Exalted Rulers Report from the 145th Grand Lodge Convention
What an amazing journey my trip to Portland was! I was extremely excited to attend the 145th Grand Lodge session and represent my lodge and it's members! . If after reading this you have questions or are interested in learning more about a specific project please contact me via email at lajunta701@bresnan.net or at the lodge.
First let me introduce you to the new Grand Exalted Ruler James L. Nickelson. Jim was initiated in Martins Ferry Elks Lodge No. 895 and soon afterwards became a very active member. He has served as Exalted Ruler in 1979 - 1980 and became an Honorary Life member in 2007. In 1990 Jim was a District Deputy and in 1996 he was appointed to the Grand Lodge Comittee on Judiciary, where he served until 2004 and as Chairman the last two years. In 2005 he was elected to the Board of Grand Trustees. He has also served the Grand Lodge for two years as Parliamentarian and as a member of the Pardon Commission. The new Grand Exalted Ruler’s motto for the 2009 - 2010 year is "ELKS MAKE A DIFFERENCE".
One of the major topics of this convention continues to be the future of Elkdom! Our Grand Exalted Ruler emphasized in his acceptance speech that our main problem is not attracting new members BUT keeping the old ones! He states that we must work diligently on our delinquent members.
There were 18 resolutions presented at the Grand Lodge session. Most significantly, the membership voted a requirement for any member wishing to file a Subordinate Forum complaint must pay a $100 filing fee, passed a resolution changing the order of business so that we could ballot on a candidate at the same member that the Membership Committee makes it report and finally allows local lodges the right to incorporate local charitable projects.
I attended all seesions and spoke with many members from across our nation. I was impressed to find that many lodges share the same problems and was able to exchange ideas about possible solutions!
I must finally say thanks to you, the members of La Junta Lodge #701 for allowing me to represent you at this convention. It was an adventure and a memory that I will cherish forever!
Josh
|
|