The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks holds an annual memorial service on the first Sunday in December to honor its deceased members. The ceremony includes prayers, a roll call of departed members, and symbolic rituals like the use of forget-me-nots, amaranth, and ivy. The service concludes with a moment of reflection and the tolling of 11 strokes at a specific hour, symbolizing their motto that "an Elk is never forgotten".
Purpose:
To honor and remember members who have passed away, to renew loyalty to their memory, and to inspire the living to learn from their departed brothers and sisters.
Timing:
The first Sunday in December of each year.
History:
The tradition began in 1870 after two members of the New York City Elks Lodge #1 died, and it was formally adopted by the organization in 1890.
Key elements of the service:
Chaplain: Leads prayers at the beginning and end of the service.
Secretary: Reads the names of the departed members.
Symbolic items:
Forget-me-not: Symbolizes charity.
Amaranth: Symbolizes immortality.
Ivy: Symbolizes brotherly love.
Candles: Often, candles are lit for each deceased member. As their name is read, a Lodge Esquire may extinguish the flame.
11 o'clock toast: The service includes a symbolic moment with 11 strokes of a bell.
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