DeMolay was founded in 1919 by Frank S. Land in Kansas City, Missouri. The Order of DeMolay is a fraternity for young men between the ages of 12 and 21.
The name DeMolay is taken from Jacques DeMolay, a Grand Master of the mediaeval Knights Templar. DeMolay teaches leadership and values which make these young men better citizens and better prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. Some DeMolay alumni include: Walt Disney, John Wayne; newsmen Dan Rather, Walter Cronkite, John Cameron Swayze, Willard Scott and Chet Huntley; entertainers Dick and Tommy Smothers, Buddy Ebsen, Burl Ives; and authors John Steinbeck and William Shirer.