Frank S. Land, 33°  GC
Founder of DeMolay
(Jun 21, 1890-Nov 8, 1959)
1912 - Raised, Ivanhoe Lodge #446
Life Member, Ivanhoe Lodge #446

1912 - 32° Consistory of Western Missouri, Kansas City
1919 - Knight Commander of the Court of Honour
1919-20 - Commander, DeMolai Council of Kadosh
1925 - Coroneted 33° Inspector General Honorary
1955 - Grand Cross, Scottish Rite SMJ
1914-20 - Secretary, Social Services

1912 - Kansas City Chapter No. 28, R.A.M.
1912 - Shekinah Council No. 24, R. & S.M.
1913 - Kansas City Commandery No. 10, K.T.
1944 - Affiliated, Kansas City Council No. 45
1946 - Mary Conclave No. 5, Red Cross of Constantine
1950 - Sovereign Mary Conclave No. 5, Red Cross of Constantine
1951 - International Gold Service Medal, Grand Chapter of York Rite

1931 - Potentate of Ararat Shrine
1954-55 - Imperial Potentate, Shrine of North America

Trustee, Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
1958 - President, Kansas City School Board

Occupation: Restaurateer, Executive Officer for DeMolay
President of the Kansas City School Board, Director of the Columbia National Bank, Kansas City; member of executive committee of the National Security Commission, Washington; member of the American Advisory Council, Yenching University, Peiping, China; and member of the National Youth Week Committee for United States.


Frank Sherman Land founded the Order of DeMolay in 1919, in Kansas City, Missouri. Frank S. Land. Land was a community leader who, at the age of 28, already had a successful business career as a restaurateur behind him.

Illustrious Brother Land grew up with a strong religious influence in his life. When ten years old, he conducted a Sunday school class of 300 and was known as the "Boy preacher." The main event that lead to the founding of the DeMolay movement was World War I. This was a time when the nation was caught up with a passion and desire to bring democracy to the world. When the United States joined in the fight against German power, every resource of men and materials was poured into the war effort. America suffered not only the loss of its men who had fallen in battle, but on the home-front as well. A positive response to this critical situation came about with the development of many charitable organizations. Frank S. Land was selected to act as the director of the Masonic Relief and Employment Bureau of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. This charity would come to help thousands of families.

Near the end of the war, Land became concerned with the problems of boys who had lost their fathers. He thought "how lonely it must be for a boy not to have a man to talk with, or a man to provide some type of inspiration and direction." Frank decided there was a need for an organization where boys would have the opportunity to associate with other boys, a place they could share common interests, learn responsibility and other skills that would benefit them throughout their lives. His ideal model for this organization included having business or professional men, Masons, taking interest in the young people, being a friend to them, advising them, and perhaps even providing them with employment opportunities.

In March, 1919, Land met with young Louis Lower. Louis' father had died, leaving the young man without a father figure in his life. Land took the time to listen to Louis, learn about his dreams, and to help him. He learned that others, like Louis, sought companionship, leadership, inspiration and competition. He asked Louis to invite some friends to a meeting, the original group of nine DeMolays: Louis G. Lower, Ivan M. Bentley, Edmund Marshall, Gorman A. McBride, Jerome Jacobson, William W. Steinhilber, Elmer Dorsey, Clyde C. Stream, and Ralph Sewell. At the second meeting, there was a total of 31 young men present. They were excited about their new club!

The group needed its own identity and its own name. After Dad Land related the story of Jacques DeMolay, the group decided to name itself for this historical figure connected with Masonry.

Dad Land, as he came to be called, provided the philosophy and principles to be embodied. As interest in DeMolay spread, Land answered many requests for information and authority to start chapters. Initiations and ceremonies took place in all locations. By the fall of 1920, Mother Chapter had developed activities for its members as well. These included an outstanding baseball team, a DeMolay marching unit, and even a 100-piece band!

By the end of 1921, Dad Land made the decision to devote all of his time and effort to building this new organization and he became a full time DeMolay employee. He sold his successful restaurant and embarked on his youth work full time. As DeMolay chapters grew in numbers and strength, the organization as a whole grew in prestige. With this greater prestige, interest developed in the Masonic fraternity. Official recognition and approval by Masonic groups began giving their seal of approval to foster DeMolay in their states. Many distinguished organizations endorsed DeMolay including the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Grand Lodges, Knights Templar, etc.

A devoted champion of Freemasonry and of its teachings, Land would become a figure of international prominence within Masonry, eventually becoming Imperial Potentate of Shrine of North America, later renamed Shriners International. He counted among his friends U.S. Congressmen, state governors, movie and radio stars, military leaders, leaders of industry, Presidents of the U.S. and a veritable legion of young men. Illustrious Brother Land also served as Potentate of the Ararat Shrine (1931).

Dad Land worked tirelessly for the Order of DeMolay until his death on November 8, 1959. Hundreds of other devoted workers aided in the creation and extension of the Order of DeMolay, but looked to one man for guidance. Frank S. Land was the charismatic leader of the Order. Frank S. Land was truly a great man, a proud American, and a person who came to be known by millions, simply as "Dad." Frank Land's life touched, and continues to impact generation after generation of young people, young men looking to better themselves by emulating the lessons and examples by which he himself lived.

Interred: Mt Moriah Cemetery, Kansas City, MO.