Senior DeMolay, Freemason, Army Colonel, and Governor of Maryland: William Schaefer

William Donald Schaefer, a prominent American politician, left an indelible mark on the state of Maryland through his five decades of dedicated public service at both the state and local levels. A Democrat by affiliation, Schaefer served as the 45th mayor of Baltimore from December 1971 to January 1987, the 58th Governor of Maryland from January 21, 1987, to January 18, 1995, and the 32nd Comptroller of Maryland from January 20, 1999, to January 17, 2007. In this essay, we will explore the life and career of William Schaefer, focusing on his early life, his involvement with organizations like DeMolay and the Freemasons, his military service, and his journey through the world of politics.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 2, 1921, in Baltimore, Maryland, William Schaefer was the only child of Tululu Irene and William Henry Schaefer. Raised in the old West Baltimore community off Edmondson Avenue, he spent his formative years at 620 Edgewood Street, near Hilton Street and Parkway by Gwynns Falls-Leakin Park. Schaefer's educational journey began in Baltimore's city public schools, culminating in his graduation from The Baltimore City College, a public high school, in 1939. He furthered his education by earning an LL.B. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1942 and later pursued an LL.M. in 1954.

Involvement with DeMolay and Freemasonry

During his youth, William Schaefer was a member of the Order of DeMolay in Baltimore, an experience that would later lead to his induction into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame. Additionally, he became a Freemason and a member of the "Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Maryland." Schaefer's involvement with these organizations reflects his commitment to principles of leadership, community service, and personal development.

Military Service

When the United States entered World War II on December 8, 1941, William Schaefer answered the call of duty by joining the United States Army. He would go on to achieve the rank of officer and assumed responsibility for administering hospitals in England and other parts of western Europe. Remarkably, Schaefer continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves throughout his academic, legal, and political careers until 1979 when he retired as a colonel. His military service exemplified his dedication to his country and reinforced the values of discipline and leadership that would guide his future endeavors.

Legal Career and Civic Engagement

Following his military service, William Schaefer resumed his legal career, specializing in real estate law. With a Master of Law degree obtained in 1954 from the University of Baltimore School of Law, he co-founded a general practice law firm with two colleagues. Schaefer remained unmarried and resided with his mother in unassuming rowhouses on Edgewood Street in West Baltimore, except for his later years when he moved to the Government House, the Maryland Governor's Mansion.

Schaefer's entry into public life was inspired by his desire to address issues of corruption and fairness. He decided to run for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1950 and 1954, although he was unsuccessful in both attempts. His determination paid off in 1955 when he secured a seat on the Baltimore City Council, representing the 5th Councilmanic District. In 1967, he successfully ran for the position of Baltimore City Council president, and four years later, in 1971, he emerged victorious in the mayoral race.

Conclusion

William Schaefer's life journey from his early involvement with DeMolay and Freemasonry, his distinguished military service, to his impactful political career serves as an inspirational tale of dedication, perseverance, and service to his community and country. His legacy as a Senior DeMolay, Freemason, Army Colonel, and Governor of Maryland continues to inspire future generations to pursue leadership, integrity, and public service. William Schaefer's name remains synonymous with unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.

The Original Nine DeMolay: Pioneers of a Lasting Legacy

The history of the Order of DeMolay is intrinsically tied to the nine original founders, whose dedication and vision birthed an organization that has influenced the lives of countless young men. These nine individuals, each symbolized by a pearl in the DeMolay crest, laid the cornerstone for an enduring legacy. As we delve into the lives of these remarkable men, we gain insight into the profound impact they had on the organization and its values.

Ivan M. Bentley: 

The First DeMolay Ivan Merritt Bentley holds the distinction of being the very first DeMolay, initiated on March 18, 1919. Tragically, his life was cut short in an accident in 1921, making him the first to transition from a pearl to a ruby in the emblem.

Louis G. Lower:

The First Active DeMolay Legionnaire Louis G. Lower, the first DeMolay and the inaugural Active DeMolay Legionnaire (LOH), was a pivotal figure in the organization's early days. His tragic death in 1943, resulting from an intoxicated security guard's actions, marked the second transition of a pearl to a ruby.

Edmund Marshall: 

The Scholar and President Edmund Marshall, a Chevalier crowned in 1920, graduated from the University of Missouri and rose to become President of the Kansas City Board of Trade. His passing in 1966 marked the fourth pearl's transformation into a ruby.

Clyde C. Stream: 

The Technical Engineer Clyde C. Stream, a technical engineer with the Sagano Electric Company, retired to Bradenton, Florida, after a successful career. His passing in 1971 led to the fifth pearl becoming a ruby.

Gorman A. McBride: 

The First Master Councilor Gorman A. McBride, the second Obligated DeMolay and the first Master Councilor of the Mother Chapter, had a remarkable career as a lawyer and director of activities at ISC Headquarters. His death in 1973 signified the sixth transition from pearl to ruby.

Ralph Sewell: 

The Musician Ralph Sewell, a skilled pianist and organist, became the Credit Manager for H. D. Lee Mercantile Company, known for Lee jeans. His passing in 1976 resulted in the seventh pearl's transformation into a ruby.

Elmer V. Dorsey: 

The Successful Businessman Elmer V. Dorsey, a successful businessman, later moved to Texas, where he served as an Advisor to the Richardson Chapter. His passing in 1979 denoted the eighth pearl's transformation into a ruby.

William W. Steinhilber:

The Stock and Bond Broker William W. Steinhilber, captain of the first DeMolay baseball team and a prosperous stock and bond broker, passed away in 1992, changing the ninth pearl into a ruby.

Jerome Jacobson: 

The Lawyer and Financier Jerome Jacobson, a distinguished lawyer and financier, lived his entire life in Kansas City. His passing in 2002 marked the final transition from pearl to ruby, symbolizing the completion of the transformation.

The Heart of DeMolay Dad Frank Land, the founder of DeMolay, represented the third ruby on the DeMolay crest. His indomitable spirit and dedication to the organization persisted even as he battled the effects of scleroderma. Dad Land's unexpected passing in 1959 left an indelible void, reminding us annually on November 8 to honor his memory.

The legacy of these nine pioneers is etched into the very fabric of DeMolay. Without their vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment, the organization would not exist. As we remember their contributions, we pay homage to the founders who paved the way for generations of young men to embrace the values of character, leadership, and service that continue to define the Order of DeMolay.