A solemn, respectful ritual marks passing of loyal Rochester Elks Lodge members

Victor Rivera, Lodge Esquire stands by the lit candles symbolizing departed members as their names are called by Lodge Secretary, Norman Gervais, PER. Esteemed Lecturing Knight Ken Verhelle and Jeanne Bernard, Tiler, PER are to Victor's left. (Courtesy)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Elks conducted its annual memorial service on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Lodge Hall on Columbus Avenue. This service is performed by the Elks Officers, and is a tribute to those members who have passed away in the last year.

This year, the Rochester Elks had 21 members who passed into the eternal sunset. The lodge contacts their immediate families, and they are invited to attend the service. There were around 50 family members in attendance for the ceremony.

Services were led by Exalted Ruler Mark Guilmett. Other officers performing and in attendance were Esteemed Leading Knight Jeff Rasmussen; Esteemed Loyal Knight Rhoda Rivera; Esteemed Lecturing Knight Ken Verhelle; Esquire, Victor Rivera; Secretary Norm Gervais, PER; Acting Chaplain Jerry Skidds, PER, PDD; Tiler Jeanne Bernard, PER; Lodge Trustees, Peter Ducharme, PER and Matthew Sanborn, PER, DDGER, South. Don Chesnel, Past Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight gave the Eulogy.

One of the most poignant moments of the service was when the Lodge Secretary read the names of the departed members. As he read each name, a lit candle inscribed with the name of the member is extinguished by the Lodge Esquire. Family members can keep this candle as a keepsake after the ceremony. The names of deceased members are also inscribed on our Lodge Memorial Tablets, which are located in the Lodge Hall.

The tradition of this memorial service is almost as old as the Order of Elks which was founded in 1868. In 1870, two members of the New York City, NY Elks Lodge #1 died. The remaining members suggested honoring them with a "Lodge of Sorrow" by decorating the lodge and holding a session with eulogies and songs. The tradition caught on and in 1890, the Elks formally adopted an annual memorial service for all Lodges, to be conducted on the first Sunday of every December.

To learn more about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, please visit www.elks.org