Frank S. Land DeMolay International is the largest fraternity of young men in the world. The fraternity is an association of young men, twelve to twenty-one years of age who are seeking to better themselves by learning leadership skills and practicing civic responsibility; all the while having a whole lot of fun. DeMolay was started in 1919 in Kansas City, Missouri. Today, there are approximately 1000 chapters in the United States, as well as many chapters located around the world. There have been more than a million young men who have been members of DeMolay. Alumni members (over 21 years of age) of DeMolay include John Wayne, Dan Rather, Walt Disney, Willard Scott, and countless others. DeMolay's alumni include United States Senators, State Governors, U.S. Astronauts, Professional Athletes, and Chairman of major U.S. corporations. To see more about famous DeMolays, and learn how DeMolay affected their lives, visit the DeMolay Hall of Fame DeMolay is dedicated to providing a fraternal environment (one of brotherhood and acceptance) in an organization for young men who govern and direct their own activities under the advisorship of adults. DeMolay provides young men the opportunity to practice leadership techniques and their real-world applications through its chapter activities. The organization develops leadership skills, civic responsibility and character-building in young men, providing them an environment in which they can create their own successes, and comfortably learn from their failures. The organization assists young men in growing into responsible adults with good moral character, and provides them with a place to go, have fun, companionship, be accepted by peers, and develop social skills.

Jacques DeMolay The namesake of the Order of DeMolay was born in Vitrey, Department of Haute Saone, France in the year 1244. At the age of 21, DeMolay joined the Order of Knights Templar.

The Knights Templar was an organization sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1128 to guard the road between Jerusalem and Acre, an important port city on the Mediterranean Sea. The Order of Knights Templar participated in the Crusades and earned a name for valor and heroism.

With many nobles and princes sending their sons to join the Knights Templar, the Order also became very wealthy and popular throughout Europe.

In 1298, Jacques DeMolay was named Grand Master of the Knights Templar, a position of power and prestige. As Grand Master however, Jacques DeMolay was also in a difficult position. The Crusades were not achieving their goals. The non-Christian Saracens defeated the Crusaders in battle and captured many vital cities and posts. The Knights Templar and the Hospitalers (another Order of Knights) were the only groups remaining to confront the Saracens.

The Knights Templar decided to reorganize and regain their strength. They traveled to the island of Cyprus, waiting for the general public to rise up in support of another Crusade.

Instead of public support, however, the Knights attracted the attention of powerful lords, who were interested in obtaining their wealth and power. In 1305, Philip the Fair, King of France, set about to obtain control of the Knights Templars. They had been accountable only to the Church. To prevent a rise in the power of the Church, and to increase his own wealth, Philip set out to take over the Knights.

The year 1307 saw the beginning of the persecution of the Knights. Jacques DeMolay, along with hundreds of others, were seized and thrown into dungeons. For seven years, DeMolay and the Knights suffered torture and inhuman conditions. While the Knights did not end, Philip managed to force Pope Clement to condemn the Templars. Their wealth and property were confiscated and given to Philip's supporters.

During years of torture, Jacques DeMolay continued to be loyal to his friends and Knights. He refused to disclose the location of the funds of the Order and he refused to betray his comrades. On March 18, 1314, DeMolay was tried by a special court. As evidence, the court depended on a forged confession, allegedly signed by DeMolay.

Jacques DeMolay disavowed the forged confession. Under the laws of the time, the disavowal of a confession was punishable by death. Another Knight, Guy of Auvergne, likewise disavowed his confession and stood with Jacques DeMolay.

King Philip ordered them both to be burned at the stake that day, and thus the story of Jacques DeMolay became a testimonial to loyalty and friendship.