| From your Executive Officer – COVID-19 UPDATE – March 17, 2020 |
| Dear Florida DeMolays, Advisors and supporters: This is the latest in several updates prepared as information, directives and proclamations are made by local, state and federal government and by fraternal leaders which impact our operations. This latest update is to communicate a directive issued earlier this afternoon from Most Worshipful John Westerman, III, Grand Master of Masons in Florida. In his Directive No. 3, accessible here (click), Grand Master Westerman suspends all fraternal operations in Florida Masonic Lodges, to include appendant and concordant bodies and youth groups which meet in the Lodge buildings – effective immediately and through May 4th, 2020. This directive extends the suspension that I ordered yesterday, by a full month. While from a fraternal operations perspective, this temporary hiatus will severely impact the term plans for our installed Master Councilors. Please know that I remain in conversation with the Executive and State Staff, and in particular, our Director of DeMolay Awards, working on a policy and procedure to temporarily amend the requirements for those who planned to earn the Past Master Councilor’s Meritorious Service Award (PMC-MSA) for this term. More on those amended policies will be released as they become available. Additionally, please know that we all encourage the local Chapter members to work in the background to further their DeMolay experience, using this as an opportunity to complete their Representative DeMolay (RD) application forms and Leadership Correspondence Courses (LCC) both of which can be completed remotely; the RD is a self-assessment which is done on your own, and the resources needed to complete all five modules of the LCC are available on the FL DeMolay website. Questions can always be forwarded to administration@fldemolay.com. Together, we have the opportunity to think “outside the box” as well, as Master Councilors and Advisory Council leaders make plans for the coming weeks. Perhaps adopting a virtual platform could assist with the socialization and interaction of our members during the break. Nothing is off the table as we deliberate and progress through this pandemic. As of now, plans have been cancelled for the Legion of Honor observance dinners tomorrow evening, the Knighthood-sponsored Spring Festival in April, and the Alumni Weekend in May. We are closely monitoring all edicts and directives as we make plans for Summer Conclave and the remainder of the calendar year. We want to do everything within our power to reschedule these events so that we’re not missing an entire year of fellowship with our Brothers and beloved fraternal family. It is always recommended to keep in touch with your DeMolay Brothers, Advisors and friends. Remember: “… as long as we remain faithful to these pledges; as long as there is an Order of DeMolay, WE ARE ONE.” Thank you for your continued devotion to our Order and its mission to be the premier organization for young men across the world. Fraternally yours, Dad R. Jordan “Jody” Meguiar Executive Officer for the Jurisdiction of Florida Active Member of the International Supreme Council |