The Treasures of Brotherhood

Coen Lowrance - State Master Councilor, TN DeMolay 2025-2026

This year, we embark on a journey to uncover The Treasures of Brotherhood—the values that make Tennessee DeMolay strong: teamwork, leadership, service, and personal growth. With statewide unity and clear goals, we’ll make this a meaningful and exciting term for every member.

Goals for This Year

To guide our adventure, here are the key milestones every chapter should aim to achieve:

  • Membership Growth: Each chapter is encouraged to initiate at least four new members per six-month term—aligning with the PMC-MSA program.

  • Engagement and Retention: Host at least one fun chapter event per quarter to keep members engaged and offer opportunities for guests to experience DeMolay.

  • Leadership Development: Encourage all eligible members to apply for their Representative DeMolay (RD) designation.

  • Statewide Participation: Chapters should strive to attend Tennessee DeMolay University (TDU), the Sweetheart’s Banquet, District Conclaves, and participate in ritual competitions.

Membership Initiative: The Treasure Hunt

A successful chapter thrives on recruitment, retention, and active participation. This year’s membership initiative—The Treasure Hunt—is designed to make the path to growth fun and rewarding.

Lock Combinations & Treasure Chest Drawings

  • There is Treasure to be found at the End of the term! The prizes are being held under lock and key waiting for the right combination code to be entered to open the Treasure Chest. Members earn chances to unlock these Treasures by completing key DeMolay activities throughout the year. Completion of each task below gives you a chance to enter a numerical combination into the lock on the Treasure Chest to try to unlock the Prize. One of these combinations will open each one of the Treasure Chests at Conclave 2026. The Treasures and the ways to earn the prizes are as follows:

  •  Gold Chest Drawing – PlayStation 5

    • Earn a chance to unlock the Gold Chest for each new member you bring into DeMolay as the first line signer between the close of Conclave 2025 and May 15th, 2026.

  • Silver Chest Drawing – Big Screen TV

    • Earn a chance to unlock the Silver Chest by attending Tennessee DeMolay State Events. Each DeMolay attending each of the District Conclaves, Sweethearts Ball, and Tennessee DeMolay University will receive 1 entry per event. Must be present at State Conclave to win.

  • Bronze Chest Drawing – Apple AirPods

    • Earn a chance to unlock the Bronze Chest by competing in Ritual Competition at State Conclave 2026. You will receive one entry for every Ritual Competition that is pre-registered by the deadline and successfully completed with a Proficient Score.

Philanthropy – The Artifacts of Expression

This year’s state philanthropy supports the Chattanooga Scottish Rite Speech and Hearing Center, an organization that helps children with speech, language, fluency, and voice disorders.

This mission is personal to me—I was a patient at this center for many years. Their work changed my life, and now, I want Tennessee DeMolay to help them change the lives of others.

Donations can be made at the following Link: https://give.erlangerfoundation.org/fundraiser/6329533 

Donations Need to be collected and submitted by June 1st, 2026.

How Chapters Can Support:

  • Host fundraisers such as car washes, game nights, or sponsorship drives

  • Spread awareness by sharing the center’s mission on social media and at events

  • Donate proceeds from local events directly to the Chattanooga center

    Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children who need these vital services.

District Conclaves

This year, each district will host its own themed conclave to bring local chapters together for brotherhood and fun:

  • East Tennessee: Aquarium Adventure at the Tennessee Aquarium

  • Middle Tennessee: Theme and location to be announced

  • West Tennessee: Theme and location to be announced

    District conclaves are a great way to connect with fellow members, build teamwork, and enjoy the journey together. Attending each of these events also gives you a chance to unlock the Silver Treasure Chest to win a Big Screen TV!

Awards & Recognition

Outstanding effort deserves recognition. This term, we will celebrate members and chapters who go above and beyond with the following awards:

  • True Adventurer Award: Presented to the DeMolay who best exemplifies brotherhood, positive leadership, and enthusiasm throughout the term. Chosen by the State Master Councilor.

  • Golden Whip Award: Awarded to each Master Councilor who submits a term plan to the Executive Officer within 10 days of taking office.

  • Heart of Fire Award: Given to the DeMolay with the most First Line Signers during the term.

Each award is a symbol of the progress and passion that define DeMolay excellence.

Communication – The Explorer’s Log

Staying connected is key to a successful year. Here’s how we’ll keep the state informed and engaged:

The 8th Preceptor Newsletter

  • Published monthly with updates, photos, and articles from chapters across the state

  • Deadline for submissions: the 15th of each month to austin.whitaker@gmail.com

  • Chapter leaders and state officers are encouraged to contribute

Social Media & Visibility

  • All state officers are expected to post after each DeMolay event they attend

  • Chapters are encouraged to submit photos and stories to social@tndemolay.org for greater exposure

Chapter Support & Outreach

State Officers will conduct Zoom calls and phone check-ins to support chapter progress

Chapters can request help with recruitment, events, or ritual work at any time

Conclusion

The treasures of Tennessee DeMolay are found not in gold or silver—but in the brotherhood we build, the leaders we develop, and the lives we touch.

This year’s mission is clear:

Every chapter grows. Every member thrives. Every treasure is found.

Let’s make this year unforgettable—together.