[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 146 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE SERENE LODGE #567 IMPROVED BENEVOLENT PROTECTIVE ORDER OF 
                           ELKS OF THE WORLD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2012

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Serene Lodge #567 Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the 
World (I.B.P.O.E. of the W.). The Serene Lodge #567, Greenville, 
Mississippi was organized on March 10, 1924 by Carlos C. Valle Grand 
Organizer.
  The Elks is the oldest African American, fraternal organization, 
which reaches from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. The first 
Elks Home was at the Miller Home, corner of Nelson and Broadway Street. 
In later years the group moved to a number of places including 329 
North Broadway, 346 Catley Street, 613 Nelson Street, 328 Theobald 
Street, 420 Muscadine Street, 727 Nelson Street, 349 Catley Street and 
thence to home at 1822 East Alexander Street. The mortgage was burned 
in 1974. During the years of hard work, some of the accomplishments 
were: Membership of 300, the largest in history; and annual donations 
of $100 for Christmas baskets for the aged and indent; and yearly 
donations of $1,000 to sick and distress Brothers; and donations to the 
Community Fund Drive; and donations to park and playground projects; 
and sponsored a Little League Baseball Team; and presented a flag pole 
and plaques to Coleman High School; and donated towards the purchase of 
curtains and piano for Lucy Webb School.
  Levye Chapple, at the age of 23 was the youngest Exalted Ruler in the 
United States. He was the first to place strong emphasis upon 
attracting young people into the Elkdom and soared the membership far 
over 150 during his administration. It was during this period that the 
Daughter Elks Temple came into being with Daughter (Dtr.) Julia 
Thornton as the first Daughter Ruler whose emphasis upon young people 
was as equally strong.
  Today, the Lodge continues to do work in the community and 
surrounding areas. Along with the Daughters, they have adopted a park 
and started a back to school supply give-a-way to over 300 children, 
this project was initiated approximately four years ago. Several of the 
Brothers have received their Past Grand Degree, which is the highest 
honor in Elkdom. The Lodge continues to initiate young men into the 
organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Serene 
Lodge #567 I.B.P.O. of the W. for their leadership and dedication to 
serving their community and surrounding areas.

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