There are moments in life that leave you utterly and completely speechless, moments that you just know that you are witnessing something absolutely amazing. The Missouri State Officers’ Installation on November 5, 2011 was one of those moments. For those in attendance, it marked the beginning of a new era in Missouri DeMolay history.
The day started off with a ceremony that has not been done in over 30 years, the Knighthood Priory Installation of officers, which installed Adam Frigerio as Illustrious Knight Commander along with the other Officers of James H. Cockerham Priory. Following that on the agenda was the State Officers’ Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees, which were some of the most impressive displays of ritual and teamwork from a state line in quite a while. Missouri DeMolay initiated 9 new members into the Order this weekend and we couldn’t be happier to have them as part of our jurisdiction.
As the Clock struck 7:00, the Main Event started. The audience was completely silent as the Installing Team entered the auditorium. The 2011-2012 State Officers were installed in the famous Jeff Kitsmiller, Jr. fashion, which we have all come to know and love. Starting with the Chaplain - Nathaniel Thomason, followed by the Ambassadors: Adam Frigerio - Membership, Milo Brucker - Ritual, Quentin Cockerham - Communications, Cody Wilkins - Knighthood and Tyler Warren - Squires. The District Deputy Master Councilors were then called to the altar for installation: Christian “Dino” Dinisoae- District 1, Michael Braun - District 2, Brandon Rarey - District 3, Billy Rollins - District 4 and CJ Witte - District 5. Then came the Dynamic Duo of Dustin Ray Sanders who is your new Deputy State Master Councilor for the ensuing year and the Man of the Night, Brandon Robert Cockerham as your State Master Councilor, who made a grand and memorable entrance.
Brandon gave his vows and was collared by the PSMCs (Past State Maser Councilors) of Missouri as all State Master Councilors have done who have came before him. But something was different than previous times. The PSMCs of Missouri handed down the torch, and now its Brandon’s turn to keep the flame alive. Brandon was handed the gavel of authority by his Installing Officer, Brother and PSMC Ryan Matthew Cockerham and showed the State of Missouri why he has become the State Master Councilor. The audience was on the edge of their seats as Brandon gave one the most memorable, impressive, humbling and inspiring speeches that Missouri DeMolay has ever heard. Missouri DeMolay was reminded of the people behind the scenes who make what we do possible when Brandon dedicated his term this year to Illustrious Brother “Dad” Earl E. Walker, co-founder of the Walker Scottish Rite Care Clinic. As a surprise, unbeknown to even the Executive Officer, Robert Cockerham; a beautiful and heart warming presentation was unveiled, remembering and honoring Dad Walker’s amazing support of Freemasonry and DeMolay and their purposes. This was a powerful and unifying moment that touched the hearts of those who knew him and even those who have never met him and will never be forgotten.
The events at the State Installation were mirrored by nothing anyone has ever seen before, which set the stage for this year as well as years to come. Missouri DeMolay has once again raised the bar for the Order of DeMolay and will continue to do so. Although there are no words found to describe the events of November 5, 2011; these eternal words echoed throughout the St. Louis Scottish Rite Cathedral as the night concluded: “God bless mother, God bless father, God bless the purposes of DeMolay. Amen.”
Adam M. Iwanow - Director of Public Relations