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I’d like to thank ‘Dad’ Ed King, Advisory Council Chairman of the Bangor Chapter in Maine, for his permission to reprint the following pamphlet. "When Your Boy Needs DeMolay" comes from a brochure which has been in 'Dad' King's possession since at least 1975 and was believed to date from approximately 30 years earlier. 'Why DeMolay' is as relevant and timely today as it was over fifty years ago! Think about it....
"All that was best in ancient chivalry"
WHEN he feels that every word of criticism from father or mother is merely nagging fault-finding: that every kindly suggestion from home is just an added paragraph to a code of strict laws that irk him.
Your Boy Needs DeMolay
He will listen to and profit by criticisms and suggestions by men on the Advisory Council because he appreciates their taking a friendly interest in him.
WHEN he no longer desires the goodnight caress of his mother nor the strong arm of his father around his shoulder; is ashamed of a sign of affection from his parents or thinks he is too big to kiss his mother.
Your Boy Needs DeMolay
Because it renews his appreciation of the sacrifices made for him by his father and mother: pledges him to be a better son, gratefully striving to repay his parents in affectionate consideration: and places him among red-blooded boys whose proud practice it is, at all DeMolay meetings to kneel and offer a prayer for their mothers and their homes.
WHEN he is perplexed or greatly troubled and needs advice but doesn't want to talk some things over with his father for fear of being misunderstood.
Your Boy Needs DeMolay
Because every chapter is under the leadership of friendly men whose judgment he values and to whom he is willing to turn to for help because he knows they understand boys and will respect their confidence.
WHEN he thinks he knows more than teachers, preachers and parents but is quick to accept suggestions from a companion of his own age.
Your Boy Needs DeMolay
Because it draws him in a circle of purposeful young fellows whose suggestions are influenced by high ideals of clean thinking and right living.
WHEN he is, because of death or other misfortune, without that guidance of a father which every young fellow needs and which the fatherless lad so often craves with all his heart.
Your Boy Needs DeMolay
Because it brings him into intimate touch with high-minded men whom he learns to call "Dad," and among whom he may find the understanding older friend his father might have been
WHEN he wants to quit school for any one of the many reasons which a boy often seizes upon, little realizing the future he may be selecting for himself.
Your Boy Needs DeMolay
Because of the consistent emphasis the Order places upon the value of an education and the encouragement to stick to school given by the Chapter Dad and other men interested in DeMolays.
WHEN he is inclined to ape the worst rather than the best qualities of men for fear of appearing young, inexperienced and not really masculine.
Your Boy Needs DeMolay
Because he learns from the teachings of the ritual and associations with DeMolays and Advisors that the vices of men are not marks of manhood but rather signs of a childish lack of self-control.
. . . . The teachings of the Order of DeMolay . . . . love of parents, love of God, patriotism, purity, courtesy, comradeship and fidelity . . . . are those which not only develop the best in Youth, but insure the best in Man.
Charles G. Dawes
