Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1915-12-06

INSPIRING GRAFTON
Members of Alexandria Lodge and
Friends Fill Auditorium of Home at
Services Last Night

Declaring that the principles IN
Tho doctrine of the Elks' order were
closely akin to those taught by the
democracy of the United States and
that every true Elk was a true
American. Hon. Samuel Nichols, past
exalted ruler Of the Spartanshurg,
s. c.. lodge of Elks and member OF
Congress from South Carolina, de-
livered the address at the memorials
exercises of Alexandria Lodge OF
Of Elks held last night in the Elks'
Auditorium to honor ana pay trl-
butte to the thirty-eight members OF
the order who have died since its in
stitution thirteen years ago. The
speaker was introduced by Exalted
Ruler James B. Martin, who conduct
cd the ceremonies
The speaker said that while he
hailed from neighboring state, he
felt perfectly at home in Alexandra,
it being apart of the Old Dominion
where he had spent a part OF his
life in acquiring his education. Ills
theme was 'sElks and the United
States" which he handled with abb
!ity. although his oration was brief.
Mr. Nichols said the order was dis
tinctly American and could be moth
ing else, as, it was founded upon the
same principles upon which our gov
e.,,.nant has heen reared. The speaii-
or called the attention of his hear
ers to the fact that the first secret
order organized in Boston was distin
city an American institution and was
born in the interest Of freedom. The
flag of the United States, he said
plays a prominent part i'll all the
solemn ceremonies conducted by the
Elks. Mr.. Nichols made practical
suggestion in this connection. He re-
ferred to the fearful war in Europe,
and said were there more brother,
hood in the old world such terrible
scenes might be obviated. Mr Nichols
SAID his brother, VINO was an Elk,
had fallen in the battle at Loos. L
would have been a great comfort 1ol
the speaker had he known some broth
er Elk was nearby at the time who
would have assisted in the last sac
rites. He subsequently, made briei
explanation of the principles OF the
order Of Elks, saying it was one OF
the most charitable institutions IL
the world. His cncomiums upon the
dead of Alexandria Lodge was fitting
and delivered with much pathos. Dur
ing the delivery Of his Grafton Nj.
Nichols at times fell into u pleas
ant vein.
Walter NJ. Donnelly, secretary OF
the lodge. called the roll of absent
brothers, the lights having been turn
ed off in the hall. and after. each
name was called, light CLEANED out
from the purple background OF the
stage and the thirty-eight lights that
were flashed formed the words "0ur
Absent Brothers. B. P. Q. (. 75S,
and a group of stars around clock
pointing to the hour II, all bearing
eloquent testimony to the reverence
in which the living members heidthe
memory of their deceased brothers.
The program of exercises was as
follows:
Selection, Tate.
Violin, Miss C. Kast.
Piano. Mrs. r. P. Russell.
Opening Ceremonies, Jas. 5. Mar
tin, Exalted Ruler, officers and Miss
Mary Lannon.
Vocal Solo. "Open the Gates Of the
Temple" Joseph Knapp Mrs. VIM.
Woolls.
Quartette, "Guide Me o Thou Great
jehovah. Pattison Mrs. Harry White
soprano, Mrs. Sherman B. Fowler,
eontralto, Kenneth W. Ogden, tenor
and Wilmer J. Waller, bass.
Accompanist, Miss Ella Hal.
Address, Hon. Samuel Nichols
past Exalted Ruler. Spartansburg, s
c. Lodge &. r O.: e.
Duet. Alteration 5orowski, Vic