Over 250 Active DeMolays, Advisors, and Guests from across Northern California and the country gathered in San Francisco on April 1, 2024, to recognize “Dad” Terry Peters for his service as Grand Master of DeMolay International.
The day included a special degree presentation, a formal reception, and a banquet.
During the degrees, five new Active DeMolays were initiated, and twenty new Honorary DeMolays (Master Masons who were not members in their youth) were created and made part of the jurisdiction’s King Solomon’s Chapter. The degrees were performed by the jurisdiction’s ritual team assisted by a special alumni team that included Most Worshipful G. Sean Metroka, the Grand Master of Masons in California and Past Master Councilor and Senior DeMolay of Paradise Chapter, acting in the role of Jacques DeMolay. The induction of the new active and honorary members concluded with an especially inspiring Flower Talk given by “Dad” Steven Kolden and remarks from the International Congress Secretary, River Peatman.
The reception for “Dad” Peters was hosted by Nick Bonnin, the Jurisdiction Master Councilor, and the other jurisdiction officers. “Dad” and “Mom” Peters entered the auditorium to music played by Anirudh Nayak of Santa Clara Chapter and through an arch of steel formed by twenty-six Active DeMolays representing all of the chapters in Northern California.
“Dad” Peters was saluted by many dignitaries and special guests including:
• “Dad” Jeffrey Brunson, Grand Senior Councilor of DeMolay International
• “Brother” Ryan Brown, International Master Councilor
• “Most Worshipful” G. Sean Metroka, Grand Master of Masons in California
• “Brother” Michael Erreca, Past Master Councilor of Northern California DeMolay
• Miss Natasha Franzen, Past Sweetheart of Northern California DeMolay
• Mrs. Andrea Naylor, “Dad” Peters’ daughter
• “Brother” Scott Peters, “Dad” Peters’ son
They shared their memories of and feelings for “Dad” Peters and his over thirty years of service as an advisor to DeMolay.
Two special performances were given in honor of “Dad” Peters during the reception and banquet:
• Corner of the Sky was sung by “Dad” Eliseo Paniagua, Past Jurisdiction Master Councilor.
• The Impossible Dream was sung by “Brother” Edward Tavalin, an acclaimed opera performer and Past Master Councilor and Senior DeMolay of Santa Cruz Chapter.
Both performers were accompanied on piano by JunJun Gorospe, one of the newly created honorary DeMolays.
As a final tribute to “Dad” Peters, a special team of award-winning ritualists – Jacob Banta, Zach Goldfarb, and Max Shanmugasundaram – presented the Ceremony of Light. It is one of “Dad” Peters’ favorite pieces of DeMolay ritual. It also served as a reminder to everyone in attendance to follow the high principles and goals of DeMolay and to emulate the dedication and love for the Order that “Dad” Peters has shown during his many years of service.
