DeMolays Embracing Masonry

In the past 18 months, the number of active DeMolays becoming Masons increased; in fact, there are currently 12 “DeMolay Masons.” Leaders in their home chapters, these young men developed an earnest desire to increase their fraternal experience because of the Masons who have served as their advisors.

Four newly raised “DeMolay Masons” spoke of their experiences and why they joined a Masonic lodge. John Ames, from Pilgrim Chapter in Harrisburg, joined Harrisburg-Snyder Lodge No. 629; Mason Barrick, from Elizabethtown Chapter, joined Prince Edwin Spring Creek Lodge No. 486, Middletown; Logan Johnston, from Steel City Chapter in Coraopolis, joined Coraopolis Lodge No. 674; and Christopher Misko (pictured above), from Northeast Chapter in Philadelphia, was raised in Tacony Lodge No. 600, Philadelphia, earlier this year.

John is proud to be a fourth generation Mason. John was a little older when he joined DeMolay in 2023 and has enjoyed the brotherhood that it offers, appreciating the opportunity to learn and present ritual. He served as Master Councilor of Pilgrim Chapter in 2024. With the encouragement of his advisors and realizing that Masonry would offer him the opportunity to grow, he joined his father’s lodge. His advice to other active DeMolays is, “If you enjoy the brotherhood aspect of DeMolay, you’ll enjoy that aspect of Masonry; and if you enjoy the DeMolay ritual, you’ll find that part of Masonry both interesting and rewarding.”

John’s DeMolay Chapter Advisor is Brother Tyler Moyer, a Senior DeMolay and the Junior Grand Deacon for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Tyler’s commitment to DeMolay and the tenets of Masonry has been a model that John appreciates.

An active DeMolay since 2005, Mason is the Pennsylvania DeMolay State Chaplain. He has received several accolades, including the Past Master Councilor’s Meritorious Service Award, the Representative DeMolay Award and the Founders Membership Award for bringing in five new members. He has also served as the Chaplain of his lodge and now serves as Junior Deacon. He has earned the Master Builders Award.

Mason explained why he wanted to become a Freemason: “DeMolay and Freemasonry have much in common. Both groups are dedicated to making the world a better place. DeMolay prepared me to become a Freemason; it provided me with numerous opportunities to participate in community service projects and to grow as a leader.”

Mason had decided to become a Freemason even before joining DeMolay because his dad is Past Master of Spring Creek Lodge. However, after joining DeMolay, his desire to petition for membership only grew stronger. Most of his DeMolay advisors are Masons, and there are other Masons, who are not advisors, present at DeMolay functions to support the group.

“The reason we’re able to grow into leaders is because of the Masons who guide us, taking time out of their lives so we can learn how to lead and be upright individuals,” he said.

Logan has been a member of DeMolay since he was 12. A Past Master Councilor, he recently received the Chevalier from DeMolay International, the highest honor a DeMolay can receive. He is a State Officer and aspires to be the State Master Councilor, which would keep him busy traveling to chapters across the state.

“I am drawn to continue my journey in Freemasonry because of the strong sense of brotherhood it provides,” Logan said. “Having been surrounded by Masons throughout my life, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact the fraternity has had on my father. I hope to experience the same personal growth, meaningful connections and opportunities it has offered him.”

Christopher, a Past Master Councilor and Deputy State Master Councilor for Pennsylvania DeMolay, was raised a Master Mason in January 2025. That night will always be special for his family because, thanks to his encouragement, Chris’s father joined the lodge at the same time. Chris was proud to follow in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, and his Master Mason’s Degree was conferred by a team of Senior DeMolays and DeMolay advisors, with long-time DeMolay Advisor Rick Freedman, Senior Grand Deacon for the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, serving as Worshipful Master.

“I was excited to join Masonry with my dad, and to have the room filled with the DeMolay family made the night even more memorable, especially those who I look up to as my DeMolay advisors and now Masonic mentors,” Christopher said. Also attending was fellow DeMolay Brother Ian Bellamy from Northeast Chapter, who was raised a few months earlier in Community Lodge No. 744, Broomall.

Along with the 12 “DeMolay Masons” already on the books, at least three more DeMolays have begun the process of joining: Ozzy Ellis and Kyle Rader, both of Steel City Chapter, have petitioned Doric Lodge No. 630, Sewickley, and Christopher Schmidt, Master Councilor of Centennial Chapter in Downingtown, plans to follow in the footsteps of his DeMolay/Masonic Brother Max Wilson, Mount Pickering Lodge No. 446, Upper Uwchland, by petitioning Skerret Lodge No. 343, Cochranville.

All of these young men belong to DeMolay chapters where Masons actively participated in their activities, either as advisors or by regularly visiting. They all are very familiar with the fraternity because someone took the time to become their friend.

Pennsylvania DeMolay Executive Officer J. Michael Larkin, Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey, noted, “We join this great fraternity because of the brotherhood it offers. Active DeMolays seek the same sense of brotherhood and friendship. It is crucial to take the time to build relationships with these young men.

“Please visit a DeMolay chapter, meet its members, learn their names and invite them to an event at your lodge where you can interact with them,” Michael added. “If you have a son, take him to a DeMolay event. Who knows? One day, he may be a brother. Let’s invest in the future!”