The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks is a 141 year old organization with 2,180 lodges across the USA. Wellsville's BPO Elks Lodge 1040 has been a charter member for nearly 100 of those years. The Elks have long been noted for their "benevolent" deeds throughout their history. They yearly sponsor the Hoop Shoot Contest for budding basketball players. They have what they call the National Foundation which gives out scholarships in numbers second only to the U.S. government. They honor and help veterans. They even have a retirement home in Virginia. In Ohio they have yearly drives to raise funds for research in combating cerebral palsy. I could go on and on about the good deeds the Elks render but I won't. It would take entirely too much time.
In each of those lodges across the country the president is call the Exalted Ruler. That stems from historic ritual tradition. It started out as a fraternal organization but membership is now open to brothers and sisters from all walks of life. The ritual tradition solemnizes the members dedicated commitment to community service. Their slogan of "Elks Care - Elks Share" says it all.
On a national level the "big guy" is called the Grand Exalted Ruler (GER). He is elected to serve for one year, after years of dedicated service to promote the cause of Elkdom. It's a demanding position that honors not only the GER but Elks everywhere. During his year in office the GER will travel all over the USA encouraging the mission of Elks.
This past Tuesday I was privileged to shake hands with this year's GER. He and his Executive Secretary, Jeff Durant, stopped at East Liverpool's Elk Lodge 258 for a bite to eat. This year's GER is Martin Ferry resident James L. Nichelson. It was the first time for nearly 30 years that this district had the honor of having a GER to visit. The last time a GER visited was in 1980 in EL. The last time there was an Ohio GER was in 1972.
Shown above, on the right, Nichelson is the first time ever GER elected from the Ohio SE District. He was born in Ada, Harding County, Ohio. He's a retired Belmont County Prosecutor and an alumni of Ohio State. His year as GER began in July at the Elks' Grand Lodge Convention in Portland, Oregon. Wellsville's Dane Dysert was Chairman of Nichelson's Inauguration Committee. His goal for his year in office is to encourage Elks' members to renew and continue their community efforts. Pictured with Nichelson is EL Exalted Ruler Joe Shemasek.
I'm proud to say I've been an Elks member for 30 years now. It was nearly that long ago I first met Jim at a District Meeting. After renewing our acquaintance this week I can say he's not changed over the years. With that firm hand shake and warm smile he still gives you the impression we've been close chums forever. Ask Dane. Jim is a heckuva a guy.
Congratulations Jim on being elected GER. Best wishes and travel safe. Stop by and see us again. Maybe Mary Catherine can play hooky the next time..
ole nib
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