The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-09
ELKS SPEND DAY IN
 BUSINESS SESSION

Elks from all parts Of Alabama gath cred in Birmingham yesterday to attenl the fifth annual convention of the Ala bama State Association of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, being tho guests of Birmingham lodge No. 79. The Elks' home was a lively place all day, merry greetings of Hello, Bill quick ly spreading a feeling of good fellow ship. The business session began abod- Il o'clock, and lasted until in the aft ernoon. when the crowd removed to East Lake, and spent the evening.
 Tuscaloosa was decided on as the pla e for holding next years convention, this town winning after @ spirited fight. The feature of the day was the election Of officers for the ensuing year and the ap- pointing of committee to select a pres ent to be presented to retiring President J. E. Shelby in token of his splendid work during his term of office. This committee is composed of J. T. Glover, Jacob Broda and c. M. Toddy.
 The officers elected are as follows:
 W. P. Shepherd of Birmingham, presi- dent; H. E. Shropshire, Jr., of Birming- ham, reelected secretary; H. c. Pollard of Huntsville. treasurer: Rev. Dr. A. Crawford of Ensley, chaplain J. E. Shell by of Birmingham. trustee for three years; J. Broda of Ensley, trustee for two years; George Pegram of Demopolis, trustee for one year; Samuel Stein of Bessemer, inner guard, and J. s. Rob- inson of Florence esuuire
 Standing committees were appointed as follows:
 Resolutions-w. w. Brandon, John L.. Hay and Arthur G. Smith.
 Judiciary-J T. Glover, M. F. Armond and GeoYge Pegram
 Good of Order-Jacob Broda, W. R. Hall and Samuel Stein.
 J. E. Shelby, retiring president of the association, was named by the nominat- ing committee for reelection, but de- ciined the office.
 Rev. pr. A. Crawford, chaplain, opened the morning session with prayer, which was followed by the roll call and read ing of the minutes, President J. E.. Shelby presiding. After the completion of this Alderman B. H. Cooper made an address of welcome, dwelling espe- cially along the line of how by their good acts the Elks had become one of 
 Alderman Cooper was followed by Capt. Frank P. O'Brien, who welcomed the wis., itors in behalf of Lodge No. 79.
 These speeches of welcome were respond ed to by President Shelby, who eulogized the work of Elks. After the completion of his responsive address President Shelby made his annual report, which showed a remarkable growth in the as- sociation along all lines.
 IiC odd al led Ct recommendations in regard to relations existing between the state associations and the grand lodge. It was not until a year or two ago that the grand lodge made any recognition whatever of the state associatio and President Shelby suggested that every effort possible be made during the meeting of the grand lodge in Dallas during July towards the further recognition of the state organiza- tions
 The afternoon session included addresses 'by the Rev. Dr. Crawford on the his- tory of Elkdom, one by State Auditor w w. Brandon and Samuel Valentine of Los Angeles, Cal. MT. Valentine re- ouested the support of the Alabama Elks for the securing of the 1909 meeting of the grand lodge for his home town All ot the talks were exceedingly interesting. bringing forth round after round of ap- clause from the attentive audience.
 At 9 o'clock this morning a memorial service will be held to commemorate the memory of Eli P. Smith, After the conclusion of this service the Eks will form into procession at the Home and parade through the business part ot town. At the postoffice they will breaK ranks and board cars for Germania park, where an all day barbecue will be held The affair will be strictly for the Elks and admission to the mark only he gained by the showing of membership card