Elks celebrate Memorial Day; list of members includes R. C. Hemingray, R. G. Hemingray & John C. Gray

MEMORIES REVIVED.

Elks Beautiful Tribute to

Departed Brothers.

AN ELOQUENT ADDRESS

By Dr. Perry of Chicago — Sublime

Musical Program Heard By An

Immense Assembleage — A

Notable Service

The annual Elks Memorial day in Muncie Sunday, by far surpassed any previous like celebration by this order, and the beautiful exercises could have been witnessed by no more people on the first two floors of the Wysor Grand Opera House.

In eloquent words that touched the heart in songs of tenderness, and beauty that thrilled every listener, raising the soul above the sordid cares of life, the Elks paid sublime tribute to their departed dead. No such an audience ever attended previous observances of the day in Muncie, as in former days the exercises have been conducted in the lodge room in the Heath Iron building where the space is limited, and the general impression was that the public was not generally invited, but the announcement that the opera house caused a different feeling, and an hour before the services were to begin, when the doors were thrown open at 2 o'clock, a great crowd was in waiting, anxious to get seats. The rush continued until after 3 o'clock, and hundreds came after the seats were all taken on the first two floors, and the gallery was then opened, but even with this many were turned away. It was a magnificent audience that witnessed the impressive memorable occasion.

The Elks and those who joined with them in the audience, again trod the well-worn paths of sorrow and sympathy, as they followed love and friendship to the tomb. Upon the mounds where their departed comrades sleep, they left to perishable tokens, but rarer than the rarest of flowers were the memories that they put away in the large storehouse of memory. There was the earnest out pouring of the heart, in tender words and sweetest song.

It was not a funeral ceremony in the usual acceptation of the term, as the bitterness of death was softened and that expression, "death is an eternal sleep," was made religious by the spiritual power of the program.

The scene was touched by the kind­liest hand of heaven. There was inspi­ration for the speakers and undisturbed peace for the audience in that beautiful incident that comes once a year to Elks the world over to temper the joys and soften the sorrows of existence.

A CHARMING PROGRAM.

The program was arranged with great care and was more elaborate than on any previous like occasion. Prof. Damm and the rest of the members of the Opera house orchestra never before played so well, and the part the orchestra took was a great feature. The selections were made with the greatest of care by Prof. Damm and rendered with complete accuracy. Prof. MacHenry, who resides in Chicago, but is temporarily located in Muncie, pleased the audience immensely with a beautiful solo, "Lead Kindly Light," with his strong and impressive voice. "The Everlasting Hills" by Mr. Frank Prothero was another beautiful solo rendered in a charming manner.

The selection, "Nearer My God to Thee," by the quartet, composed of Messrs. W. R. Youse, F. L. Wachtell, Frank Prothero and Everett Moffitt, was great appreciated.

At 2:30 o'clock nearly 90 members of the lodge assembled at the lodge room and marched, two abreast, to the stage entrance of the opera house, with the officers in front. At the appointed hour the program was begun with an overture, "William Tell" from the orchestra.

Exhalted Ruler, Mayor George W. Cromer presided and in a impressive manner opened the lodge of sorrow. Following this the members of the lodge sang the opening ode which is as follows:

Great Ruler of the Universe

      All seeing an benign

Look down upon and bless our work

      And be all glory thine.

Oh! bear our prayers for our honored dead

      While bearing in our minds

The memories graven on each heart

      For the days of Auld Lang Syne.

The invocation was next made by Rev. Harry S. Riggs in a manner that breathed the brotherhood of mankind. His words were most fitting for the occasion.

Following the solo by Mr. Prothero came the beautiful eulogies on the three members of the lodge who have died during the past year. The first was by Past Exhalted Ruler Henry J. Keller on the life of

CHARLES D. BEEMER.

To the Brotherhood of Elks:

Memorial day comes laden with a sweet, a sacred significance that kindles anew the love of our fraternity. With charity alike for the living and the dead, our hearts again incline to give expression by word and deed, to the veneration we hold for the memory of our sacred dead. We would not forget, aye, as true Elks, we could not forget the genial influence which their lives reflect.

In our former observances of memorial day, we could only feel that universal interest of kindred hearts. The shadows had never crossed our portals and for four years the chain was unbroken. Today we look and call and look in vain for once familiar forms and names of those who, "once instinct with life," stood by our side in this, our Elks' domain.

