Jacob S. Awarded Past Master Councilor’s Meritorious Service Award

Jacob was presented with the PMC-MSA on June 6, 2026, by SMC Michael Keith and EO Dad Dave Murray

Virginia DeMolay is proud to announce that Jacob S. has been awarded the Past Master Councilor’s Meritorious Service Award, in recognition of his outstanding leadership during his term as Master Councilor of Woodlawn Chapter from May 18, 2025, to November 16, 2025.

Over the course of his six-month term, Jacob led Woodlawn Chapter through a full calendar of activities spanning civic service, fundraising, Masonic outreach, athletics, and inter-chapter fellowship. His term plan was submitted to and endorsed by the Virginia DeMolay PMC-MSA program, with the chapter advisory council affirming their recommendation for the award.

ABOUT THE PAST MASTER COUNCILOR’S MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

The Past Master Councilor’s Meritorious Service Award is one of the most distinguished recognitions within the Order of DeMolay. Nearly every member of the Order has the worthy ambition of serving his chapter as Master Councilor, and the PMC-MSA represents the highest mark of excellence for those who do. While only the newly elected Master Councilor is qualified to apply for the award, its requirements can only be met through the combined efforts of the entire chapter - making it, in a deeper sense, a recognition of all members who have worked together for a greater DeMolay.

The award was originated by Frank Land, who recognized the tremendous advantage gained by a Master Councilor in having a pre-planned program for his term of office. He wrote the qualifications for the award and designed the jewel that is now proudly worn by those who have achieved success in their term. The Master Councilor must provide the leadership and incentive to inspire his fellow DeMolays toward a well-rounded program and overall efficiency in chapter activities — and it is this spirit of servant leadership that the award honors.

A TERM OF SERVICE AND BROTHERHOOD

Jacob’s term opened with a Masonic Service Project at the chapter’s sponsoring lodge, where members spent four hours mulching, weeding, and beautifying the grounds — a tangible expression of gratitude toward their Masonic home. This was followed by the chapter’s ECHO Food Donation civic service project, which ran through the summer months in collaboration with the sponsoring lodge.

In the area of fundraising, Jacob organized a chocolate sales campaign that yielded roughly $610 in projected net revenue, with brothers visiting several Masonic lodges in the region to give public speeches about DeMolay and promote the sale. Notably, this speaking tour gave newer members their first experience in public address.

Social activities under Jacob’s leadership included a Prospect Night at a local entertainment venue, attended by members from multiple regional chapters, and a Northern Region Membership Event held in October — originally conceived as a chapter Halloween party before Jacob worked with the Northern Region Master Councilor to expand it into a broader regional effort. An after-meeting bowling outing brought together members from three chapters alongside all three youth Masonic groups.

OBLIGATORY DAYS AND CIVIC COMMITMENT

Jacob ensured the chapter observed its obligatory days with intention. On Parents’ Day, the chapter gathered to offer sincere thanks to its parent advisors. Educational Day featured DeMolays delivering speeches on their chosen career fields - covering law, neurosurgery, environmental engineering, and accounting. Frank S. Land Day was marked by a trip to Richmond for the installation of Dad Matt Szramoski as Grand Worshipful Master of Virginia Masonry, where the chapter also presented him with honorary lifetime membership in Woodlawn Chapter. Government Day, originally planned as a visit to the Supreme Court of the United States, was adapted into a tour of the Fairfax County Old Historic Courthouse.

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The term also brought significant individual honors. At the Virginia DeMolay Annual Conclave, Jacob was elected Deputy State Master Councilor and named State Ritual Director. He and a fellow chapter member were conferred the Degree of Chevalier at the 2025 Honors Investiture, and that brother additionally earned the Grand Commandery’s DeMolay of the Year Award. Another chapter brother achieved proficiency during the term, and a newer member delivered his first public speech before lodge audiences.

Jacob also assisted a fellow chapter with their Majority Service at the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Tournament of Champions, strengthening DeMolay ties across multiple states.

A CHAPTER EFFORT

In his application, Jacob credited the award not to his leadership alone, but to the collective effort of every member and advisor who showed up throughout the term. “My term would not have proceeded had it not been for them,” he wrote. “To them I am thankful, and for them, I feel proud.”

Virginia DeMolay congratulates Jacob on this well-earned recognition and looks forward to seeing his continued contributions to Woodlawn Chapter and Virginia DeMolay.