New Youth Groups on the Horizon

For the first time in many years, each of the five Masonic Youth groups is poised to grow between now and the end of the year. We invite YOU to be a part of the exciting phenomenon!

Two new chapters have been granted their Letters Temporary from DeMolay International so far this year: Gettysburg Chapter, which is recruiting new members in the Gettysburg area, and the Samuel C. Williamson Chapter, which is taking applications from young men living in the Dravosburg area of Pittsburgh. Letters Temporary are often compared to a “learner’s permit” granted to a person preparing to slide behind the wheel of an automobile for the first time. This gives a new chapter the opportunity to grow in members, expand its base of adult volunteers, organize and participate in meetings and activities and grow in confidence as its members face the future. A chapter operating under Letters Temporary will normally earn its full charter in a year. The Gettysburg Chapter is located in the heart of District 42, and the Samuel C. Williamson Chapter, named in memory of long-time Senior DeMolay, Past Executive Officer and R.W. Past Grand Master, “Dad” Sam Williamson, meets in District 47.

Additionally, organizational efforts and adult recruitment are underway in the Juniata Valley area, which includes the counties of Perry, Mifflin, Juniata and Huntingdon in District 19, as well as in the Schuylkill County area of District 58.

DeMolay is an organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. Many DeMolay chapters also have Squire Manors for young men between the ages of 9 to 11.

For more information on how you can assist with these new DeMolay chapters, or for details on taking the initial steps of organizing a new chapter, please contact Pennsylvania DeMolay Executive Officer Mike Larkin at 717-512-2367 or mlgarden@verizon.net.

Masonic District 5 has begun the process of recruiting adults for a new Job’s Daughters Bethel that will tentatively be located in Oxford and will serve the Chester County area. Job’s Daughters is an organization for young women between the ages of 12 and 20. They also have a Jobie-to-Bee program for girls ages 7 to 9.

For more information on how you can assist with this project, please contact Jurisdictional Guardian Angie Chappell at 717-487-7845 or chris5255@aol.com.

Efforts are underway in Curwensville, a borough in Clearfield County and District 21, to organize a Pledge Group for Rainbow for Girls. Pledge Groups invite young ladies between the ages of 6 to 10 to experience the teachings of Rainbow prior to reaching the age of 11, at which point they can become members of an Assembly. Most Pledge Groups will develop into Assemblies as the girls reach 11 years of age and wish to continue their Rainbow experience.

For more information on ways that you can help with the establishment of a new Rainbow Pledge Group in the Curwensville area, please contact Supreme Inspector Helen Snedden at 412-953-9455 or hsnedden@aol.com.

In assessing the needs of their Councils that meet in various communities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the leaders of the Knights of Pythagoras have determined they should be putting a focus on the reactivation of Councils that are struggling. The goal for 2026 is to revitalize the Councils that had been strong in the cities of Chester and Erie. These are both areas that at one time had very successful Knights of Pythagoras Councils and are recognized as communities that offer the promise for success in such efforts.

The Knights of Pythagoras is an organization for young men between the ages of 7 to 20.

For more information on ways to assist with these revitalization projects, please contact Worshipful Director of Youth Emeritus Kevin Mahoner at 215-747-3710 or mahoner412@msn.com.

The Pennsylvania Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Youth Department is working on reopening its unit that met in Harrisburg. Early responses to this effort have been met with interest and enthusiasm. The foundation being established during these summer months should be rewarded with the successful recruitment and training of adult volunteers and the attraction of youth active members in the fall.

The Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Youth Department is a service-oriented organization which aims to enhance the character and growth of young women between the ages of 8 and 18.

For more information, please contact Grand Mother Advisor Chereé Brown at 215-694-2469 or cmbpwm93@gmail.com.

If you live in one of these areas where a youth group is being started or reorganized, please consider volunteering your time and talent. You will discover that it’s one of the most heartwarming and memorable opportunities to serve and make a positive impact upon our community and society.