DeMolay Chapter Installs New Officers and Presents Awards

April 9, 2008 -- On Sunday, April 6, new officers were installed at the Ethan Allen Chapter, of the DeMolay Leaders of New Jersey, the youth group sponsored by Freemasons in the State of New Jersey. Nicholas G., age 13, of Weehawken, was installed as Master Councilor or leader of the group. He succeeded his brother Christopher G., age 17, who had served over the previous year. Matthew D., age 17 of Upper Saddle River, was installed as Senior Councilor, and Simon K., age 12 of Oradell, was installed as Junior Councilor. The ceremony took place at Fidelity Lodge #113, F. & A.M. in Ridgewood and was conducted by current and past senior officers and advisors of the state organization including Bruce Golway, Assistant Executive Officer, and Richard Peterson, Honorary State Master Councilor. New Jersey Executive Officer Lee Beattys presided over the evening’s activities, which were attended by family, friends and representatives from related Masonic organizations. The ceremony was accompanied by Mrs. Rita Birne on the organ.

Lewis G., father of Nicholas, presented him with a specially engraved gavel. James Chwalyk, Jr. of Bloomfield presented the “Shield Talk”, while Joseph H. of Bergenfield performed the poignant “Ceremony of Light” service honoring the seven values of the organization, which include filial love, comradeship, courtesy, and patriotism.

Nicholas commented on the evening, “It was a wonderful night celebrating the Ethan Allen Chapter’s success with so many family and friends. We will continue to actively participate in community service projects, such as the recent Child Identification Event at Fidelity Lodge, while have fun playing sports, attending dances, and continuing our leadership in local and national public speaking competitions. I look forward to leading the chapter in these and other activities this year.”

Following the installation ceremony, merit bar awards were presented to six chapter members who had successfully completed the requirements for the honors that cover different areas of chapter and community service. The members receiving awards were: Nicholas G. (11 merit bars); Joseph H. (10); Matthew D. (10); Christopher G. (9); Daniel M. of Dumont (5); and Simon K. (4).

About DeMolay

DeMolay is a community-based international organization for young men, ages 12 to 21. DeMolay members learn life-skills, responsibility, and cooperation by working together to plan and carry out their customized program of social, sports, and community service activities. Adult volunteers act as role models and advisors. Since 1919, DeMolay has encouraged more than a million young men to become leaders of character, including many successful businessmen, public servants, entertainers, and athletes. Ethan Allen Chapter meets on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7:30 PM at Fidelity Lodge, 99 South Maple Ave., Ridgewood. For more on DeMolay call 1-800-DEMOLAY or visit www.demolay.org or www.eachapter.com.