We are the premier organization based on timeless principles, committed to developing and inspiring leadership, team building, and networking for young men ages 12–21.
We don't just create leaders — we create extraordinary leaders of character.
DeMolay International is the premier youth leadership organization for young men ages 12 to 21. Founded in 1919, DeMolay provides a safe, moral environment where members develop leadership and life skills that prepare them to be tomorrow's citizens, husbands, fathers, and leaders.
With chapters in all 50 states and several countries, DeMolay currently has thousands of active members worldwide.
To become a DeMolay, a young man must:
The process is simple: complete a short application, pay the chapter fee, and be voted in by the members. After election, you'll experience our powerful two-part induction ceremony.
The DeMolay experience begins with a two-degree ceremony presented entirely by the young men themselves.
Initiatory Degree - Introduces the seven cardinal virtues and founding principles.
DeMolay Degree - A dramatic play about Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, teaching the ultimate lesson of loyalty to beliefs, family, friends, and country.
DeMolay chapters are run BY the members, FOR the members. Through elected offices (Master Councilor, Senior Councilor, etc.) and increasing responsibility, young men learn real-world skills:
These experiences give DeMolays a competitive edge in college applications, scholarships, and future careers.
DeMolay is about more than meetings. Chapters enjoy:
... and millions more leaders who started as DeMolays.
No. We require belief in a Supreme Being, but membership is open to young men of all faiths. We never discuss doctrine.
No. While chapters are sponsored by Masons who volunteer their time, DeMolay is its own independent organization focused on youth leadership.
Yes - DeMolay International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible.
Absolutely! Parents may serve as advisors, volunteers, or simply attend events and ceremonies.
All adult advisors undergo background checks and mandatory youth-protection training.
Contact a North Carolina DeMolay chapter near you or reach out to our state office to learn how to join or start a new chapter.
There's a place for you in North Carolina DeMolay.
DAD TIM SHERMER PAST EXECUTIVE OFFICER (11TH)
DAD MATT HUNT PAST EXECUTIVE OFFICER (15TH)
The Order of Demolay was created and established by Frank Sherman Land in Kansas City, Missouri, March 1919. Brother Land was the Secretary for Scottish Rite in Kansas City and had encountered several fatherless teenagers that he mentored. He decided that a club or organization should be established to further develop these teen boys and their friends. Thus, the young men under Land's watchful eye, researched a name for the group and decided on one of the great Knights Templar of the Crusades and symbolized in Scottish Rite Masonry, Jacques DeMolay. DeMolay had displayed honor, valor, bravery, and a strong sense of brotherhood during the crusades, to the point of losing his life by being burned at the stake along with fellow crusaders, rather than betray the trust of their Order.
DeMolay is a part of the Masonic fraternity, being sponsored by a Masonic Body, such as local Blue Lodges, a Masonic District or the Masonic Grand Lodge of a State, Scottish Rite or York Rite Bodies, or even a Shrine Club. DeMolay has been labeled in the past as "Junior Masons". This is not the case, as DeMolay is sovereign and governed by the International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay through the Offices of DeMolay International in Kansas City, Missouri.
Active DeMolays are ages 12-21 and are known and addressed as "Brother". Senior DeMolays, Master Masons, and Advisory Council Members are addressed as "Dad". Now with the influx of parents as Advisors, involved mothers are addressed as "Mom".
Each DeMolay Jurisdiction is administered and governed by the Executive Officer, who is required to be a Master Mason. Executive Officers are appointed by the Grand Master of DeMolay with input from the Masonic Grand Master of the Jurisdiction. The EO is an Active Member of the International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay.
As of 2026, there have been 17 appointed Executive Officers in North Carolina. Of these, 8 are Senior DeMolays, with 7 of these being native North Carolinians.
Notable, the 1st Executive Officer Robert Harkins later became the Grand Sovereign Inspector General for the Southern Jurisdiction of Scottish Rite Masonry from 1952-1955. The 10th Executive Officer, E John Elmore, a Senior DeMolay from Burlington-Friendship Chapter, was elected and served as Grand Master of the International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay for the 1996-1997 year.
