|
During the last month it was
disappointing to see how many Leading Knights missed our mid-term
conference in Riverside and our Leading Knights Clinic the week after. If
you are one of the Leading Knights who missed one or both of these, you
missed out on some very valuable information. The mid-term and the clinic
are for your benefit and they both are there to make your year as Exalted
Ruler easier. It is better to start your year informed than to be
misinformed and misleading.
The following is not directed at any
one Lodge. It is directed at all Lodge Members and Officers. If you think
it describes your Lodge, you have some work to do.
What is the most important possession
of your Lodge? Is it the building? No. Is it the bar? Some may think so,
but No. Is it the dining room? Nope. Is it the swimming pool? Also, No. Is
it the fitness center? Not a chance. What would you say if I said it was
your Charter? Without a lodge charter, you do not have a bar, a dining
room, a swimming pool, a fitness center or even a Lodge. That’s right,
without a Charter from the Grand Lodge; you do not even have an Elks
Lodge. We have all heard the age old question “What came first, the
chicken or the egg?” When it comes to the Elks it is much clearer, you
must have a charter in order to have a Lodge and you must have a Lodge in
order to have a bar, a dining room, swimming pool or fitness center. In
order to keep your charter and enjoy the benefits afforded by it, you must
comply with the laws of the order. To confirm this, I would like to remind
each of you of the obligation each of you have taken.
For all Members from their obligation
during initiation;
“I will support the constitution,
and obey the Statues, rules and regulations of this Order, and the by-laws
of your Lodge name and number, and those of any other Lodge which I may
hereafter become a Member.”
For All Lodge Officers from
Installation of Officers;
“I do solemnly promise and swear. To
conform with and maintain. The constitution, Statues, Rules and
Regulations of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the
by-laws of your Lodge.
For the Exalted Ruler from
installation of the Exalted Ruler;
“The charter granted by the Grand
Lodge Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, confers upon your Lodge
Name and Number, all the rights and privileges, and imposes upon it the
duties and obligations of a Lodge of the Order. You will guard the Charter
as the utmost important possession of your Lodge and you will be vigilant
in preserving it for posterity. This you will consider a sacred charge.”
Without dwelling on the subject, I
hope each of you see the point I am trying to make.
In closing Debra and I would like to
wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and A Prosperous New
Year.
Fraternally,
Marty Mello
NCD DDGER
|
