Ritual Competition

ritual

Elks Ritual and Tradition

The Elks originally borrowed a number of rituals, traditions, and regalia from the Freemasons. However, by the first decade of the twentieth century, much of this had been abandoned as the Elks sought to establish their own identity. 

Initiation and funeral rituals still exist, however. The initiation rite is not considered a secret. The initiation involves an altar, with a Bible upon it and chaplain leading the brethren in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a "solemn and binding obligation" to never "reveal any of the confidential matters of the Order." The candidate further promises to uphold the Constitution of the United States, protect fellow Elks and their families, only support worthy candidates for admission and never bring political or sectarian questions up into the Order. The funeral rite is called the "Lodge of Sorrow" and also involves prayers.

Elks Ritualistic Team

Lodge Officers often engage in initiation ritual competition at the district, state, and national levels. Bremerton Elks Lodge #1181 has a strong and proud history of participation and prestige.

Ritual Team Awards

2023-2024 Ritual Team

Left to Right:  Don Gossard (Asst. Coach), Ian Norgaard (Chaplain), Anne Lawrence (Inner Guard), Bill Reher (Candidate), Michael Hoarn (Tiler), Donald Jenkins (Esquire), Ron Allman (Leading Knight), Bob Finley (Exalted Ruler), Austin Reams (Loyal Knight), Kathleen Schuster (Lecturing Knight), and John Burch (Head Coach).

Not shown:  Dennis Ramsey (Asst. Coach)

 

Washington District Ritual Award

(Western, West/Central or North)

1995 - 1996

1996 - 1997

1997 - 1998

2001 - 2002

2007 - 2008

2008 - 2009

2009 - 2010

2010 - 2011

2011 - 2012

2012 – 2013

2013 – 2014

2014 – 2015

2015 – 2016

2016 – 2017

2018 - 2019

2023 - 2024

Washington State Ritual Award

1997 – 1998

1998 – 1999

1999 – 2000

2001 – 2002

2002 – 2003

2003 – 2004

2004 – 2005

2005 – 2006

2006 – 2007

2015 – 2016

2018 - 2019

2023 - 2024

National Ritual Competition Award Status

1999 – 2000     1st  in the Western Division

2001 – 2002     1st  in the Western Division

All – American Awards

(Awarded at National Competition)

1999 Stan Everett – Coach

2001 Bill Reher – Esteemed Leading Knight

2002 Stan Everett – Coach

2002 Bill Reher – Exalted Ruler

2002 Steve Lamb – Esteemed Loyal Knight

2002 Dennis Ramsey – Esteemed Lecturing Knight

2004 Gus Holstein – Esquire

2016 Larry Staley – Inner Guard

2017 Gary Hammonds – Inner Guard

2017 Brett Reams – Exalted Ruler