The 1920's: The Order of DeMolay established its first Chapter in North Carolina in Asheville, August 11, 1921. The movement spread quickly to surrounding western communities, as well as eastward to Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and their surrounding communities. The most sustained Chapters in the history of North Carolina DeMolay have been Raleigh and Jacksonville. Raleigh is the oldest Chapter to never cease meeting since the 1920's. Jacksonville Chapter has met continuously since creation in 1956.
The North Carolina State Association for the Order of DeMolay was organized in 1923. In fact, our Association also consisted of DeMolay Chapters from South Carolina at the time and was named the Carolinas Consistory and later Carolinas Association Order of DeMolay. This dual Jurisdiction remained in effect until 1939, when South Carolina DeMolay became sovereign, gaining their own Jurisdiction and Association .
The 1930's: DeMolay in North Carolina flourished in this decade, though the Great Depression was so prevalent. Like Masonry during this time, DeMolay grew and became so much more established throughout the State. A big reason for this growth has been attributed to the camaraderie and socializing that DeMolay provided for teenagers during the void and drudgery of this era in the history of our United States.
The 1940's: DeMolay Chapters in North Carolina continued to grow during the World War II years and the start of the "baby boom" late in the decade. Individual Chapters met, but the North Carolina State Association did cease to meet and function from 1942-1945 due to travel restrictions during the war. Numerous Chapters were formed in the eastern part of the state to grow the Association. As the decade closed and reached into the 1960's, North Carolina DeMolay established its highest number of Chapters to 63.
The 1950's: North Carolina DeMolay marched forward in membership and establishment of new Chapters. The North Carolina State Association continued to be strong and with numerous youth organizations available for teenagers to join, DeMolay took on a "fraternity" theme. DeMolay began to be known as a fraternal youth organization. Members dressed in suits for regular meetings and visitations and even tuxedoes for special events such as installations and awards presentations. DeMolay became quite a professional organization that strived to instill maturity, character, and etiquette for our young men to learn and practice in everyday life and in preparation for manhood. Association youth leadership included State Master, Senior, and Junior Councilors, along with a full slate of lesser State Officers mirroring Chapter Officers. The State Association became so large in the late 1950's, that the jurisdiction was divided into three districts, Western, Piedmont, and Eastern. An Advisor from that area was appointed District Governor by the EO to assist with administration. Degree and sports competitions also became a mainstay during this time and was positively embraced by the membership. DeMolay Chapters had started electing a Chapter Sweetheart during this era as a female representative for the Chapter. Sweethearts were crowned, represented the Chapter, prepared a scrapbook of Chapter activities during the year, and provided refreshments after DeMolay meetings or other events.
As stated earlier, 1956 saw the establishment of the Jacksonville Chapter. Jacksonville has maintained a very strong presence in North Carolina DeMolay to this day. This most likely occurred due to the presence of the United States Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville and the leadership of three "Marines" over the years. General H. Lloyd Wilkerson, later to become the Sovereign Grand Inspector General for North Carolina Scottish Rite, General Herman Nickerson, and Sergeant Major Gene Solomon were staunch strong supporters of the Jacksonville Chapter, as well as the North Carolina State Association throughout their lives. All three were Honorary Members of the International Supreme Council.
As a part of overall DeMolay history, the first woman ever to receive the DeMolay Medal of Appreciation was from North Carolina. Dad Louis "Shug" Lampkin and his wife "Mom Lampkin" were strong supporters of North Carolina DeMolay, as he was the Chapter Dad at Charlotte Chapter. She was always with him in his work with the boys and in their DeMolay travels. Mom Lampkin was presented the Medal of Appreciation directly under Dad Frank Land's authority and signature by the State Master Councilor in 1956 at the Western District Convention for the State Association at Shelby Chapter.
The 1960's: Though times were changing for teenagers, DeMolay continued to offer a more mature and professional organization for a young man to join. The North Carolina State Association was still strong and the number of Chapters in North Carolina was still very high. Events for a typical year included Grand Master's Class at Raleigh (a DeMolay membership initiation of both degrees in honor of the North Carolina Grand Lodge Grand Master) in January, Oxford Orphanage Visitation in February, District Conventions (which included district degree and sports competitions) in March-May, State Conclave (which included election of State Officers and final degree and sports competitions) in July, State Officers' Workshop at Burlington (a weekend training and leadership session for Chapter officers) in October, and Masonic & Eastern Star Home Visitation for Christmas in Greensboro during December.
