GREATER WESTFIELD-The Tekoa Chapter of DeMolay is joining forces with the new William Parsons Chapter of DeMolay, based in Hatfield, to host a special free bowling event for boys on April 24.
The event, which begins at 10 a.m. at Spare Time Entertainment, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton, is open to boys ages 9-21. All participants will receive a box lunch.
“We are asking that a parent be available for an informational presentation at the end of the event to find out more about how their son can become a member of this great organization,” said Melvyn Hook, chapter chairman for Tekoa Chapter of DeMolay in Westfield.
Melvyn Hook is the chapter chairman for Tekoa Chapter of DeMolay in Westfield. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Hook explained that DeMolay is an “inclusive organization that only asks of its young men to believe in a higher being.”
“Each young man takes ownership of his DeMolay experience,” said Hook, adding from generating ideas, planning events, coordinating logistics and executing plans, each DeMolay Chapter is responsible for defining its success.
“All of this is accomplished under the mentorship of trained advisors, selected from the local community,” said Hook. “A high level of involvement and enthusiasm is far more important for success in DeMolay than any skill or ability.”
DeMolay, which was started in 1919, is the largest fraternal (fraternity) organization for young men in the world, according to its website. Also of note, DeMolay has approximately 1,500 chapters located in the United States, Canada and 16 countries.
Hook noted the local chapter “picked Hatfield” since a group of Masons in Hatfield showed an interest in starting a chapter.
“The advisors and some members are already involved with DeMolay here at the Tekoa Chapter,” said Hook. “We also thought that this area would be a good location due to its access to Interstate 91. This makes it a great location for traveling from out of town.”
The Tekoa Chapter, which currently has 25 members, has two groups – Woronoco Squires Manor for boys ages 9-11 and Tekoa Chapter of DeMolay for boys ages 12-21.
“Unfortunately due to the pandemic we have only been able to get together with our boys a few times in September and October 2020,” said Hook. “Last November we were again shut down from in-person meetings. We were able to compete in two statewide virtual bowling tournaments and came in third in the Ten Pin Challenge.”
Barry Labbe, who had served in an advisory role for the Tekoa Chapter, will now serve as Chapter Chair in Hatfield.
“Jerusalem Lodge is the sponsoring body of the chapter,” said Labbe, noting he has been a Freemason for 12 years and had wanted to start a DeMolay chapter for some time.
“Once I saw how well Tekoa was doing, the feeling just got that much stronger to start a chapter in the Hatfield area,” said Labbe.
Labbe noted the Jerusalem Lodge has a unique history.
The new William Parsons Chapter of DeMolay, based in Hatfield, is named after Parsons who was a member of Jerusalem Lodge. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“Brother William Parsons was a member of Jerusalem Lodge during the Morgan affair when basically all Massachusetts lodges closed their doors and were ordered to turn in their charters and regalia to the Grand Lodge in Boston,” said Labbe, noting the Jerusalem Lodge was chartered by Paul Revere in 1797. “Brother Parsons gathered the lodge charter and regalia and hid them in the bricks of his fireplace. When the men from Boston came for the charter, he claimed to have not seen it in a while. It is for him that Jerusalem Lodge still has the original charter signed by Paul Revere.”
As part of the festivities at the April 24 event, trophies will be awarded and the William Parsons Chapter will be receiving its Letters Temporary from DeMolay International which establishes the chapter.
“DeMolay provides its members with several opportunities to learn and grow,” said Labbe. “They find meaningful role models and mentors through their advisors and peers in their chapter. They can become a better speaker by having the opportunity to practice their skills at meetings.”
Labbe added that members can also make a “positive impact” on their community through the work “that their chapter does within the community, giving members the opportunity to make an impact on those around them, and to do it with their brothers.”
Labbe noted that another benefit of being a chapter member is the connection DeMolays form with their brothers from other chapters, both near them and around the world.
“Visiting other chapters and meeting other DeMolays helps to build that connection,” said Labbe. “I was cub master for the Cub Scouts and saw how important that was for the boys. That is no longer an option. DeMolay is a great fit!”
Hook said they will observe all safety guidelines set by the state of Massachusetts that govern the operation of Spare Time Entertainment, noting all lunches and beverages will be prepackaged to prevent contamination. In addition, masks must be worn during the event.
For more information on the event and to register, call or text Hook at (413) 301-3293 or send an email to [email protected]. Labbe can also be reached for more details at (413) 345-0931 or via email to [email protected].
The deadline to register for the free bowling event is April 19.
