Scottish Rite Sponsors DeMolay Anniversary trip to Paris Site

Scottish Rite sponsored a trip for DeMolay International officials to attend the 700th anniversary of the martyrdom of Jacques DeMolay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, who was executed on March 18, 1314, in Paris, France.

Representing DeMolay International were Robert Laing, International Master Councilor; Christopher LaBaw, International Congress Secretary; and Ill. Mike A. Salazar, Grand Master. The DeMolay delegation was hosted by Ill. David A. Glattly, Deputy for NJ; Ill. Robert F. Ogg, Deputy for RI; and Ill. Richard B. Burgess, Grand Chancellor. The Scottish Rite delegation are all Sr. DeMolays.

L-R: Bob Ogg; Mike Salazar; Dave Glattly; Bob Laing; Chris LaBaw.

On March 18, 2014, seven hundred years to the day, a special ceremony was held at the site, an island in the River Seine, not far from the Cathedral of Notre Dame. The DeMolay delegation provided an appropriate ceremony marking this unique anniversary saluting the namesake of the Order of DeMolay, who gave his life rather than betray his brethren. A wreath donated by Scottish Rite was placed at the site during the ceremony. The group attending included DeMolay representatives from France, Italy, Serbia, Romania and Brazil. Jacques DeMolay, and the Knights Templar of France were arrested at the order of King Philip IV on Friday, October 13, 1307, and were charged with Heresy, among other charges, which was the most serious charge of the day. The Templars were thrown into dungeons, tortured for confessions and most were executed. DeMolay and his major officers were imprisoned and tortured during their seven year lock up. On March 18, 1314, at a final inquisition, DeMolay and his colleague Geoffroi de Charney, recanted their alleged confessions, and were taken to the island and burned at the stake.

It is truly fitting that Scottish Rite sponsored this special meaningful trip for the DeMolay delegation, as Scottish Rite and the Order of DeMolay have always had and continue to have close ties. The Order of DeMolay was founded in 1919 by the secretary of the Valley of Kansas City, Ill. Frank S. Land, later called "Dad" Land. Many Scottish Rite Masons began their Masonic careers as DeMolay members and currently, the Sovereign Grand Commanders of the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction USA, the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction USA, and Canada are all Sr. DeMolays.

As the Order of DeMolay ritual in the DeMolay Degree decrees: "Great son of France farewell. May we live as nobly as thou hast died". So mote it be.