Early in the decade, the new honorary positions of State Mom & Dad were begun. They were selected by the young men as an accolade to advisors and their active spouses annually at State Conclave.
Later, the State Sweetheart Program started, with the honoree being selected at State Conclave from participating Chapter Sweethearts. Selection was based on the young lady's Chapter representation, attendance, and activities, as well as the judging of submitted Chapter scrapbooks.
A Knighthood Priory was started by the Association in the 1960's for DeMolays aged 17 and older.
Brother Dan Killian of Cullowhee Chapter was elected 3rd International Master Councilor for the International DeMolay Congress at the 1969 Supreme Council Session.
The 1970's: The times were still changing for teenagers in this turbulent decade, but DeMolay was still strong and a leader for youth organizations. North Carolina DeMolay began to see its first decrease in Chapters during this time, but the State Association and all the yearly programs remained strong.
Parents Clubs were started during this time and gave mothers an "official" active role in providing for Chapter social functions and assisting the Chapter Sweethearts.
The 9th and one of the longest serving Executive Officers for North Carolina DeMolay, John A. Verdery from Gastonia, began his tenure in 1970 and served until 1985.
Brother Tim Grooms of Gastonia Chapter was elected 1st International Congress Secretary for the International DeMolay Congress at the 1974 Supreme Council Session.
Dad Robert McEwen III, Senior DeMolay and longtime Advisor at Charlotte Chapter, was appointed State Scribe Treasurer and served in this position 40+ years. He was an Honorary Member of the International Supreme Council and the father of two State Master Councilors, Robert IV and Jeff.
Also recognition of North Carolina DeMolay by the Grand Lodge of North Carolina became more visible to the Masonic fraternities, as the State Master Councilor and Executive Officer were invited to the annual Grand Lodge Meeting for introduction.
The 1980's: Decline in DeMolay participation on a national basis became very prevalent by the midpoint of this decade and North Carolina DeMolay began to experience a loss in membership and Chapters not meeting on a regular basis. Though many Chapters in larger cities closed (i.e Asheville, Winston Salem, High Point, New Bern, and others), numerous Chapters opened in smaller towns, suburbs, and rural locations (i.e. Asheboro, Cary, Fayetteville, Pender County and East Wake). The North Carolina State Association became very strained and several state programs ceased by the end of the decade. State Association elected leadership dropped the State Senior and Junior Councilors positions and began electing the State Master Councilor along with a Deputy State Master Councilor only. Other State Officers positions were still selected and filled by the SMC.
Again times were changing for our youth and DeMolay needed to update and modernize in many facets to attract the modern day young man to join our fraternal organization. Unfortunately it was a slow process in direction from ISC and DeMolay Headquarters in Kansas City.
North Carolina DeMolay did team with a national DeMolay endeavour, participating in the DeMolay Dream Factory, a predecessor to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After extensive fund raising, the North Carolina State Association provided "a dream" for a terminally ill cancer patient, T.J. Locklear from Lumberton, at Duke University Medical Center in 1985. Though he was too sick to travel to Disney World as he "dreamed", he and his family were gifted a large screen television, VHS player, and a large collection of Disney VHS tapes. Other Disney related toys were also given to TJ and his family was provided with a substantial monetary donation for travel, lodging, and other essentials during this turbulent time of their life.
n 1985, Senior DeMolay E. John Elmore became the 10th Executive Officer for the Jurisdiction of North Carolina. He served until 1999 and as mentioned previously was Grand Master of DeMolay in 1996-1997. He also served a long tenure as Secretary of the Scottish Rite Bodies Valley of Greensboro.
During this time, North Carolina DeMolay was struggling with leadership at the State Association level. Brother Charles "Chaz" Silber, Past Master Councilor of Raleigh Chapter "stepped up to the call for action" and was appointed State Master Councilor in 1986 by Dad Elmore. He exhibited enthusiasm, brotherhood, and leadership to uplift North Carolina DeMolay in growth and development at the Chapter and State levels at a point when North Carolina DeMolay was down.
