Brian Beauvais is installed as head of Skylands DeMolay chapter

HARDYSTON - Brian Beauvais of Lafayette was installed as master councilor, or head, of the Skylands chapter of DeMolay Leaders of N.J. for the next six months during the group’s semi-annual installation of officers. The ceremony was held at the Samaritan Lodge on Rte. 94 in Hardyston. DeMolay, a non-profit 501-C3 organization, was founded in 1919 by a group of young men in Kansas City, Mo., who, for various reasons, had lost their fathers. It has since grown into a world-wide organization that has seen over three million young men pass through the doors of its chapters. Some of the N.J. DeMolay dignitaries who attended the installation were Richard Peterson, deputy state master councilor; Charles Secallus, district deputy of the First N.J. DeMolay District; and Steven Ashman, past state master councilor for N.J. DeMolay, and currently serving as international master councilor for all of DeMolay. DeMolay is among the premier leadership development organizations available to young men today. Under the “advisorship” of adult volunteers, DeMolays learn leadership skills, civic awareness, brotherhood and other responsibilities by running their own meetings, raising their own funds, and planning and carrying out their own activities. Using the time-honored principles of love of God, home and country, this hands-on approach builds confidence, teaches accountability and cooperation, and fosters a sense of civic pride and civic duty, as well as reverence and a respect for others. Among those who have called themselves DeMolays are Neil Armstrong, Willard Scott, Dan Rather, Walt Disney, Mel Blanc, Walter Cronkite, John Wayne and Fran Tarkenton. Among the coming events for the chapter are the fall honors membership class on Saturday, Nov. 19, for new members; the annual DeMolay/Rainbow dance on Friday, Nov. 26, in Livingston (open to the public); a halo 2 tournament and game night at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec.9, at Samaritan Lodge (open to the public, RSVP required), and the annual breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec.10, also at Samaritan Lodge and also open to the public. The Skylands chapter meets every second and fourth Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Samaritan Lodge. For information, call 973- 896-8005 or visit the chapter website at njskylandsdemolay.org.