History of Canton DeMolay
Before we begin, let us first state that there were so many outstanding workers in the history of the Canton organization, that, if we were to attempt to recognize each of them individually we would surely overlook many of them. Each member or advisor was surely a key member. Therefore, if we should overlook them, let us place the responsibility on the early records which were at best incomplete. On March 18 of 1919, Brother Frank S. Land, a prominent Mason and resident of Kansas City, Missouri, quite by incident, founded the Order of DeMolay for young men who sought leadership and inspiration. Brother Land had befriended a fatherless boy, Louis Lower by name, and through him learned that there were other young men in the same predicament.
Thus, with nine young men, Brother Land founded a boys' club for young men between the ages of 16 and 21. At each meeting the group grew larger and it soon became apparent that an organization would have to be formed and a suitable name adopted. After some discussion, it was decided that since Brother Land was such a prominent Mason, the name of the organization should have some connection with Masonry. Brother Land suggested the name of Jacques DeMolay, who was the last Grand Master of the ancient Knights Templar and who was burned at the stake by the King of France as a martyr to Loyalty and Toleration. The young men liked the name and what it stood for and adopted it. Since that time, in excess of three million young men have become DeMolays and it should make every Mason's heart swell with pride to know how many of these young men have left their mark in the world.
In 1926, seven years later, almost to the day, after the founding of the order, a group of Knights Templars of Canton Commandry #38, headed by Sir Knight Brady L. Hawk, decided that a Chapter of DeMolay should be instituted in Canton. Accordingly on October 26, 1926 Canton Chapter received their "Letters Temporary" and on December 17, 1926 a class of 103 candidates was initiated by a composite cast from Cleveland area Chapters. At this same meeting, the following officers were elected: Master Councilor, Ned Bauhof; Senior Councilor, Mark Herbst; Junior Councilor, Raymond Denny; Scribe, George Krug; Treasurer, Carl F. Spanagel, Jr. The appointed officers were to be named soon. On February 14, 1927, all the officers were duly installed in their respective stations with Brother Brady Hawk presiding as Dad Advisor and Merle Thomas, Past Master Councilor of Cleveland acting as Grand Marshal. The elected officers were installed by their respective fathers and the appointed officers by Brother C.R. Kumpf
Thus the Chapter had a most auspicious beginning, with a membership of 103. The Cathedral Room in the Temple was well filled with Masons, parents, and friends of the members, who came to give inspiration and encouragement to these fine young men, blossoming into manhood.
Prior to the installation ceremonies the newly organized Chapter was presented with much needed paraphenalia. The Ladies' Shrine Club presented a beautiful altar Bible; the Knights Templar Ladies' Club presented a fine silk American Flag and standard; Canton Chapter #190, O.E.S., presented an elaborate and beautifully embroidered white altar covering; the Canton Bank and Trust presented a gold crown embellished with seven jewels; the Canton Shrine Club presented seven solid brass candle stands and the officers robes were furnished by Canton Commandry #38, Knights Templar. The ceremony was greatly enriched by the music furnished by Miss Ethel Davidson at the organ and Brother Arthur Hart who sang several solos.
On Monday evening, April 18, 1927, Canton Chapter officers for the first time initiated 45 candidates without any outside help. Competent judges pronounced the exemplification superior to that done by Cleveland Chapters as well as Kansas City Chapter, where the Order was founded. Since that time, some additional 2800 young men have been initiated into Canton Chapter and for a number of years held the distinction of having the largest Chapter in Ohio. The greatest number of members reported was in 1955, when the Chapter had 304 active members. The fine quality of ritualistic work was continued through the years and for some years; the Chapter held the State Championship title in ritual work.
In 1961, in conformance with a policy adopted by the International Supreme council, Canton Chapter was converted to life memberships. The life membership fee was set at $30, which then required no further dues payment.
For the first 40 years, Canton Commandry #38, Knights Templar, was the sponsoring body of this Chapter. In 1967, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton, assumed that responsibility. Throughout the years, the Chapter has participated in various athletic, civic, religious and Masonic service activities. The most ambitious of these was probably during the week of March 20, 1930, when the Chapter sponsored the Passion Play by the Freiburg Players of Germany, at the then Canton City Auditorium, located at Fourth and Cleveland Avenues NW.
As DeMolay International experienced a decline in membership in the 1980's, Canton Chapter was no exception, however the Chapter experienced a surge in membership in the 1990's and will continue the proud tradition of building leaders for tomorrow in to the New Millennium.
No history of a DeMolay Chapter would be complete if we did not at least mention the countless hours spent by Master Masons on the Advisory Council. The original Advisory Council consisted of Sir Knights: H.E. Dieffenbaugh, Charles R. Kumpf, William R. Worley, Rev. Alfred R. Wilson, Ralph A. Bauhof, Brady L. Hawk, John I. Denny, Marvin B. Homer, Mark Hambleton, Walter H. Buchman, and Carl F. Spanagel. Since that time, more than one hundred Master Masons or Senior DeMolays have served as advisors. Of these there are at least two who have served in excess of twenty years. Dad Brady Hawk served from 1926 until 1949 and Dad J. Wesley Pieper served from 1954 until the late 1980's and in addition also served as the District Governor for at least 25 years. All of these men have served without hope or desire of fee or reward. Yet, when they look back at the Alumni of the Chapter and see the great number who have left their mark in the business, professional and religious world, their hearts swell with pride, and feel amply rewarded for their efforts.
Canton Chapter has also contributed to The Ohio State Council of the Order of DeMolay many State Appointed Officers as well as 3 State Master Councilors; Brothers William 1. Hecht, Timothy B. Strawn and Gregory C. Postal; 4 State Scribes; Anthony Charley Jr., James D. Welch, Dusten Beall , and Scott E. Gay, Jr.; and 1 State Sweetheart; Tammy Payne.
Through the years, The International Supreme Council has bestowed the Honors of Chevalier and Active Legion of Honor upon many of Cantons' members and the Honorary Legion of Honor upon some who were not members, all of whom had performed outstanding service to DeMolay and humanity.