Due to Chaz's service, it is a fine time in North Carolina DeMolay history to extend accolades to the Silbers. Chaz came from a Masonic Youth Organization Family. His father Ed was a Charlotte Chapter PMC, Association DeMolay of the Year, and Senior DeMolay. His brother Frank was also a Raleigh Chapter PMC, State Master Councilor, appointed State Scribe Treasurer (still serving in this capacity), became the 13th Executive Officer, and is an Emeritus Member of the Supreme Council. Their sister Renee was a member of Job's Daughters. Chaz's wife was a member of Rainbow, his son a Raleigh Chapter PMC and Senior DeMolay, and his daughter a member of Rainbow. Frank's wife was a Raleigh Chapter Sweetheart and Association State Sweetheart. Both his wife and daughter are Past Grand Worthy Advisors for North Carolina Rainbow. Frank's son has served as Master Councilor at Raleigh Chapter. Ed, Chaz, and Frank are all Master Masons. For their service and dedication to our youth organizations, we can honestly label the Silber lineage as "The First Family of North Carolina DeMolay".
During this decade, the International Supreme Council, due to insurance regulations and demands, established an official and mandatory Youth Protection Program to be implemented at the Chapter, Jurisdiction, and International levels for all involved adults. Though DeMolay had "advisor training" as far back as the 1960's, it was now imperative that all advisors be registered members with the International Supreme Council, a background check performed by the Leadership Center, and these approved advisors complete the DeMolay Advisor Development (D.A.D.) class for certification.
As stated earlier, the North Carolina Grand Lodge had been recognizing the State Master Councilor and Executive Officer at the yearly Grand Lodge Session. Late in the 1980's, the Executive Officer introduced the State Master Councilor to the assemblage and he was allowed to give a speech, demonstrating the State Association's appreciation for Masonic support and the maturity and abilities that our youth possessed. North Carolina Grand Lodge Code required that each Blue Lodge have a standing DeMolay Committee. Going into the 1990's, the North Carolina Grand Lodge established a Grand Lodge DeMolay Committee, later expanding it to include Rainbow and Job's Daughters, thus renaming it the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Youth Organizations. This name change is also reflected for the Blue Lodge standing committee.
There have been 6 Senior DeMolays that have served as Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina.
Various Grand Masters such as Charles Lewis, Rick Moore, Tom Gregory, Bill Simpson, Bill Brunk, Ray Norris, Charles Cathey, and Dan Rice, as well as Dr. Eddie P Stiles, whose two sons Eddie Jr. and Phil both served as State Master Councilors, gave tremendous support to North Carolina Demolay during their tenures.
The 1990's: North Carolina DeMolay was "small" with fewer Chapters, but was active. State activities included Grand Master's Class at Raleigh in January, Oxford Home Visitation in February/March, Fellowship Weekend and Award's Day at Greensboro in July, and Masonic & Eastern Star Home Visitation in Greensboro during December for Christmas.
North Carolina DeMolay developed a close working relationship with both Rainbow and Job's Daughters at the local and state levels during this time. All the youth organizations invited the others to most of their activities and events. Some funding for all three youth organizations was forthcoming from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina through the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Youth Organizations with support from many progressive Grand Masters.
A North Carolina DeMolay Foundation was established as a 501c3 organization and fund raising was begun for chapter development, state activities, and scholarships.
Officially, the International Supreme Council Order of DeMolay functioning as the governing body created DeMolay International to carry on the working functions of the Order from the Leadership Center in Kansas City Missouri.
DeMolay International created a website to present quick information concerning the Order. North Carolina followed, and numerous State Officers created such a website at the state level to provide information, activities, and photos concerning our State Association online.
ISC/DI established the Squires Program for boys 9-11 years old to join at the Chapter and State levels. North Carolina DeMolay has now started a Squires Manor.
North Carolina DeMolay is a member of Region III DeMolay along with the jurisdictions of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Region III meetings are held on a weekend during September-October hosted by one of these jurisdictions.
North Carolina DeMolay also developed a very strong relationship with Virginia DeMolay from Region II. NC DeMolay was always well represented at the Annual Leadership Workshop held in Williamsburg during January/February and was normally in attendance at Virginia's State Conclave in August.
As a courtesy from Pennsylvania DeMolay, the North Carolina State Association was able to send our Jurisdictional Officers to "Key Man", a leadership and educational conference sponsored by the Pennsylvania Youth Foundation and held at their spacious campus near Hershey. "Key Man" was very similar to the DeMolay Leadership Camps that were conducted from the 1960's-1980's by the International Supreme Council.
