Cape Henlopen Elks honor departed members at annual ceremony

Every year on the first Sunday in December, Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge holds its memorial ritual and ceremony to remember those members who passed in the previous 12 months.

The public, family members and friends of the departed were welcomed by officers and members of the Lewes lodge Dec. 4 for the annual ceremony.

Lodge Secretary Becky Hollinger solemnly read the name of each departed member while Past Exalted Ruler Ralph Patterson and Loyal Knight Buddy Hall-McBride lit the ceremonial candles, representing each of the 28 missing. Past Exalted Ruler Gary Eckenrode recited the poem, “The Vacant Chair.”

Hall-McBride created a beautiful slideshow of the departed, a new feature this year. It was well received, with some guests even taking photos of the screenshots showing their loved ones.

The service closed with the reading, “What is an Elk?” by Leading Knight Joy Lynn Schreck, followed by inspiring music, and a light luncheon prepared and served by volunteers.

“We had a great turnout for this memorial service, where we gather every year to remind the living that fellow members are never forgotten,” said Exalted Ruler Joanne Mayer. “It is a heartfelt ceremony for us all.”