Order of Knighthood
T. D. Harden Priory
The Order of Knighthood is an appendent organization of older DeMolays. The Knighthood program is for active DeMolays between 17 and 21 years of age, or 16 who have been a member of DeMolay for 3 years. They are organized into a subordinate unit known as a Priory with its own officers and ritual.
The Order of Knighthood made its debut in 1946, when its ritual was exemplified before the Grand Council, now known as DeMolay International's Supreme Council. Tennessee’s state priory was instituted in July 1986.
Through the years, the activities of the Knights have consisted of social and educational programs geared to older DeMolays, with a special emphasis on career planning and coed activities.
The official name of the order of Knighthood is The Chivalric Knights of the Holy Order of the Fellow Soldiers of Jacques DeMolay. It is not an honorary degree or award, but a working body whose purpose is to extend friendship and serve DeMolay.
The main functions of a Priory are to:
Extend and assist the Order of DeMolay and its Chapters.
Maintain the active interest of older DeMolays.
Provide an interesting program for the Priory members.
Above all to provide and maintain a proper example for all DeMolays.
The officers of a Priory:
Illustrious Knight Commander
Squire Commander
Page Commander
Registrar
Sacristan
Preceptor
Prior
Senior Deacon
Junior Deacon
Standard Bearer
Sentinel
Some of the services provided by the T. D. Harden Priory:
Sponsors Tennessee DeMolay University (TDU)
Sponsors the annual Sweetheart Ball and Banquet
Provides Honor Guard sword team for formal DeMolay functions
To Join the Order of Knighthood, download a petition from the Resources page and bring to the next stated meeting of the Priory.
THORDIS D. HARDEN
On Friday, July 13, 2012 at the annual State Conclave Honor's Night, the Tennessee Knighthood Priory was renamed the T. D. Harden Priory. Dad Harden faithfully served this jurisdiction as Executive Officer for over 15 years and was instrumental in the formation of a statewide priory in 1986. He was an Emeritus Member of the International Supreme Council until his death on August 13, 2011.
Squires of the Roundtable
The Order of the Squires of the Round Table dedicated to wisdom, truth & justice....
An organization for young men between the ages of 9 to 11.
Sponsored by the Tennessee State DeMolay Association
The Order of the Squires of the Round Table was established in 1995 as a pledge for the International Order of DeMolay. The basic organization is called a Manor. Each Squire Manor is sponsored by a DeMolay Chapter and under the control of the Advisory Council of the sponsoring Chapter.
Squires take part in community service, leadership among their peers, run their own meetings, have fun and sporting events, and much more. There are up to seven squire officers, three are elected by their peers. Elected officers are Master Squire, Senior Squire and Junior Squire. Appointed officers are Squire Chaplain, Squire Marshall, Squire Recorder and a Squire Treasurer. A Dad/Mom Advisor, who is a member of the chapter Advisory Council, must be present at all Squire meetings and functions. He or she will sit on the sidelines, allowing the officers to run their meetings.
Membership Requirements: A Squire applicant must be a male between the ages of 9 and 11. A Squire applicant must also be recommended by a Squire, a DeMolay or a DeMolay Adult Advisor and, in turn approved by the Manor.
Activities: The best activity ideas will come from the Squires themselves. Just ask what they want to do. Pizza Night, bowling, video games, service projects, the zoo/museums, entertainment venues/parks. All Squire activities shall be approved by the Manor’s Advisory Council prior to implementation. The Squire Manor may, at the invitation of the DeMolay Chapter, participate in chapter activities. (car washes, dances, dinners, etc.)
Protocol: DeMolays, Adult Advisors, parents, Master Masons and Chapter Sweethearts may attend all Manor meetings and activities.
Meeting Place & Times: Shall be at the same location and date as the sponsoring DeMolay chapter. On occasion the Manor’s Advisory Council can change the date and time of the meeting.
Insurance Coverage: Members of a Squire Manor will be included in the DeMolay International insurance program.
Initiation Fee: The initiation fee shall be $30. The use of the initiation fee shall be at the sole discretion of the Manor’s membership.
Dress Code: The Manor’s Advisory Council will set the dress code for it’s Manor.
Membership Application: Click Here to download the printable document.
For more information contact the State Squires Director Karl Bridgers at squires@tndemolay.org
Andrew Jackson Chapter
The Andrew Jackson Chapter is named for our nation’s 7th President and a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. This chapter is for any Mason who was not fortunate enough to be a DeMolay in his youth. The initiate goes through the same degrees as a regular candidate and in most cases, at the same time as the young men. He then becomes an honorary DeMolay. The cost of this degree is $50 and includes a certificate suitable for framing and a DeMolay/Masonic pin. This is a great way to show your support for DeMolay and for the young men of our organization.
For information on the next class, contact the Executive Officer at eo@tndemolay.org