Idaho Springs siftings., 1903-12-12
Elks' Memorial Service.

little over three years ago, there have
been three deaths. Sampson Vine, W. II.
NJ. Thomas and Frank Einger having
passed beyond the veil. The first two
died prior to this year. The death of Mr..
Ehnger occurred but recently. Three
lighted candles were placed on the altar
at the beginning of the ceremonies in
memory Of the three departed brothers.
Owing to the illness of Exalted Ruler
! II. B. Sheldon, Esteemed Leading Knight
J.J May presided, performing his duties
in highly satisfactory manner.
An excellent musical program had been
arranged in addition to the exercises OF
the lodge. opening with a voluntary by
Miss Ida Watson. Solos were rendered
by Misses Eliza Ellis, Lottie Weger and
Mrs. Brandsteiter. These were of a
superior nature, as was the song by the
quartette. Messrs. Birkins, Coddington,
Lamb and Davis.
/ +. NJ. Sabin delivered the general
eulogy of the order, and said in part
This is not altogether a sad occasion,
in its concept ion and purpose. The Elks
throughout our land have met this day
for two purposes-hrst, to pay tribute to
our departed brothers who now sleep
upon pine boughs, living the ideal. undis-
turbed by dreams of strife and conflict,
worldly greed and human avarice.
Second, we meet to contemplate the
structure this organization has Guided;
to recall the memories of the past and
TO renew our allegiance to the divine
principles of the order and the coinpre-
hensive obligations we have taken.
The subject is broad and Of vital inter
est to the members of the order, and the
objects and results to be striven for so far
reaching that all humanity marks its
| boundary and civic virtue is directed,
purified. upbuilded and maintained as a
| direct product of its TEACHINGS. Ever,
order has its distinctive qualities and
special capabilities.
The b. +. o. Elks order was happily
born Its parents were engaged in an
occupation or profession the practice of
which was the portrayal OF human weak
ness and virtues. Gifted as they were
with the art Of music the power of rhet-
oric, a sense of the lighter veins, with a
patriotic love Of country, they gave to
the world formula of action that finds
a parallel only in holy writ.
The order is strong ally ofthe church
preaching largely Of the practical things
Of life. dispensing charity without ostent-
alton helping many a man TO 1--we a
nobler and better life through agencies
that grapple and appeal to every fancy
and aspiration Of the mind and heart.
In its external relations it has its
broadcast opportunities. To preach ana
practice brothcrly love in the lodge room
calls for the exercise OF no special strength
Of cha racter. To float with the tide and
laugh when others laugh to be moved To
tears at the recital Of human suffering
when all about are weeping, is but to
follow the lines of least resistance.
To "do unto others you would have
others do unto YOU when alone and no
man seeth, when the instant applause
and recognition of such action is lacking
and perhaps hidden from the light oi
dav or i tie appreciated by the par.
ticipant thereof, 10 swim against the
current, to stand firm for what is
right and honest; to say NO" to tempt
alton, to bear aloft the colors of the flag
and defend your country in the hour o
peril and when the red hand of anarchy
is utching at her throat. is TO be an Eth
worthy of the antlers and the right ol
citizenship. This is what Elkdom rneaus
The pathway of true Elkdon lies not
along the river of silence, fever ana fou
thought, and stagnant virtue, but tht
beacon lights of charity, justice. brother
ly love and fidelity, illumine the pstt
and take the traveller along the straight
and narrow way leading to the great re
serve the Grand Exalted Ruler of tie
Universe has set aside for those wh
practice the principles of our order.
True charity does not recognize race
color or previous condition of servitude
Justice sings no songs to the galleries
and panders not to false reason.
Brotherly love prompts the heart ,e
noble action, writes the faults of oui
brothers upon the sands and their virtue.
upon the tablets of love and memory
Fidelity keeps the conscience, furnishes
the standard of moral worth and stand.
firm and loyal in darkness and in light,
the crowning glory of a quartette ol
virtues.
i The domain of Elkdom is not circum
scribed by rivers. oceans, or mountain
barriers. The range of the tiinid herd
is at the festal board and the bed OF sick
ness and distress; fleeing from The scenes
of Joy and merriment to give aid aud
consolation at the grave. The Elk act.
in the living present, heart within and
God o'erhead."
have faith in our order, its standard
of action and the general personnel of it,
membership Its roster must mark it.
sphere Of usefulness and point with unerr
ing directions to its place in history. NJ
half-burnt bricks can enter into ths
structure, but its tower. reaching higher
ever higher to the arch of heaven mus
at all times be worthy of the cornel
stones upon which it stands. With al
the forces and enthusiasm of which it il
capable, il will complete and maintain
: that splendid edifice Of grestness.
e. L. Reggeunitter, in appropriate re