Officer’s deadline. Each year a nomination fee is established by the Grand Secretary. The fee covers processing and regalia. Submit fee with completed nomination form to the Executive Officer. The investiture ceremony must take place within one year from the date of election.
