5,311 Elk’s VIPs and 1,173 guests from across the nation traveled to the Grand Lodge National Convention taking place in Tampa, FL, July 4 – 7, 2021. The leadership of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks conducted the first business session of the 156th Grand Lodge Convention and elected T. Keith Mills, of the Caldwell, ID Lodge No. 1448 as Grand Exalted Ruler (National President) for the 2021-2 Elks year. The announcement of the election of the new Elks national president was followed by an exuberant celebration as supporters from Mills’s Area 8 streamed into the Tampa convention hall. The newly elected Grand Exalted Ruler then spoke about his vision for the Order, which is encompassed in his theme for the year, “Meeting the Challenge.” He discussed the significant challenges the Order faces in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and his belief that the strong response to adversity will help the Elks become stronger than ever. He expressed his confidence that the Order will return to growth and his hope that the total membership will once again surpass one million Members, noting that “we have the tools—and Lord knows we have the talent—to conquer any obstacles that come our way.”
After the parade of flags and Pledge of Allegiance, Past Grand Exalted Ruler Michael T. Luhr spoke about the Elks Pearl Harbor Fund Campaign. Luhr reported that Elks nationally gave $514,971.78 to improve the outreach of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The memorial used the funds to create several virtual presentations that visitors could view remotely. The funds also expanded the memorial’s virtual coverage to include the USS Oklahoma and the USS Utah, two ships that were sunk during the Pearl Harbor attacks.
A report on the Dictionary Project was one of the many topics discussed. Since the Elks adopted the Dictionary Project as a program in 2003, the Elks have donated more than 4.1 million dictionaries to third-grade students across the country. This past year, 54,192 dictionaries were donated by 141 Elks Lodges. The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Lodge proudly announced their fifteen years of participation in the program with over 60,000 dictionaries donated to the Saddleback and Capistrano Valley School District’s third graders. Exalted Ruler Greg Morgan, First Lady Barbara King, and Lodge officers Tenisha Campanile, and Jenny Buford represented the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Lodge at the four-day convention. “Last year’s Virtual meetings kept our Order in communication, but the ability to gather together in person for the benefit of charity and brotherhood has exceeded my expectations,” wrote Exalted Ruler Morgan reporting from Tampa. Tropical Storm Elsa updates for convention attendees were updated regularly. The Elks National Convention Commission continued to stay in close contact with the city and mayor’s office regarding the development of the Storm. Attendees were cautioned that things could be ever-changing, and to continue to monitor the weather and the convention adjustments through the Elks.org website. They were asked that they return to the hotel and were highly encouraged to shelter in place there during impact times.” Fortunately, the storm passed through Tampa with only a little effect on the city, and the successful Elks convention concluded without incident.
Andy Costello
Past Grand Lodge Committeeman
Photo Credits: Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Lodge