In the late 1990's, due to administrative issues with Executive Officer functions in South Carolina, the North Carolina Executive Officer oversaw South Carolina DeMolay for several months. This was short-lived and rectified with a newly appointed Personal Representative by the Grand Master of DeMolay. But, for a short time, the "Carolinas DeMolay Association" from the 1920's was "active again".
2000-PRESENT: North Carolina DeMolay continued to struggle, especially going into the 2010 decade through 2023. At our lowest point, the State Association had only 3 Chapters meeting, Raleigh, Jacksonville, and Greensboro. This was not solely a North Carolina problem, but an overall issue at DeMolay International. Times were changing as to what young men wanted from a fraternal or social organization compared to what DeMolay was offering. DeMolay needed to modernize greatly for the 21st Century, but it seemed could not grasp and implement such programs in a timely manner.
From 2000 to present, North Carolina DeMolay has had 7 Executive Officers at the helm, 6 of these being Senior DeMolays. Though it was a time of struggle in membership and programs for DeMolay, these EOs were dedicated to the growth and vitality of Chapters, the Association, and the fraternity as a whole. These changes in leadership were due to a variety of reasons, to include family obligations, employment responsibilities, and for several, health issues. All of these men are still involved in some capacity with North Carolina DeMolay to this day.
Again in the mid-2000's, many State Association Programs ceased such as State Conclave, State Sweetheart, and our relationship with Virginia DeMolay. A full slate of State Officers could not be filled and several times the standing EO had to appoint a State Master Councilor and Deputy State Master Councilor to serve the Association.
North Carolina DeMolay continued to have a cordial relationship with North Carolina Rainbow, as Rainbow held their annual Peppermint Ball in Greensboro or Winston Salem during December and DeMolay was always invited. These two youth organizations continued to support each other through the 2000's in service, charitable, and social functions, which actually helped both grow in the 2020's.
Then came 2020 and COVID! Chapters and the State Association could not meet for approximately a year. Some Chapters tried to meet virtually, but this was a struggle. Like many businesses, organizations, churches, and the Masonic fraternity, North Carolina DeMolay was greatly affected and slowed by COVID restrictions.
North Carolina DeMolay has weathered these downturns. Existing Chapters are meeting, old Chapters have been re-established, and new Chapters have been started. Places like Charlotte, Winston Salem, Greensboro, Wilmington, Dunn, and Oxford have joined Raleigh and Jacksonville to bring strength to North Carolina DeMolay.
A new North Carolina DeMolay website is being developed and a new DeMolay Foundation for the State is being discussed for creation.
State Conclave has been held at both Jacksonville and Fayetteville in August for the past 2 years and been well attended. Degree competition, sports activities, and election of State Officers have occurred at this event.
Awards Day has been held for the past several years in November at Cary, hosted by Raleigh Chapter and the North Carolina State Association. The North Carolina Court of Chevaliers and Preceptory of the Legion of Honor have been very active and supportive at this event in bestowing these degrees and honors.
Senior DeMolays, Past State Officers, Past Advisors, Past Executive Officers, Master Masons, and parents are participating and supporting the young men and the Advisory Councils of North Carolina DeMolay.
As of January 2026 and the submission of this article concerning North Carolina DeMolay, our International Order will be 107 years old in March. The establishment of our first Chapter in Asheville occurred 105 years ago as of August. Our Association will be 103 years old this year.
We have history and heritage to take pride in and we most definitely have a bright future to grow and develop North Carolina DeMolay for our young men -our brethren- if we all will continue to work and support the precepts and brotherhood of this heralded organization.
In those immortal and loud BOOMING words from Dad Gene Solomon
from Jacksonville Chapter
repeated at every DeMolay event ...
ATTITUDE CHECK!!!!!
DEMOLAY!!!!!
WHAT IS IT!!!!! WHAT DOES IT MEAN!!!!!
BROTHERHOOD!!!!!
HOW DOES IT GROW!!!!!
MEMBERSHIP!!!!!
WHERE IS IT!!!!! WHERE DO YOU FIND IT!!!!!
NORTH CAROLINA!!!!!