DeMolay's benefits touted at ham breakfast

Shane Uselton, state master counselor for DeMolay Tennessee, standing left, speaks to Kendall Ray, 13, fourth from left, about the organization as Masons Terry Cooper, left, Ed Holcombe and Ronnie Ray listen Saturday at the Shelbyville lodge's ham breakfast.
(T-G Photo by John Philleo) [Order this photo]

Shane Uselton, the state master counselor for DeMolay Tennessee, was on hand during the breakfast to speak to teenagers and young men about membership in DeMolay.

DeMolay describes itself as an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy and productive lives, according to literature from the group.

Masons Joe Reed, left, Thomas Smith and Harold Arnold keep the food trays piled high during Saturday's ham breakfast.
(T-G Photo by John Philleo)

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"It's a character-enhancing organization that stresses character and leadership development," Uselton said. "It's given me the skills I need to be a successful professional. I'm just trying to raise awareness" about the organization.

Uselton is a pre-law student at UT-Chattanooga and is currently serving an internship at the state House of Representatives as a bill clerk. He hopes to pursue a law degree at UT-Knoxville.

Kendall Ray, 13, was one teenager who listened to Uselton Saturday as he described the benefits of DeMolay. Kendall, who was visiting the lodge with his grandfather, Ronnie Ray, a Mason and past master, said he is considering joining the organization.

"Normally there's a connection (to the Masons) there somewhere," Ronnie said. "The boys can come out of this and into masonry with no problem."

It is not a requirement for a young man to have a Masonic connection in order to join DeMolay, Uselton said.

The Shelbyville Benevolent Lodge #122, located on Colloredo Boulevard, will be hosting a DeMolay initiation on Saturday, June 6.

Any interested young men or teenagers can call Ed Holcombe at (931) 684-0826. For more information on DeMolay, call (800) 336-6529.

The ham breakfast was a semi-annual event held by the Masons lodge to fund their community service work.

Masons on hand at the breakfast said turnout was good.