THE NEW AGE--Article--January 1990    OCIDETLNG.JAN






Senior DeMolay's Back in Action


     As reported by Brother Harold C. Detling, 32, 
K...C...C...H..., the Pensacola, Florida, Scottish Rite Temple 
was the scene of an unforgettable portrayal of the Order of 
DeMolay Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees, on October 15, 1989.  
Hosted by the Pensacola Scottish Rite Bodies, the exemplification 
of the Degrees was carried out with drama and precision almost 
entirely by Senior DeMolay's from the Pensacola area.  Each had 
memorized his role to perfection.
     The originator and chief architect of the program was 
Illustrious James H. Kirkland, 33, General Secretary of the 
Pensacola Scottish Rite Bodies and himself a Senior DeMolay.  He 
was ably assisted by a distinguished member of the Order, 
R...W... Edward Kritzmire, who presently serves the Grand Lodge 
of Florida as District Deputy Grand Master, District 1, North.  
When the prospective Degree team members were approached to 
participate, the willingness, devotion and spirit they had 
demonstrated years before as young DeMolay's was not just 
rekindled, but evidently had been burning brightly since their 
Chapter's Altar.
     Evidence of the determination and sense of obligation 
reposing in each of them is best illustrated by the fact that 
they had practiced the Initiatory Degree for several months.  
Upon being advised only days before the event that some of the 
youngsters scheduled to confer the DeMolay Degree had prior 
commitments, these DeMolay "Elders," with only one practice 
session, conferred it with remarkable proficiency.  One of the 
most striking features of the DeMolay activity came about when 
three of the Senior DeMolay Team Members, without their prior 
knowledge, were called up and presented with DeMolay fifty year 
pins and certificates, each of them, however, having already 
passed that point.  The thunderous applause from the onlookers 
emitting from a standing ovation, represented an acknowledgement 
of the truism:  "Once a DeMolay, always a DeMolay".
     The Chapter Opening was conducted by the George Ulee Lord 
Chapter, Niceville, Florida, and the Closing by the Ralph Buck 
Chapter, Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.  The "Flower Talk" was 
beautifully rendered by one of the "Younger" Senior DeMolay's, 
Richard Kritzmire.
     Following the ceremonies, the Pensacola Scottish Rite 
Woman's Association hosted with an attractive and abundant table 
of delicacies, which is typical of the ever-ready support they 
provide to the Scottish Rite.  Copies of the June 1988 Edition of 
The New Age, which is devoted exclusively to the Flag of the 
United States of America, were distributed to each of the 
visitors and eagerly received by them.
     This unusual and outstanding event truly must represent a 
"First" in Florida and, possibly, across the Country.

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