Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee
Elk Memorial Service Contest - Contest 'C'
The Grand Lodge has set the first Sunday in December as the day for all Lodges to hold Memorial Services for our Departed Members. Started in 1889, the Elks Memorial Service is the last honor we give our Elk Members. With such an important event, we should make it a very special and meaningful service, for them and their families. Lodges are encouraged to plan their Memorial Services carefully and with emphasis on the reverence and solemn remembrance due the occasion. Lodges are further encouraged to invite the departed Members’ loved ones as well as community members. A well-planned and well-executed Memorial Service will not only honor your departed Members, but will also strengthen your Lodge’s ties to its community.The families and friends of these departed Members will see the respect we have for our Members’ families through the loss we share with them, and the comfort we provide them. They know they will be held in our hearts and minds as long as Elkdom and our Lodges continue. These are not just words we speak; it is one reason the Eleven O’Clock Toast is so special. Which brings us to the most important service once a year, the Elks Memorial Service. Work to impress your Members, their families, their friends and your community. Then, after all the hard work and your planning, reward yourself and your Lodge by entering the Grand Lodge-Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee’s Elks Memorial Service Contest. It’s as simple as documenting with text and photos the service that you have so carefully planned. Arrange the documentation in a logical format in a three-ring binder less than four inches in thickness and mail it to me for judging. Remember to include your Lodge’s Secretary letter attesting to your Lodge’s membership as of last March 31, and make sure that your entry is postmarked before midnight on February 15.
Last year was a record year for entries. It is a pleasure reviewing the Brochures and seeing how Lodges honor our absent Members. We expect even greater participation this year. For further information, please refer to the Grand Lodge-Lodge Activities/State Associations Committee Brochure. If you don’t already have one, it can be obtained from your District Deputy or from your Area Member on the Committee. Best wishes for a great year.
