Since the very beginning of DeMolay, we have relied upon Masons and the Masonic Fraternity for guidance, direction, and strength. As DeMolay was creating the Legion of Honor, to be composed of senior DeMolays, “Dad” Charles Boyce suggested to “Dad” Land that in addition to an active Legion of Honor, there should be an honorary Legion of Honor composed of Master Masons..jpg)
Today, the Honorary Legion of Honor consists of Master Masons at least 30 years or older, who manifest outstanding service to humanity, or excellence in their professional field, service in fraternal life, and personify the ideals of DeMolay. Each of them, as Master Masons, have many titles. In Masonry, we know the greatest and best title a man can have is to be called “Brother.” Here in DeMolay the honorific we use is “Dad” as it denotes mentorship and friendship to youth.
Owing to the size of our great state some of the names may not be familiar to you. We want to give you a taste of the work of our honorees and have provided a brief description. These vignettes do not do justice to the outstanding class of honorees but give you a flavor for their outstanding service. Each of them we can proudly point to as being an example of the way to live one’s life.
If you know of a Master Mason that you think may be worthy of the Honorary Legion of Honor please feel free to confidentially recommend or suggest them to the Executive Officer or a Class 1 Member. Several of these brothers were nominated based on a strong recommendation of a Senior DeMolay or advisor who spotlighted their outstanding service.
“Dad” Kevin Costello: “Dad” Costello helps to provides world class medical care to children who need it through the Shriners Hospitals. As the Imperial Oriental Guide of Shriners International and a member of the Board of Directors of Shriners Hospitals, “Dad” Costello helps to strengthen and support the Shrine Fraternity and the hospital system. “Dad” Costello has previously served the people of New Paltz as a police officer and faithfully served the people of the State of New York in the New York State Police.
“Dad” Keith Heinrich: “Dad” Heinrich provides youth with an amazing summer experience. In 1894, the drafters of the current State Constitution enshrined in Article XIV that the Adirondacks will be forever wild because they knew how important being able to enjoy nature was. Studies continually show that youth who do a summer camp experience report greater social engagement and self-confidence. “Dad” Heinrich in his role as chairman of the Camp Turk Committee ensures the continual improvement of the camp as well as the world class experience. We are forever grateful that he and his committee have allowed DeMolay to use this amazing facility.
“Dad” Nathan Lipper: “Dad” Lipper empowers Masons to care for older brothers and widows. As a Trustee of the Masonic Hall and Home, “Dad” Lipper has been critical in ensuring the ongoing improvement and development of the Masonic Care Community in Utica as well as the acquisition and development of the Masonic Care Community in New Rochelle, the Grand Lodge Building in New York City, The Tappan Historic Site and Camp Turk. The Masonic Family is blessed to have these amazing resources here in the Empire State and to see their continual improvement.
“Dad” Richard Newton: “Dad” Newton provides a world class learning environment for SUNY Fredonia students and has nurtured and grown the Masonic Fraternity in Chautauqua County. Working for the State University of New York in Fredonia, “Dad” Newton ensures that the Blue Devils have a world class environment in which to learn and study. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful of our 64 SUNY campuses, “Dad” Newton s currently serving as the District Deputy Grand Master of Chautauqua County. In this role, “Dad” Newton has provided leadership and support to the Masons across the county including hosting a recent fundraiser for the “Battle Within Foundation.” While he has many titles, the one that the DeMolays know him best by is “Joe’s Dad.”
“Dad” Nicholas Sampogna: “Dad” Nicholas Sampogna is a hard worker in the quarries of Freemasonry. While residing in New York, “Dad” Sampogna has helped to grow and develop several different York Rite Bodies, including chartering a new Allied Masonic Degree Council (New Rome) and a number of invitational bodies. Nicky is also an ardent ritualist who has helped out in a number of different multi-jurisdictional conferrals and full form orders of the Knights Templar. Many a time he has traveled down the I-95 corridor done the degree work and takes a late train back to New York after a full night of ritual. “Dad” Sampogna currently serves New York as our career services advisor and helping to guide our thinking on a number of a different issues as we prepare young men for college and careers. He has also been a resource for other jurisdictions when they needed help with their conventions. Nominated by a Class 1 Active Member