Missouri State Ritualistic Committee, Chairman’s Report
March 16, 2014
I would like to thank Jefferson City Lodge #513, for the use of their Ritual Equipment and furnishings, they are gracious enough to provide this every convention and it’s a tremendous help in conducting Ritual clinics and Competition.
No Ritual Competition was held this year as only one lodge entered a team. Therefore, Blue Springs Lodge No. 2509 will represent the Great State of Missouri and the Missouri Elks Association at National Ritual Competition this July in New Orleans, Louisiana – they are striving for a Final Four appearance this year.
This is the Second straight year that only One Lodge has entered our State Ritual Competition. If this happens again next year, the State Budget Committee will consider eliminating $5,000.00 allocated for Ritual Team Travel…at least two teams next year will prevent that.
The Ritualistic Committee held a Judge’s Clinic Saturday morning and the Blue Springs ritual team performed before a full compliment of Missouri’s Grand Lodge Certified Judges. John Heltzel, Grand Lodge Ritualistic Committee of Area 5, ran the Judge’s Clinic and Seven (7) Ritual Judges tested to recertify.
The State Ritualistic Committee also held the Donald C. Conrad
11th Hour Toast competition yesterday, in which 10 Elks competed.
The winner received a HUGE Trophy donated by PSP Don Conrad, and they have the honor of giving the Toast at today’s Memorial Service. The winner of the Donald C. Conrad 11th Hour Toast Competition, from Chillicothe Lodge #656 was Dennis Cannell.
This concludes my report.
Fraternally,
Clifford L. McDonald
Chairman, Missouri State Ritualistic Committee