23 Candles Lit By Chaplain Gerry Shiphorst
The local Elks Lodge held a memorial service recently for twenty-three of its members who passed away during 2009.
The colors were presented by the O.C. Sheriff’s Explorer Post #449. Lodge Secretary Charlie Hart then called the name of each of the twenty-three deceased members, while Inner Guard Ray Mallen rang a chime of memory and Chaplain Gerry Shiphorst lit a candle for each. Recording artist Bonita Chavis followed with a beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace.
The annual memorial ritual was conducted by Exalted Ruler Jim Humphrey and his Corps of Lodge Officers, and remembrances were expressed by family and friends of the departed. The ceremony closed with the playing of TAPS by Ray Mallen and the retirement of the colors.
