Being initiated into the two edges of DeMolay by a group of guys who did it all from memory, made a lasting impression, and soon I was taking an active part. The fact that DeMolay at that time was strong throughout the state as well as very strong in the Pierre-Ft. Pierre area made it easy to take an active part, and it was a very fun activity, as a good share of my friends and classmates were also members.

The application of the lessons and moral virtues has carried forward throughout my adult life and through my 30-plus years as a Master Mason. It cannot be denied that learning to give the lectures and degree work has made it much easier to speak before a crowd of people and take an active part in the Masonic work now.

I would be remiss not to mention the fact that we had a number of very dedicated men who were willing to guide us through the ups and downs of being a DeMolay member. In looking back on the four or five years of being a active member and the years of being a Senior DeMolay since, my thoughts always come back to our chapter advisor, George Bauder. There have been a number of great advisors through the years but George was the chapter “DAD” during my active years. I know a lot of you will know his name, as he is an active Mason and still is giving a lot of his time, just as he did for a bunch of kids back then. My personal feelings always come back to the fact that I was lucky enough to have two “DADS”—of course, my biological father, but also a man who had a strong influence on a lot of young men when they needed guidance. He was always there for us. For that I will always be grateful.

My Brother, I ask you to dig down into your own conscience and see if you have it in you to become that “DAD” to one of our youth groups—not just the DeMolay but perhaps the Jobs Daughters or the Rainbow Girls. These organizations and their advisory staffs could all use the help of another adult. You do not have to be there all the time, but your attendance once in a while or participation in their activities may be all it takes for you to be that man who will be forever looked up to by our youth. Please consider getting involved in the youth groups in your community and be rewarded above your wildest dreams.

Over the last few years my son and daughter moved away from my house to start their lives as adults. This has sparked a need in me to continue to work with Job’s Daughters and DeMolay. I want to give of my self to make a difference in some child’s life. This opportunity has been wonderful for me and, sometimes, a little challenging.

Job’s Daughters, Rainbow Girls and DeMolay need our help and need it now. We all suffer from a lack of membership, money or a lack of adult participation.

I would like every Mason to think about his extended family and how he can make it grow. Encourage your sons, daughters or grandchildren to join. Take some time and go to the meetings. They need us, and we need them.

The Masonic Grand Lodges in the United States recognize the impact of Freemasonry on Scouting and in return, the impact of Scouting on Freemasonry. Freemasonry is based on service and the exemplification of moral truth, which is essential to good role models. In recognition of Freemasonry’s service to youth, the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania, in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America, created the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award as a national recognition program. The award is open to any Master Mason who is an active Scouter in a Unit, District, Council or National affiliate.

I would like to put the challenge out to every Lodge and person to help or mentor the youth in your community. You will feel better about yourself and about others. Our Most Worshipful Grand Master Jack H. Welker has helped put together an evening for parents and youth in Rapid City and surrounding hills. We will have supper and a short program on November 14, 2009, at the Rapid City Shrine Club, beginning at 5:30. $10.00 for adults, and children free. If you have any questions or comments please call or e-mail me..