LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Lock-
port Elks Lodge Number 41, May 14, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
and pay tribute to fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 125th Anniversary of the Lockport Elks Lodge Number 41; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Saturday, May 14, 2011, with
anniversary festivities to be held at the Lockport Holiday Inn in Lock-
port, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is one of
the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the United States; its
first formal meeting was held on February 16, 1868, in New York City; as
of March 31, 2008, there were 955,887 Elks in over 2,079 Lodges found
throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1928, the Elks National Foundation is the
charitable arm of the BPOE; over the years, the Foundation has contrib-
uted millions toward Elks' charitable projects nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Public service is an integral part of the Elks; in keeping
with this tradition, Elks create and participate in many programs to
better their communities, including: scholarships, Americanism, Hoop
Shoot, drug awareness, youth activities, veterans services and community
investment programs; and
WHEREAS, In March 1886, prominent citizens of Lockport, New York,
gathered at the Columbia Lodge A.O.U.W., located over the old Farmers
and Mechanics Savings Bank, to form the original Elks Lodge of Lockport,
New York; receiving its Charter from the Grand Lodge, it was designated
as Lockport Lodge Number 41 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks; and
WHEREAS, On February 1, 2011, the membership of Elks Lodge Number 41
of Lockport, New York, consisted of 804 members with an average age of
59 years; and
WHEREAS, Elks Lodge Number 41 of Lockport, New York, is proud of its
charitable support of: Boy Scout Troop 82, Cub Scout Troop 41, its home
service director and van, the Elks National Foundation, and Camp Happi-
ness; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Elks Lodge Number 41 participates in the New
York State Major Projects fund, awarding scholarships to high school
seniors, distributing dictionaries to grade school children, various
veterans activities and an annual Flag Day; and
WHEREAS, Organizations of singular distinction such as Elks Lodge
Number 41 of Lockport, New York, merit the grateful praise of the commu-
nity and of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments, which serve to bring
people together for such constructive and beneficial purposes, are

brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the Lockport, New York, Elks Lodge
Number 41; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Fred Kanehl, Chairman, 125 Anniversary Committee, Lockport
Elks Lodge Number 41.