A secret handshake and a whispered password are all members of the Order of DeMolay need to know they have found a brother.

A Masonic-sponsored organization open to young men ages 12 to 21, brothers in the order pledge to follow seven cardinal virtues, including love of parents, reverence, courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism.

The third largest chapter in Pennsylvania, Butler's Lorraine Chapter boasts 52 members in charge of planning and carrying out traditional ceremonies, service projects and recreational activities.

For Joshua Sanderson, a 14-year-old Butler Junior High School student, his desire to become a member of DeMolay stemmed from his research on Jaques DeMolay, for whom the organization was named.

A member of the Knights Templar, an organization sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church during the crusades, DeMolay became a symbol of loyalty and friendship when he was sentenced to death by King Philip of France for refusing to disclose the location of Templar funds.

A friend of Sanderson's father heard of his research done for a school paper and told him about the DeMolay organization.

Though he had no previous friends in the organization, Sanderson felt at ease soon after his initiation.

"It was maybe five minutes before I felt like I had known them for quite some time," he said.

A member since October, Sanderson currently serves as the group's junior deacon, in charge of guarding the door during DeMolay ceremonies to minimize disturbance.

The junior deacon position is one of 22 officer positions filled by chapter members, each playing a role during ceremonies for initiation or other formal meetings.

During the formal events, all DeMolay members don shirts and ties. Those involved in ceremonial portions wear capes, emblematic of the Knights Templar and of George Washington, a Mason who has been depicted wearing a cape.

The highest position in each chapter is the master councilor position, currently held by 15-year-old Lewis Clementson.

As head of the local chapter, Clementson is responsible for leading meetings and scheduling activities agreed upon by members.

Activities enjoyed by the Lorraine Chapter include video game nights, attending ceremonies held by other chapters, social events with their female counterparts in the Rainbow Girls and Job's Daughters, and service projects like helping local Masons with their child identification program at the recent safety walk at Butler Memorial Park.

Before completing his six-month term, Clementson will also make sure all 22 officer positions are filled for the next term.

"The master councilor goes around and asks people what position he likes," he said.

As councilor, Clementson can fill the offices on a first-come, first-served basis or by deciding which members are best suited for each job.

The half-year terms give members the opportunity to climb the ranks, some holding the same office more than once.

Carl Wagner, 19, and his brothers Howard and Michael have all held the position of master councilor twice.

As a past master councilor and the chapter's oldest active member, Wagner now provides advice to other officers and concentrates on expanding membership.

"My job now is to make sure the ritual is being done properly," he said.

Though members look to each other for ideas and guidance, each chapter has adults who serve as advisers, helping members stay on track while allowing them the freedom to run their own meetings.

"Some of the leaders appreciate adult involvement more than others. Some like to do everything themselves with very little input from the adults outside of supervision and transportation. Others are constantly asking questions about how something should be done," said Curtis Rauschenberger, the chapter adviser.

"It's not like the other groups where the adults tell you what you're doing," said Sanderson.

"In DeMolay, they give you guidelines and it's really up to you what you want to do."

Rauschenberger tracks the group's calendar of activities, announcing upcoming events at meetings and arranging transportation to activities and conferences.

In addition to opportunities for the entire group, Rauschenberger also reminds members of individual activities, including essay contests and correspondence courses in which students study and test themselves on the virtues and traditions of DeMolay.

For Sanderson, who recently placed first in a regional essay contest, the opportunity to study and learn more about DeMolay is welcome work.

"It was a new challenge for me," said Sanderson. "(The contest) gave me something to look forward to."

Hoping to one day move up the ranks of officers, Sanderson believes the experience in formal meetings will help him in the future.

"The higher your rank in DeMolay, the more that you have to learn to take charge. Eventually if I do become a master councilor, that'll help me to learn to be more of a leader."

<B>Meetings:</B> 7:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month, Butler Masonic Temple, 346 S. Main St.Membership requirements: Open to young men ages 12 to 21 considered to be of good character. Though not a religious organization, a belief in God is required.<B>Leadership: </B>The master councilor is the highest chapter office. He is assisted by a senior and junior councilor. There are 22 officers in total, each serving six-month terms. An advisory council of parents, master Masons and senior members, referred to as "dads" or "moms" serves to provide guidance and support to members.<B>Cost: </B>$25 initiation fee, no annual dues.<B>Web sites: </B>demolay.org, pademolay.org<B>Organization History: </B>The Order of DeMolay was founded in 1919 in Kansas City, Mo., by Mason Frank Land and Louis Lower, a fatherless boy who referred to Land as "Dad."<B>Members of note: </B>Senior DeMolay members include John Wayne, Walter Cronkite, Walt Disney, Buddy Ebsen, Dan Rather and Burl Ives.