NEW WESTMINSTER, Oct. 1—It’s become a cliché to quote the Prince song about partying like it’s 1999. But that’s what the Order of DeMolay did this evening as members from the 1990s staged a reunion and honours night in an overflowing Lodge room at the Masonic Hall, 508 Agnes Street.
Provincial Chapter was opened by Bro. Neo Dewar, Master Councillor of Beaver Chapter, with the assistance of representatives of Fraser Valley and Phoenix Chapters.
Dad Ernie Loiselle, Chairman of the Board of DeMolay Canada, immediately interrupted the proceedings by presenting Parliament Chairman, Bro. River Peatman, with the original Chairman’s jewel and gavel. Bro. Peatman was then surprised by being invested with the Distinguished Service Award, which has not been given out in B.C. in more than half a century.
Dad Eric Einarson, Parliament Advisor and Past Provincial M.C. of Alberta, assumed the chair and, with his team, conferred the Chevalier Degree on Dads Archer Benzel (Fraser Valley), Roneil Broca (on behalf of the Supreme Council of the Philippines), Conner Massey (Phoenix) and Bros. Alex Drew (Phoenix) and Peatman (Fraser Valley).
The DeMolay Legion of Honour ceremony followed, with the highest degree of the Order being conferred on Dads Nick Biss, Executive Officer (PMC Golden Ears), Bill Price (PMC Beaver), Jay Quiñones (on behalf of the Supreme Council of the Philippines) and Mrs. Edith Peatman (Grand Guardian Council, Job’s Daughters). This is the first time in B.C. history, and the fourth in Canada, a woman has received the Honorary Legion of Honour. In a first, a number of Job’s Daughters acted as Preceptors, paying a floral tribute to the Legionnaires.
The evening continued to be one of surprises, as Ms Tania Sargent was invested with the Cross of Honour for her work with Fraser Valley Chapter.
Following a short break for refreshments, a team of creaking, aging Senior DeMolays from the 1980s and 1990s enacted the play performed during the DeMolay Degree, a version accomplished with great panache. Reive Doig (PPMC, PMC Golden Ears) played Jacques DeMolay, with Chris Nietzel (PMC Golden Ears), Steve Hargrove (PJC Beaver) and Mark Cuzzetto (PMC Beaver) as the Inquisitors.
Senior DeMolays from a number of defunct Chapters were present, including Lansdowne, Abbottsford, Golden Ears and Peace Arch. This included Dad Matt Ross, Past Provincial M.C., and Past International Congress Secretary, now residing in Alberta.
Also making the trip from Alberta was DeMolay Canada Secretary, Dad John Slade, as DeMolays in the two western provinces have had a friendly rivalry for decades.
Dad Einarson recited a somewhat modified version of the 9 O’Clock Interpolation and Bro. Dewar then declared Provincial Chapter closed.
In an age-old custom known to 1990s DeMolays and Sweethearts, many of the people attending adjourned to the nearest Boston Pizza.