Brother Charles Dudley Beemer was born April 28, 1868 and died March 3, 1896. Reared here it our midst and grown to man's estate, his life was an open book. Loved, honored and esteemed, the memory of our departed brother brings sunshine, not sadness, happiness not gloom. Scarcely had he reached the zenith of an active, vigorous manhood, than he was the first to be called from our fraternal circle: A deep sense of duty brings us together today, and love inspires the tribute which we bring. As Elks we do not meet to mourn, but rather to receive and to understand the lessons of a conscious mor­tality. Love is our religion; the Golden Rule our creed. Charity makes smooth the uneven prints of time and places us all on a common level. Justice inclines our hearts to truth and enables us to know the good, the true. The material form of our brother no longer meets and greets us, but over the mound that marks his last, long resting place, we heap the fragrant dowers of Love and catch the perfume of bis noble deeds.

Captain Frank Ellis paid the follow­ing beautiful tribute to the life of

JOHN R. ERVIN.

John R. Ervin was born in the year 1842. He became a member of our lodge in the year 1893. He died in the year 1896. He was a true and worthy mem­ber of our order. We loved him, and esteemed him highly; and he was worthy of our love and highest esteem. His friends were all who knew him well. He was staunch and faithful as a friend; and his word, once passed, was as inviolable as faith itself. He was sincere and truthful beyond distrust. He was a good, kind, indulgent husband and father; and he established and main­tained a good and happy home and household.

His fortitude and nobleness of character were manifest in the unrepining patience with which he suffered, during his last sickness, for many months, the severe pain and anguish of fatal disease, when the nursing of a devoted wife, and the prayers of anxious friends availed not to restore him. He was generous and benevolent, without ostentation. His many benefactions are evidenced only by the benedictions of grateful recipients. Distress never appealed to him in vain. He was honest; he discharged every obligation; he fulfilled every promise; He took no mean advantage. That he was brave and patriotic was tested, and is proven, by the hardships and privations he endured, and the many battles in which he fought, in the service of our nation. He was a good, honest, sincere, kind, strong, courageous, true and manly man. All his brother Elks sincerely mourn his death; And always will cherish his memory. His virtues are inscribed on the enduring tablets of love and memory never to be effaced. May the winds murmur gentle requiems over his grave; And may be have a happy and glorious resurrection.

On the life of one of Muncie's best known and most highly esteemed citizens, Dr. G. H. Searcy said of

GEORGE L. LENON:

Brother George L. Lenon was born June 2, 1849, and died June, 21, 1896. He was born in this county on a farm and there spent 33 years of his life as a happy prosperous farmer. In 1882 he came to this city and engaged in the broker and real estate business. By his untiring energy, upright character, wise discretion and unquestioned integrity, he became one of the most shrewd and conservative business men. He held many positions of trust, confidence and responsibility with credit and honor to himself and those who entrusted him.

On Nov. 28th, 1895 he was joined in the sacred bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary E. Manor, who now survives him.

For a man of his position and influence brother Lenon had personal and noble characteristics. He was not a member of any church and his spiritual belief did not embrace any formulated or organized creed. He believed in a Supreme Being and his religion was a noble, elevate and better mankind by deeds of charity to the needy, poor and distressed. His kind acts of charity have not been illuded by the public because much of it was given unsolicited and to individuals. In his dealings with men he treated them as honest until proven themselves otherwise.

Believing in the virtues, the beneficent and usefulness of the work of the B. P. O. Elks, Mr. Lenon became a brother in the order. By his death the lodge lost an active, worthy and honored member. Man is a mortal being. He is born, he lives and dies. While he lives he worships and what he worships he involuntarily teaches. His teaching is exemplified by deeds which form the character of the soul. During this mortal life the soul is being formed and molded for its onward state of progression. The progress of transformation is in death, where the soul has everlasting body, whose maker and ruler is God.

REV. HENRY GIDEON PERRY.

