The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1917-07-05

and Burton E. Nelson, superintendent
of schools in Racine, and former Ex-
allied Ruler Of the Racine lodge, paid
a tribute of sister city to the high
regard in which Kenosha Elks are held.
The main address of the ceremony
was delivered by Patrick 7. Kelley,
secretary of the Milwaukee lodge, and
an adopted member of the Kenosha
lodge. He brought the message of
President Jockey. Secretary Kelly
made an eloquent appeal to the Elks
for the highest form of patriotism as
the highest exemplifcation of the
principals of Elkdom. He said in part:
"Kenosha Lodge No. $50 of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks come today to lay the corner
stone of temple that shall stand as a
monument to the ideals of the great
est of all American fraternities, and
to place therein records which in time
may be the only guide to future
civilizations of the thoughts and ideals
of this truly great order.
Nor is the pride and interest in these
ceremonies limited to the Elks of Ke-
nosha, for the entire citizenship of this
splendid city testify by their presence
that they, too, reflect he thought and
cherish the ideals that the Elks love
and would perpetuate for the happi-
ness of mankind
The splendid edifee that shall rise
upon the walls laid for this temple,
majestic as it will be, magnificent and
imposing, will be something more than
mere bricks and mortar, concrete and
something more than merely
beautiful architecture; aye, something
more than a house for creature com
forts. Even as it grows, course upon
course, it will absorb into its struc-
ture the same spirit of brotherhood and
the same sweet sentiments which are
the soul and treasure of our order.
The true charity upon which our
order is founded, the charity that ex-
presses itself, not in gift giving, alone,
but in love bestowing, will permeate
the whole atmoshere of this temple.
The justice that is founded upon the
Holy Bible, which lies open upon its
altar, and which is full Of gentleness
and mercy will dwell within its walls.
The brotherly love which grows
ever more tenderly solicitous, shall
never falter in this temple.
And the fidelity to which every Elk
has pledged his manhood and his
sacred honor is the sure foundation on
which these walls shall rise.
So constructed and thus endowed,
this edifce will ever remain as the
noblest exemplifcation Of the virtues
which are the cardinal attributes Of
our great order, the unSelfsh practice
of which have made it great.
And on behalf Of the five hundred
stalwart, red blooded, warm hearted
and high minded American citizens
who compose the membership of Keno
sha Lodge of Elks, | here and now
pledge to the people of Kenosha and the
world at large that they will ever
cherish and here maintain this struc
ture as a real temple for the better
ment of mankind
While our order is fraternal and be-
nevolent in it's nature it is also truly
periodically American, exacting Ameri-
can citizenship of every man who seeks
membership in the order.
The American flag, the symbol of our
liberties as a free and self governing
people drapes the altar before which we
pledge ourselves to membership in the
order.
Elks know no other flag, and pledge
loyalty to this flag only, and to them no
words are dearer nor sweeter than:
Ny Country Ills of Thee Sweet Land
of Liberty, Of Thee / Sing
The Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks was born while yet our country
was bleeding from the wounds of war.
Tt teaches the lessons of patriotism and
brotherly love It is an American
order; American in principle, American
in Jurisprudence, American in it's hopes
and aspirations.
May the blessing of Heaven give eff
feet to its brightest anticipations. A
few more days "a few more years, will
follow their appointed round, and we
who now exchange our congratulations
on this occasion shall have passed
from the scene; but firm in the faith
that the growth of knowledge is the
growth of sound principles and pure
morals, let US not doubt that light
will be kindled by those to whom will
be entrusted the keeping Of this tenn
pie that will GO forth from these walls,
soon to be dedicated to Charity, JUS
tice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity,
which will guide our children and our
children s children in the path of intel
ligence and virtue till the sun pimself
shall fall from the Feaven."
With tie close of the ritualistic
oor3T, o,o-.-J Yoeo