[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16812]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELKS LODGE #1243, IN CARBONDALE, 
                                ILLINOIS

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring the 100th anniversary of Elks Lodge #1243, in 
Carbondale, Illinois.
  Carbondale Elks Lodge #1243 started with 81 charter members in 1911. 
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks had begun just 43 years 
earlier in New York City. In these early years, those interested in 
starting a new lodge would petition an existing lodge for initiation. 
The list of names for the proposed Carbondale Lodge was sent to 
Murphysboro, Illinois Lodge #572 on May 10, 1911 and Carbondale Lodge 
#1243 was formed.
  Through the years, Carbondale Elks Lodge #1243 has engaged in a 
number of programs to foster the Elks mission, ``To promote and 
practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love 
and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its 
members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate 
good fellowship.'' Some current activities include organizing fund-
raisers to benefit disabled and visually impaired children and holding 
an annual charity golf tournament.
  Carbondale Elks Lodge #1243 has been a shining example of a fraternal 
organization that strives not only to support its members but to 
provide resources and volunteer activities to benefit their greater 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
officers and members of Carbondale, Illinois Elks Lodge #1243 on their 
100th anniversary and to wish them all the best for many years to come.

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