What Is DeMolay? How DeMolay International Relates to Freemasonry

DeMolay is a youth leadership organization with a long historical connection to Freemasonry—but it is not the same thing as being a Freemason. That distinction matters because searches for “DeMolay Freemason” often mix together three different questions: what DeMolay is, why Masons are connected to it, and whether being a DeMolay makes someone a Mason.

The short answer is: DeMolay International is its own organization. Its current programs focus on leadership, character, mentorship, friendship, service, and youth-led activities. Its Masonic relationship comes from its history and continuing community connections, not from DeMolay membership being a Masonic degree.

What is DeMolay?

DeMolay International describes its main DeMolay program as serving young men ages 12–21. Its current website also lists Squires for younger participants and Knighthood opportunities for older youth, along with adult advisor roles.

Chapters give members opportunities to plan activities, practice leadership, work in teams, serve their communities, and build friendships. The organization has existed for more than a century.

Why is DeMolay connected to Freemasonry?

The connection goes back to the organization’s founding. DeMolay’s own historical material identifies Frank S. Land as its founder and describes his involvement in Masonry. An archived DeMolay new-member guide states the relationship especially clearly: DeMolay is entirely independent from Freemasonry, while a connection has remained since Land founded DeMolay in 1919. The guide also notes that some adult leaders are Freemasons and that many Chapters meet in Masonic lodge buildings.

That makes DeMolay part of the broader Masonic-family landscape in a cultural and historical sense, but it should not be mislabeled as a Craft lodge or a Masonic degree system.

Is a DeMolay member a Freemason?

No. Membership in DeMolay does not itself make someone a Freemason. Freemasonry has its own membership requirements, petition process, lodge ballot, and degree system. A DeMolay who later wants to become a Mason must follow the rules of the recognized Grand Lodge and local lodge in his jurisdiction.

For that separate process, see How to Become a Freemason.

Does being a DeMolay guarantee admission to Freemasonry?

No. Familiarity with Masonic people or buildings may help a young man understand what Freemasonry is, but it is not automatic admission and should not be described as a shortcut. Masonic membership decisions are governed by the relevant lodge and Grand Lodge.

Current public discussions show why this distinction needs to be stated plainly: young DeMolays still ask whether their experience makes joining Masonry easier. The accurate answer is that the organizations are related historically and socially, but their memberships remain distinct.

Who can join DeMolay today?

DeMolay International’s current public site presents its core DeMolay program for ages 12–21. It also shows age-specific options around that program, including Squires for younger participants and adult advisor involvement after youth eligibility.

Because program details can be updated by the organization and may differ by jurisdiction, families should use DeMolay International’s current chapter locator and official application information rather than relying on an old forum post.

What do DeMolay members actually do?

The organization emphasizes youth leadership rather than passive membership. Chapters plan events, community service, social activities, and leadership experiences. DeMolay International describes mentorship, team building, networking, confidence, charity, and community engagement as central parts of the program.

That focus also explains why many former DeMolays remember the organization for public speaking, friendships, service, and leadership practice—not merely for its Masonic connection.

Is DeMolay an appendant body?

It is more accurate for a general reader to describe DeMolay as an independent youth organization historically connected with the Masonic family, rather than simply placing it on an adult “appendant body” chart. Adult Masonic bodies such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite, or Shrine have different membership structures and prerequisites.

If you are trying to understand those adult organizations, use Masonic Appendant Bodies Explained. If you are new to the fraternity itself, start with What Is Freemasonry?

Why do DeMolay symbols look different from Masonic symbols?

DeMolay has its own emblem and symbolic vocabulary. Its official emblem explanation describes elements including the crown, crossed swords, helmet, cross, stars, and the ten stones honoring the founder and original members. Those symbols belong to DeMolay’s own identity and should not be casually interpreted as ordinary Blue Lodge degree symbols.

What should parents or prospective members verify?

• Use the official DeMolay chapter locator.
• Confirm the current age/program category.
• Ask who supervises the local chapter and how adult advisors are registered.
• Ask about meeting schedules, dues or fees, transportation, activities, and parent communication.
• Keep DeMolay membership separate from any future decision about Freemasonry.

A note on Masonic gifts

A DeMolay member and a Freemason are not automatically the same recipient. If you are buying a gift, choose symbols that match the person’s actual organization and status. For confirmed Freemasons, the Masonic coin collection offers general Masonic designs; for a DeMolay specifically, verify that the imagery is appropriate before purchasing.

Sources and further reading

• DeMolay International — Join
• DeMolay International — How It All Started
• DeMolay International — The Emblem
• DeMolay International — New Member Guide (archived PDF)

Organization note: DeMolay program ages and administrative details can change. Use the official organization for current eligibility and local chapter information.