Universe

I noticed by accessing the DeMolay Membership Stats that a few jurisdictions have an "At Large" catagory of members. Presumebly these are members that are not affiliated with any specific Chapter. This may be the result of young men who want to become DeMolay but do not live near any particular chapter.

Any thoughts on this? Any ideas on how these members can participate through a "Cyber DeMolay" program? Obviously ceremonial ritual rehearsals are not an option.

What kind of activities would any of you suggest?

How would you conduct a Chapter meeting if you had to do it on-line?

Are there any DeMolay at large members on the message board?

Would you like to share your experience?

I expect your right that most 'At Large' members don't live close to active chapters. I think a cyber DeMolay program would be interesting to pursue, but I am unaware of any. Sure chapters and Jurisdictions have webpages and some even have forums, but I think the opportunity exsist for one.

I do know DeMolay use Facebook and Myspace to develop closer relationships with DeMolay they have met in their jurisdictions, but who don't live close enough for an active non-cyber friendship.

There is always a skype/video conference option. I am all for it since I'm a complete nerd (I know HTML and just set up an old computer to become a server for my family).

First of all a hello to a fellow St Louis member Though I haven't been active in years it's nice to see George-L is still around About the "DeMolay At Large" idea I think it's a fabulous idea to persue though there would be some interesting challenges to having a "cyber" chapter. For example, under what state's jurisdiction would apply? How would certain ritual work such as initiation be held? Not to be a naysayer at all but these are the kind of challenges that would be involved.

I think that if the internet were involved, maybe the cyber-chapter's state would be ISC? It doesn't make much sense, I know, but they are under ISC. Initiation could be done by having a conference "call".

This message has been edited. Last edited by: demolay rules,

I would like to say I am so glad that DeMolay is still around. I have been a DeMolay for 27 years and I have been at large sence I became a Master Mason at age 21. I am a Past Master Councilor of Gainesville Chapter in Gainesville, Florida. I am now a SR. DeMolay and a Master Mason in Vinton Lodge # 204 AF & AM I have been in active in lodge as well. But I am looking at getting back in to it. I would really like to get back involved with the DeMolay as I have a son now and would like to give him the leadership and brotherhood I had when I was an active DeMolay. Any of you can help me with this Please Email me. We live nere Raonoke, VA. I would get greatful for any info to get him into this life changing group of young men.

Dear Bro warren,

I don't live in the Us but I think I can still help. Check out this link. http://jack33.net/vademolay/chapters.htm

You can see which Chapter is maybe closest or which chapter you like better. You can contact the Chapter Dad and they will be happy to assist you (they always are)

Greetings,

Bro. Warren,

Glad to see a Florida Senior DeMolay returning to the fold, even if Virginia DeMolay gets the benefits!

Of course the obvious question from my point of view is ... "Have you considered starting a Chapter in Vinton Lodge?"

Not that it is a simple affair, but perhaps it should be you long term goal, even if another Chapter is close enough for your son to begin his DeMolay career there.

Are there enough sons, and nephews, and grandsons of Vinton MMs to provide an initial group to get an LT Chapter kicked off? If not, are there enough for your son and his friends to begin a DeMolay group and grow it until it is big enough to become a new Chapter?

BTW, although we lost the old Gainesville Chapter some years back, during the long slide, there is a new LT Gainesville Chapter now growing in the area again as we begin the long climb back to where we belong. Thought you might want to know that.

And if there is anything either I or any Florida DeMolay adult can do to help you, let us know. The Order doesn't stop at the border, and we are happy to see it grow and propser anywhere. Especially if you share a tie to Florida DeMolay, as you do.

Respectfully and Fraternally,

Dad Dale Dietzman,
State Chapter Dad (FL)

PS Check out Roanoke Valley Chapter at Melrose Lodge #139.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dale Dietzman,

After a bit of Google work it looks like you are in luck:

There is a Chapter in Roanoke according to the latest info available anyway:

Roanoke Valley
1st & 3rd Thur, 7:30 pm

Melrose Lodge #139
7613 Shadwell Dr
Roanoke 24028
(540) 362-4204

Chairman
William C Campbell (Rhonda)


Chapter Dad
George E Lloyd (Lisa)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Field Representative,

Brother,

Thanks for the information I have found what I was looking for in the Roanoke Valley Chapter and have talked to the Chapter Dad as well. I talked to Dad Campbell this morning about it all.

Thank You Brothers,
Warren

Bro: Dale Dietzman,

The area of Roanoke is a large area how ever we tried to do that back in the mid 80's and it caused alot of problems and I would like to maybe try to start one in the area I live in now. I am getting ready to demit to the lodge in Rocky Mount, VA soon and would like to see if in fact I could start a Chapter there. It is a small town how ever it is a large area and it is about 45 minutes away from Roanoke. I remember when the Gainesville Chapter helped start the Waldo Chapter back in 1985 when I was the MC at the time. It was a hard job loosing the guys to that chapter but we made it through. I would be honored if you could send me some information on this it would be a great thing to try to do for this community.

Respectfully and Fraternally,
Warren Bush
PMC & Sr. DeMolay

quote:

Originally posted by EagleheartDave:
First of all a hello to a fellow St Louis member Though I haven't been active in years it's nice to see George-L is still around About the "DeMolay At Large" idea I think it's a fabulous idea to persue though there would be some interesting challenges to having a "cyber" chapter. For example, under what state's jurisdiction would apply? How would certain ritual work such as initiation be held? Not to be a naysayer at all but these are the kind of challenges that would be involved.

These are questions in which need to be answered...Right here is the spot to throw out ideas and not just shoot down the program.

As for Jurisdiction; In my mind I would say, whichever state that EO is in would be the Jurisdiction they are apart of, sure they are using an online forum but, doesn't mean they aren't DeMolay and doesn't mean they aren't Registered in that state. To me, logically this would be the course to continue and this may seem as a big problem but, seems easy to solve.



On another note; Dale Dietzman - Kodos to the idea of starting a new chapter at Warren's lodge.

I can tell you it is no easy task but, it gives you elbow room for your members to learn truely about DeMolay, and for yourself to get an extremely fun experience as an Advisor aiding a chapter that is being founded. And if you ever get lost on your path, go back to the Core of what DeMolay is about and then, you cannot be wrong in any decision.

Warren,
Please work with the Executive Officer of VA DeMolay as he is the contact man for all things DeMolay there in VA.
The way Florida starts a chapter might be different that the way VA or NC does it, so it works out best if you just get a hold of Mike Williams to confirm.

Good Luck!