The Order of DeMolay was founded in the Scottish Rite Temple in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 18, 1919, by Frank Sherman Land and nine young men between 16 and 21 years of age. DeMolay originally was for the sons of Masons and their friends. Today, membership is no longer restricted to relatives of Freemasons. All young men who merit the honor of DeMolay membership and who are between the ages of 13 and 21 and of good character can ask or be asked to join. 

The Order of DeMolay is a youth organization for young men whose purpose is the building of better citizens. The ritual of the Order sets DeMolay apart from other youth organizations. The two degrees - the Initiatory Degree and the DeMolay Degree - are dramatic and yet solemn presentations that impress an obligation on a boy to live and do right. The Initiatory Degree teaches the candidate the seven precepts of the Order: Love of parents; Reverence for God; Courtesy; Comradeship; Fidelity; Cleanness in thought, word and deed; and Patriotism in time of peace as well as in time of war. These virtues bolster a boys character by their emphasis. The entire program of a DeMolay Chapter revolves about these seven cardinal virtues. DeMolay does not attempt to take the place of the home, church, or school, but rather to supplement them with a supporting program of teaching good citizenship to its members. 

DeMolay accomplishes its goal of building better citizens by offering the teenage young man of today four items: ( 1 ) A wholesome occupation for his spare time; (2) Worthwhile associates; (3) The best of environment; and (4) An interesting and complete program of all- around youth development. 

The name DeMolay was chosen after Frank S. Land suggested, to the nine young men who formed DeMolay, several historic figures, including those connected with Freemasonry. Jacques DeMolay was the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar and was burned at the stake by the King of France as a martyr to loyalty and toleration on March 18, 1314. The spirit and inspiration of Jacques DeMolay, for whom the Order of DeMolay was named, guides countless generations of young men in the paths of truth, tolerance, courage, and fidelity. 

The Order of DeMolay includes several Appendant Organizations, including the Priories of the DeMolay Order of Knighthood (an advanced Degree for DeMolays between 17 and 21 years of age), the Courts of Chevalier (an Honorary Degree for distinguished DeMolay service), and Preceptories of the Legion of Honor (an Honorary Degree for outstanding leadership in some field of endeavor). The mothers of DeMolays can be involved in a Mothers Club, or both parents of DeMolays can be involved in a Parents Club appended to the DeMolay Chapter.