Gilpin observer., 1914-12-10
ELKS' ANNUAL
MEMORIAL SERVICES

ing. The hall was appropriately
draped for the occasion, and was
filled to overflowing by brethren and
citizens. Three names were added
to the memorial tablet during the
past year; Wm. A. Robinson. John
l.. Hibbett and VIM Hoef1e. Tie
prepared program was carried out
with success, all features being rem
dered with credit to the fraternity
and encomiums of praise for those
taking part The memorial address
was given by Senator L. j. Williams,
who in mastery manner delivered
the following.
weeping may endure for night,
but joy cometh in the morning." This
was the sentiment of the Fsalmist,
it is expressed in these memorial SER
vices, and has been set forth in many
ways. When the deep grief is past,
We still hold in our hearts tender
memories of our departed brethren.
The sadness is gone and the morn
ing of remembrance breaks upon us,
like early light on our own hills,
with only the thought of the bright
side Of life of those brothers, in
whose society we had so much en-
joyment.
The service in memory of the de-
parted, Is but one of the many ways
in which men show a spirit of rever-
ence for those who will never again
gather at the altar of the lodge, or
tread an earthly threshold. In ancient
days, monuments, temples, pyramids
and inscriptions were made and erect
ed as tokens of honor and respect fer
those who had passed away. Today
We follow much the same paths of ex-
preston and have national memorial
days for the soldier dead, funeral SER
vices, rituals, sermons and these
present services, all to mark that
universal feeling that we owe such
reverence to those that are gone.
The question as to what they know
OF tsis has often arisen. Some scien-
fists think they do have such knowl-
edge and that they can communicate
with US. But it is safe that such ex-
pressions OF respect on our part will,
SO far as We know, neither add to or
detract from the present life of those
brethren, OF whatever nature it be.
These services must then have some
important lesson for us, or it would
ha orf af Oh.
them.
II seems to me there is such
lesson and it naturally divides itself
into, first, the reflection on the dead
ten on our memorial tablet and our
own past life; the second part bears
on the living present. The former
Is fast merging into the latter; how
rapidly. We well know in our own ex-
perience. The first of those names
SO written arouses in us memories
that call across the long eXpanse of
years, while the last name to be writ
ten, reminds us that but few days
ago, We pressed the strong hand and
heard the kindly voice and ever
pleasant greeting of brother whose
voice is now still forever. But be
the memory near or far, we treasure
it. and the ever moving. never ceas-
ing waves that separate our lives
from theirs, have long ago smocthed
out the sand where their faults were
written. The tide has gone out and
no trace remains of naught but
those loving memories which we. as
Elks, are taught to cherish.
But IL those voices could speak,
would they not send us a message of
love and peace? Would they net
bespeak for our order course of love
to mankind and peace en- earth; for
US TO use our efforts to end strife at
home and abroad. At home the war
demon. in the industrial strife. has
claimed one of our members, while
he was ministering to the wounded.
He asks us TO do our part in making
right and justice mend those evils
which force cannot cure, and for us
10 make cur order force for peace
in our country. Only in far off
years Will war be abolished. for we
seem both in our own state and in
Europe to have but thin veneer of
civilization. and scratch on the sur
face reveals the savage. AS such
great evils as torture, slavery and
belief in witchcraft. have been aban-
doned by civilized men, SO event
ually will Christianity drive to des-
truction the horrid evil of war. St
wars and fightings among you? Come
they not not hence, even from your
lusts which reign in your flesh?" Yes
my friends, in these words the Apos.
tie indeed named the source of our