Sevier Lodge # 334
F. & A. M .
Smoky Mountain DeMolay
"Live, Love, Learn, Leave a Legacy"
What is DeMolay?
DeMolay – the premier International youth leadership organization – strives to shape young men into leaders of character who hold themselves to a higher standard.
By epitomizing timeless values, and accepting the challenge of leadership – both of character and of action – the young men of DeMolay transform themselves into citizens of the highest caliber.
Each young man takes ownership of his DeMolay experience. From generating ideas, planning events, coordinating logistics, and executing their plans, each DeMolay Chapter is responsible for defining their success. All of this is accomplished under the mentorship of trained Advisors, selected from the local community, enabling each Chapter to be uniquely tailored to support the interests of its members.
DeMolay is an inclusive organization that only asks of young men interested to believe in a higher being.
A high level of involvement and enthusiasm is far more important for success in DeMolay than any particular skill or ability.
HISTORY
For nearly 100 years, DeMolay has been enriching the lives of young men by providing a fun-filled platform that unconsciously develops key life skills such as public speaking, fundraising, and event planning. DeMolay counts among its alumni a multitude of standout gentlemen who turned their experience in DeMolay into the foundation of their professional careers. A select few are enshrined in our Hall of Fame.
The DeMolay journey begins with the chapter, each a unique experience built around the same high values and leadership opportunities that have set DeMolay apart since its inception. Below are some aspects of the DeMolay program that showcase how it creates lifelong bonds between members that strengthen with time.
What Does DeMolay Teach?
Trips and Events
DeMolay events are unlike anything else. They span sports tournaments, formal dinners, children’s hospital visits, chili cook-offs, and so much more. If you can dream it, you can do it in DeMolay. The young men are challenged to embrace new ideas and brainstorm creative approaches to fundraisers, service projects, membership drives, and fun events. Each year activities change and are reshaped based on their previous results. Some events lead to special moments in a young mans life. Like when a trip takes a DeMolay further from home than they’ve ever been before, or when they enjoy an activity they never would have tried on their own.
Meetings
Effective meetings are the cornerstone around which a chapter functions and grows. Meetings give members the opportunity to be creative and turn their ideas into reality. Every DeMolay has a role in the opening and closing of meetings. Every 6 months new roles are selected for members, and an election is held for new chapter leadership. The leader of a chapter is the Master Councilor. This position provides hands-on experience through challenging the young man in charge to make decisions for the chapter and organize the “when, where, and how” of events. Guest speakers like veterans, teachers, and public servants, are often invited to give special presentations.
Smoky Mountain DeMolay meets every Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m
Smoky Mountain DeMolay Objectives
At Smoky Mountain DeMolay we are dedicated to creating an environment where young men can grow as leaders. As with any skill, people are not born with leadership, it must be taught. Through our various leadership programs we are committed to teach young men skills such as communication, problem solving, organization, planning, public speaking, dedication and work ethic. It is our goal that each member will learn ways to inspire and motivate themselves and others.
The best teacher that I ever had invested her time in me to make me the best version of myself. She was patient enough to understand that growth takes time. She taught me how to believe in myself and to become more confident in who I am. She taught me to never give up on my dreams, and that my goals were only limited by my imagination and my work ethic. That if I focused enough on the small details of my very day life such as making my bed every morning, turning off the light after I leave a room, or never forgetting to say thank you to someone that helps me, that my habits will make me the man that I want to be.
Now as a teacher I am constantly reminded of and so very grateful for the people that helped make me the person who I am today. My greatest goal in life is to help others grow and become the very best that they can be. Smoky Mountain DeMolay creates an environment where everyone involved can become better every day in every way
David Needham
SMD Chapter Chairman
