Order of The Builders
Origin & Information
Arthur M. Millard founded the original Order in Chicago, Illinois, on March 2, 1921.  
It is a fraternal organization of young men between the ages of eleven and
twenty-one, organized into chapters and under the supervision of volunteer
members of the Masonic fraternity, fathers, and majority members who act as an
Advisory Council.

The initiatory fees and dues are moderate, and are in keeping with the limited
financial resources of young men in their teens.

The ritual of the order is symbolic and direct. It teaches the binding force of
friendship and fraternal association; it broadens the principles of morality and right
living in a manner that cannot be forgotten; it impresses the necessity of duty to
parents and respect for authority; it guides the youth into the building of character;
it inculcates the true spirit of patriotism; and it teaches a way of right living in a way
that would make any father proud.
The Object of the Order

The object of the Order of The Builders is to promote, the mental, moral, physical,
and spiritual development of its' members.  To develop their activities in all that
relates to individual duty to God and parents.  To promote civic, state, and national
betterment, by the defense of civil, religious, political, and intellectual liberty, and
to provide by means of fraternal association a relationship through which to
develop activities aiming for the mutual advancement of those coming within the
range of it's purpose and plans.
 
Who May Join?

The organization is for young men between the ages of 9 and 21 of good moral
character, having a belief in God; who are the sons, brothers, grandsons, or
nephews of members of regularly constituted Masonic Lodges and their immediate
or closest boyhood companions.  Master Masons may become Associate Members
and be a part of the chapter’s Advisory Council of Master Masons.  The associate
members from the Advisory Council of Master Masons and five elected members to
the Executive Council, work with the chapter. Other Master Masons along with Non-
Masonic fathers or male-guardians of the young men, may attend a meeting of the
Order of The Builders after taking a pledge.
 
Meetings

The meetings of the Builders are always open to the members of the Masonic
fraternity and to the fathers of the members, who are not only invited but also
urged to attend.  Outside of the business and ritualistic exercises performed at
every meeting to teach the members self-assurance and self-reliance, the Chapters
promote their own degree teams.  They also encourage both individual and
collective competition in athletic activities and entertainment in such a manner as
to keep the members active and healthy in mind and body.  The Builders’ activities
are determined by the members at their regular chapter meetings and may include
a wide range of social, athletic, fund raising, and civic service projects.  Each chapter
has fifteen officers, and the presiding officer of a chapter is called the Master
Builder.  The eight elective Officers must be chosen from among the junior
members.  The seven appointive members can be either junior members or
associate members.
 
Degrees of the Order

There are two degrees in the ritual of the Order, the Apprentice Degree and the
Builders Degree.  Both degrees teach important lessons about the principles of
democracy, Patriotism, and the ideals of Freemasonry.  Builder degrees are serious
matters and are performed with dignity.  There is no rough stuff or harassment.  
Just a dignified informative ceremony typical of the organization.
 
There is a Place

There is a place for a Builder Chapter in every community in which a Masonic Lodge
is located.  Its presence will promote the lodge and it's ideals and serves the
community with a better citizenship.
 
Youth Today

With all the evil influences at work today in  our society, endeavoring to undermine
and destroy our way of life, the Youth of our country require more guidance from
parents and an organization such as the Order of The Builders, which is dedicated
to our American way of life.