Following came the solo by professor MacHenry, the rendition of “Finale on Maritana” by the orchestra, and the introduction of Rev. Henry G. Perry, of Chicago, who delivered the memorial address. Dr. Perry is known at his home as “Chicago's Masonic Clerical Veteran,” and his popularity in secret societies is by no means confined to the Masonic lodge, he being Past Exalted Ruler of Chicago Lodge of Elks. He is also Grand Chaplain of the United States Grand Lodge of the Order of Elks. His ad­dress was one of the most eloquent ever heard in Muncie. He spoke feelingly of the good work of the order and was par­ticularly glowing in his description of the good fellowship and boundless char­ity. Following the eloquent address "Nearer My God to Thee" was sung by the quartette, and after an overture, "Masieniella," by the orchestra, came the closing ceremonies, the audience taking part in singing the following doxology:

Praise Him from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him that doth all good bestow;

Praise Him In Love and Brotherhood;

Praise Him in Hope-and Fatherhood.

The benediction was pronounced by Rev. Harry S. Riggs, and "Elks March," by Damm, was rendered by the orches­tra, while the audience dispersed.

The floral decorations upon the stage were not so profuse, but just enough to be beautiful.

The day was truly a memorable one to the following who are members of Lodge No. 245, B. P. O. Elks:

GEORGE W. CROMER, Exalted Ruler.

H. R. WYSOR, Esteemed Leading Knight.

E. J. WHITELEY, Esteemed Loyal Knight.

C. F. W. NEELY, Esteemed Lecturing Knight.

J. C. ABBOTT, Treasurer.

JOSEPH F. BOWERS, Secretary.

JOHN C. GRAY, Esquire.

CHARLES BALDWIN, Inner Guard.

JOE SAWYER, Tyler.

C. H. Anthony,                     A. M. Klein,

John E. Banta,                     Howard Lewis,

C. T. Bartlett,                       George W. Love,

C. H. Beeson,                       John H. Love, Jr.

W. E. Beeson,                      H. J. McClellan,

C. L. Bender,                       G. F. McCulloch,

E. D. Bishop,                       Will F. Maggs,

Charles Boldt,                     Harry P. March,

D. V. Bower,                       W. E. H. Marsh,

J G. Bowers,                        Frank Miller,

Homer Bowles,                   Everett Moffitt,

Ed J. Boyce,                        Walker Monroe,

James Boyce,                       D. L. Moreland,

P. P. Busch,                          C. H. Murray,

David Cammack,                 J. Carl O'Hara,

D. P. Campbell,                    Henry O’Meara,

W. W. Cannady,                   J. H. Parsons,

Lew C. Carnes,                    Will M. Patterson,

Harry A. Cates,                    W. H. Patton,

John W. Cherry,                   Max C. Pfitzner,

George P. Davis,                  Bert Powers,

Vernon Davis,                      O. F. Raymond,

R. F. Dungan,                       Frank T. Reed,

Alfred Damm,                      George F. Keiter,

Frank Ellis,                          John K. Ritter,

Frank A. Elrod,                    John P. Myers,

Charles Emerson,                 C. E. Ramsey,

G. H. Fletcher,                     C. G. Sawyer,

H. W. Flowers,                     Walter G. Scott,

L. S. Ganter,                        George H. Searcy,

R. R. Georgia,                      C. C. Shaufelberger,

W. H. Gill,                           C. M. Shipley,

Lee M. Glass,                      A. K. Smith,

R. S. Gregory,                     J. Rus Smith,

J. C. Griesheimer,               John L. Smith,

A. H. Hamilton,                  Carl A. Spilker,

C. F. Herkenhauer,              C. F. Springer,

R. C. Hemingray,                W. W. Sumption,

R. G. Hemingray,                J. H. Thornburg,

T. K. Heinsohn,                   Will Trullender,

H. H. Highlands,                  Edward Tuhey,

W. L. Holmes,                      Jacob Vogt,

Eli Hoover,                           F. L. Wachtell,

H. L. Hopping,                     Quince Walling,

Isaac Humphrey,                  J. T. Walterhouse,

J. R. Johnson,                       T. L. Ward,

J. L. Jones,                            Bart H. Whiteley,

H. J. Keller,                           C. N. Wilcoxon,

A. E. Kelley,                        S. E. Wilkinson,

C. A. Kelley,                        A. J. Williams,

J. F. Kennedy,                      G. G, Williams,

E. Will Kirk,                        H. M. Williams,

S. F. Kiser,                           C. A. Winters,

R. C. Kiets,                          E. T. Winters,

G. A. Kiets,                          Thomas Wort,

E. M. Klein,                         Charles Woodruff.

                          Will E. Youse.