Alton Demolay

     A little over 40 years ago, I was a charter member of the DeMolay Chapter, formed by an inspired group of Masons who recruited the first group of young men from Mukwonago and East Troy. I well remember our first several meetings.  Here were some of my peers that played on the "opposing side": arch-rivals in football and basketball (as well as others who weren't on varsity or B teams). We may have initially approached one another warily, but quickly it grew to be a highlight for all of us, each week or two depending on what and how much we attended.

    Back then, we also established a Rifle Team. We practiced weekly, ran up a long list of NRA medals, and competed in regional and State competitions.  The nights in the billiards room at the lodge in Mukwonago were lots of fun. So was the State-wide summer DeMolay camp or conclave. And putting on the ritual garb in the Chapter [Lodge] Room, transformed us into something "greater."

     Let's not forget the young women! What a great way to meet them in towns from north of Milwaukee to nearly the Illinois border.  Was there no end to the fun of getting together with Job's Daughters or Rainbow Girls?  (I also remember the prohibitions about doing the "wrong thing" with a Brother DeMolay's sister, etc.  But then, I suppose in those more innocent times, we should just get so lucky!)

     Perhaps best of all were the terrific lessons we learned as part of the ritual of DeMolay. For all of you as Brother Masons who did not have this DeMolay experience, I can only say that the ritual was uplifting, optimistic, and inspiring. It did not really have much in the way of dark moments or complicated ritual. Nonetheless, we had ritual teams from other jurisdictions come in and "perform." This provided us with lessons in courage, and loyalty, and holding true to one's principles. It taught us about taking the highroad in life --- despite the pressures to do otherwise, even if it led to the sacrifice of losing one's life for a cause.

     The lessons of DeMolay had a deep impact on me, personally. For example, in the beginning as I went through the paperwork of becoming a Representative DeMolay, it made me think ahead about college and to become more "wise" as I plotted a life course. Eventually, it led me to think about serving others. I tell you these things because it would be a blessing to the young men of your communities to have this chance, once again. We are in a time now when their young lives are distracted and challenged. Would it not be extraordinary if they could also enjoy the fun ---as well as the core principles --- that DeMolay provides and teaches.  It is an exalting experience!

     Since the days of becoming a Senior DeMolay in college, I may not have become as active as I would have liked to be later as a Master Mason. Perhaps that day will yet come. But I can say, without question, that the love of DeMolay has stayed with me throughout my life. I have been a student of books and readings since, and they inspire me to this day.

     Brother Scott graduated from East Troy HS in 1964 and went on to Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, graduating in 1967 while also becoming a Master Mason. He then on to Wharton Graduate School; attended the London School of Economics; and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1972. He and his wife live in Virginia, and he still owns the century-old family home in the Village of East Troy.