Illinois Elks Association

B.P.O.E.

  • About Us
    • Who Are the Elks
    • Illinois Elks Lodges
    • Contact Us
  • IEA News and Forms
    • Grand Lodge Forms
    • Lodge Officers Form – Illinois Elks State Directory
    • Illinois Elks Sickness and Distress Phone Tree
    • District Officers Form- Illinois Elks State Directory
    • Member Login
      • IEA Web Site Registration
      • Profile
      • Password Reset
  • IEA Charities and Programs
    • Childrens Care Corp.
    • Drug Awareness Program
      • IEA Drug Awareness Programs and Contests
      • IEA Drug Awareness Resources
      • Elks.org Drug Awareness Links
    • Athletic Commission
      • IEA State Golf Tournament
      • Illinois Elks Junior Golf
    • Elks National Foundation Grants
    • IEA Public Relations
  • IEA Newsette
You are here: Home / Elk Events / Initiation of 50+ Johnson County Elks was a sight to see!

February 25, 2017

Initiation of 50+ Johnson County Elks was a sight to see!

The BPOE and the Illinois Elks have a new Lodge! 

On Nov. 1, I traveled, along with our State Sponsor, State Officers, and many others throughout the state, to Vienna to witness the institution of a new Lodge, the initiation of its charter members, and the installation of the first Officers. We can now proudly welcome Johnson County Elks Lodge 2880 into our Order and the IEA.

The addition of Johnson County marks the first time in nearly 50 years that the IEA has added a new lodge – Oglesby 2360, which was instituted on Jan. 15, 1967.

The institution of Johnson County Lodge was performed by past district deputies of the South District. It was the first time that I, and many others, have observed this special Ritual, and it was impressive, but even more so was the Ritual of Initiation, which was conducted by officers of Harrisburg Lodge.

Now, I am a card-carrying Ritual judge, coach and past state Ritual chairman, so I have seen plenty of Initiatory Rituals, but none like this. This was the first time I have seen 50+ charter members escorted around the Lodge floor to take the Obligation in unison. In fact, there was even a service dog, and I’m still trying to find out if he received his membership card!

Now, there are four special ladies that deserve our vast gratitude because without them none of this would have happened. They established the idea of a new lodge in our South District, held informational meetings, garnered interest within the community, found candidates for membership, and saw it through to the institution of the lodge. When you see these ladies, give them your thanks. Well done, ladies!

The Organizational Committee of Johnson County Lodge 2880 is made up of Debbie Riddle, co-chair; Cheryl Qualls, co-chair;Lori McClellan, secretary; and Christy Furman, treasurer. We also want to thank District Deputy Dennis Bierman for all the leg work with Grand Lodge to secure their charter.

Lodges, remember to claim your $1,500 IEA grant for making Past State President Dennis Gerleman’s goal of $5.50 per member donation to the Elks National Foundation. You must claim the grant by Dec. 31. If you made the goal, send state Secretary Marvin Leathers an e-mail or letter. Don’t leave the money on the table! This past year we had 64 Lodges out of 70 make the president’s goal. Let’s try for 100 percent this year; and, remember, there are 71 Lodges now.

During the IEA meeting in January, we will host Grand Exalted Ruler Michael Zellen and his wife Donna. Although the weather will be cold, I know the Elks of Illinois will show them a warm welcome.

Finally, be mindful of your initiation and the obligation that you assumed. If you follow that commitment and the instructions you were given, then you will be successful as an Elk!

Article by Eric Judy / Elk Events, Featured, President's Message / IEA Presidents Message, Ray Summers Leave a Comment

Click here to cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Search this Website

Recent Events in Illinois Elk-dom

2023 ILLINOIS ELKS ASSOCIATION STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT

HOSTED BY KEWANEE ELKS LODGE#724 JULY 28-29, 2023 REGISTRATION FORM (click to download) Friday July 28             Play is at Baker Park, 1095 Cambridge Rd., Kewanee.  Senior Men (50+) and                                               Ladies.  Senior Men & Women’s Division Young (50-56), Mid (57-63), Seniors                                      (64-70), Super (71+). Age based on date of tournament with individual […]

Winter 2022 Newsette

Download the Winter Newsette today!

Summer 2022 Newsette

Check out the latest Illinois Elks News!

Recent Posts

  • 2023 ILLINOIS ELKS ASSOCIATION STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT January 28, 2023
  • Winter 2022 Newsette December 15, 2022
  • Summer 2022 Newsette July 7, 2022
  • Quincy Dare Awards June 17, 2022
  • Quincy Gratitude Grant June 17, 2022

IEA Post by Category

Illinois Elks Association
1201 North Main Street
Chatham, IL 62629
Phone : (217) 483-3020

  • About Us
  • IEA News and Forms
  • IEA Charities and Programs

Copyright © 2023 Illinois Elks Association