New Home of Gary, Ind., Lodge Is Occupied by Membership

A week of festivities and celebration marked the completion and formal dedication of the new $325,000 Home of Gary, Ind., Lodge No. 1152. On Monday, March 23rd. the first meeting in the new building was held. District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Harry Kramer paid his official visit to the Lodge and was welcomed by a large gathering of the members and by representatives from Lodges in the surrounding territory. The initiation of a large class of candidates was a feature of this meeting. On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 25th, the building was open for inspection to the public and the Home was formally dedicated by District Deputy Kramer. The ritual was beautifully conducted, Edward Richter, Past Exalted Ruler of Chicago, III., Lodge No. 4, making the dedicatory address. Hundreds of members and visitors were present at the Dedication Banquet that evening. Lloyd R. Maxwell and William Sinek, members of the Grand Lodge Committee on Social and Community Welfare; Grand Secretary' Fred C. Robinson; Garnet R. Fleming, President of the Indiana State Elks Association; and the Toastmaster, Dr. Frank J. McMichael, Past Exalted Ruler of Gary Lodge—all made interesting after dinner speeches. Each of the talkers complimented Gary Lodge on its beautiful new Home and lauded the spirit of the members that had made it possible. The Sturtevant Orchestra of Chicago furnished excellent music for both the afternoon services and for the banquet, and the Indiana Male Quartet of Gary enlivened the diners with several humorous numbers. On Friday evening, March 27th, a dance and card party were enjoyed by a large number of Elks and their ladies. The new Home of Gary Lodge is one of the finest buildings in the city and is equipped with every device for the comfort and convenience of the members. It will permit the Lodge to broaden the scope of its activities and to become an even greater factor in the life of the community than it has been heretofore.

More News from May, 1925