Bro. Peter W. Brusoe

DeMolay International is headed toward new accomplishments because we have great people working not only for DeMolay, but with DeMolays.

As the 37th International Master Councilor, Order of DeMolay, it gives me great and personal pleasure to bring to this Supreme Council, 33°, the enthusiastic greetings of the thousands of active DeMolays throughout the world. We all sincerely appreciate the truly phenomenal support we receive from the Scottish Rite of the Southern Jurisdiction. DeMolay continues to exist because our beloved Masonic family believes in our cause, our purposes, and our high ideals. As an organization of young men, we are truly blessed with a great heritage—the ideals, ritual, and leadership excellence given to us by the Masonic Fraternity, the most respected association of men in the world.

Thanks to the time, effort, and patience of Scottish Rite Masons serving as our advisors, members, counselors and, most importantly, as our friends, the Chapters of DeMolay are doing great things. From Tenleytown Chapter, which meets only a few blocks from here in

Washington, D.C., to the Mountain Park Chapter in Georgia, to Albert Pike Chapter in Texas, to R. W. Moore Chapter in Utah, and even to Juneau Chapter in Alaska, all across our great land, young men in DeMolay are being inspired by Masonic ideals and learning to live them.

For example, “Dad” Kleinknecht, during his many years of service as Sovereign Grand Commander, has demonstrated the very essence of leadership excellence that DeMolay instills into its members. He has been an example to all of us, and, thanks to his support, DeMolay has prospered. I count it as a personal honor and pleasure to present Illustrious Brother Kleinknecht with, first, a proclamation declaring him an Honorary International Master Councilor, to be received as such everywhere, and, second, a lapel pin with the DeMolay and Scottish Rite emblems fused, showing the special relationship our organizations share and enjoy.

DeMolay International is headed toward new accomplishments because we have great people working not only for DeMolay, but with DeMolays. Thank you, Brother Scottish Rite Masons, for your love of and dedication to DeMolay. With your continued, tremendous support, we will not fail. God Bless you, God Bless these United States, and God bless our great Masonic family!

The above article is edited from Peter W. Brusoe’s remarks on October 6 to the Supreme Council, 33°, during the 2003 Biennial Session meeting in the Temple Room of the House of the Temple.
Contact: pb1405@albany.edu