It was founded in 1919 by Frank Sherman Land and 9 young men. There are 700 chapters in all 50 states, Canada, Central America, South America, Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. Over one million Senior DeMolays and 18,000 Active DeMolays.
The organization is named after Jacques de Molay a knight and crusader in the 13th and 14th centuries. He set an example of loyalty and fidelity which DeMolay members are supposed to model their conduct after.