APRIL

April: DeMolay Experience

My experiences in DeMolay have changed and molded me to who I am today since joining my chapter in 2016. I was grateful to have the support of two chapters when I first joined and when I first began learning about what we do in DeMolay. Before joining, I wasn’t that social or vocal in most conversations with the friends I have at the time. But it was thanks to this organization where I found some of my best friends, I have gained skills that I would have never thought I would be using today.

Back before finding DeMolay, I wasn’t much of a speaker when it comes to large crowds or as open to speaking to others as I am now. DeMolay has allowed me to gain confidence in how I can speak through its ritual. I didn’t realize it at the time when I first picked up my ritual book, but once I began to memorize my positions and ceremonies, I have gained and learned abilities such as the tone of my voice as well as how to project them to an audience. This development led me to take on opportunities outside of DeMolay to go and begin to initiate conversations such as being able to present presentations to large groups or to give speeches to crowds. All I have to develop time to learn how to speak and pronounce my words when talking all come from the time I learn to memorize my ritual and develop my own style of communicating and talking to others. 

Through my time in DeMolay, I have made multiple connections with people from other chapters, leagues, and sometimes jurisdiction and international. One of my closest friends I have met was when I participated in one of my chapter’s installations, I met another DeMolay who was the only one from his chapter actively visiting that night. I have given the chance to go up and talk to him and we have connected really well with one another. We have been in contact since and keep on talking to each other through calls and texts. Traveling was another factor that lead me to meeting new people across the jurisdiction, brothers such as from San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Burbank, Beverly Hills, San Pedro, Thousand Oaks, Gardena, and many other places, there is a DeMolay brother that I have met and have the chance to get to know over my time in this organization. I also know that these brothers of mine will have my back and be there when I need them, especially those who I considered some of my best friends for life, I have met through this great organization. 

The lessons I have learned from experiencing chapter meetings, events, as well as traveling, all played a role in my DeMolay experience from allowing me to grow as a person as well as meet people who I would never have thought I would meet. DeMolay has given me confidence, leadership skills as well as friends that I cherish and still use to this day in my college and extracurricular activities and would have never thought someone like me can ever accomplish without this fantastic experience.

Sean Santos

PMC Hollywood Chapter

Coastal League President

Brother Alessandro Meynardi, who hails from Milan, Italy, attended the renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied alongside our fellow Entered Apprentice Guney Tamer. He became a member of Hollywood Lodge after affiliating from Elysian Lodge No. 418. 

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Brother Claude Barreau, originally from Port-Du-Prince Haiti, has been extensively involved in California Freemasonry. When he was met at Pasadena Scottish Rite and invited to visit our lodge, he immediately developed a fondness for the brethren. Despite holding the position of Senior Warden at Sunnyside Lodge No. 577, he decided to affiliate with Hollywood. 

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