Houston DeMolay Brings Home Four Banners

Houston Chapter, Order of DeMolay returned home from the 2009 Frank Marshall Championship Ritual Tournament with four first-place Banners.  This included two Championship Level Banners and two Open Level Banners.

Twenty-two chapters from five states competed at the Tournament held in Arlington Texas, April 17-19, 2009.  In addition to DeMolay competitions, separate events were held for members of the International Order of Rainbow.  The motto of the Tournament is "Where the elite meet to compete."

The Frank Marshall Championship Ritual Tournament was held in Arlington at the LaQuinta Conference Center.  Competitions were held at the Fort Worth Masonic Temple.

 Houston Chapter's results were:

Championship Level Banners
DeMolay Degree (6th time in the last 7 years)
Chapter Proficiency

Open Level Banners
Magnificent Seven - Aaron Saldana
Fourth Section

Congratulations go out to:


 *   Arthur Buchanan for winning (with a tied score of 985 out of 1000) Best Master Inquisitor in the DeMolay    Degree;
 *   Aaron Saldana for winning Best Master Councilor in the Fourth Section (with a perfect ritual performance);
 *   Eddie Peebles for winning (with a tied score of 995 out of 1000) Best Senior Deacon Initiatory Degree;
 *   Aaron Saldana for winning Best Master Councilor in the Fourth Section;
 *   Randall Seymour for winning Best Jacques DeMolay in the DeMolay Degree;
 *   Jacob Wade for coming in second place (by a mere 7.5 points) in the Ceremony of Light, Junior Division.  This was Jacob's first time competing in this event!

DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.

The Houston Scottish Rite is proud to sponsor Houston Chapter.  With the sale of the Scottish Rite building, Holland Lodge No.1 currently hosts Houston Chapter.  We extend our thanks to the officers and members of Holland Lodge for their support of the young men of DeMolay.  The Chapter holds their regular business meeting on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

For additional information, please visit their website at www.houstondemolay.org.  If you are interested in visiting the Chapter or recommending a member, you may contact their Chapter Advisor, Michael Phillipus at mdphillipus@earthlink.net.