William C. Graham Manor Squires prepare to give a big check to Butler County Children and Youth Services on Dec. 6, 2023. From top left are Tobin Maharg, Jameson Curran and Philip Melnick; middle row from left are Milo Sipe, Ben Badac and Jackson Badac and in front is Theodore Spiegel. Eddie Trizzino/Butler Eagle

Getting to hang out with his friends is a benefit of being in the Butler chapter of the DeMolay for 12-year-old Jameson Curran, but the service he performs as a member of the group is a positive, too.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, Jameson will lead the ceremonies commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Lorraine DeMolay Chapter, a youth Masonic organization. Current and former members of the chapter will attend the centennial celebration, and Jameson said he is happy to be part of commemorating the milestone.

“It feels pretty good knowing that I'm going to be the one to make everyone feel special,” said Jameson, Lorraine Chapter’s DeMolay Master Councilor.

Jameson is a member of the order of the DeMolay, which is an organization of the Freemasons for boys ages 12 to 21.

The Lorraine DeMolay began in November 1924, when initiation ceremonies were hosted at the former Butler Middle School, which was then the only building large enough to hold the 105 new members, their parents and the Master Masons in attendance.

Joyce Rauschenberger, adviser for the group, said the centennial celebration will honor special members of the DeMolay, including the conferral of the highest honor that can be given to an active Mason.

“We are kicking the day off with the conferral of the Chevelier Degree on Mason Tynan,” Rauschenberger said. “The Chevelier Degree is the highest honor to be awarded to an active member for exemplary service to his chapter.”

Rauschenberger also said attendees will have time to visit with friends, reminiscing while touring the Masonic Temple building on Main Street, or reliving memories in its History Gallery. The gallery will display trophies won by the Lorraine Chapter, artifacts from its early beginnings and memorabilia from the last 100 years.

There will be a dinner Saturday, open to anyone with a Masonic affiliation, which is being planned by members of the DeMolay, who will also perform serving duties.

“I'm going to be speaking and a couple kids are helping with the food,” Jameson said.

Jonathan Dahl, 12, of East Brady, has been involved with the Butler Masons for several years, and said he is excited to be a part of the DeMolay’s 100th anniversary. He said he enjoys everything about being part of the DeMolay.

“I’m going to help with the food, serving people and with the setup,” Dahl said. “Me and Jameson are going to talk.”