Annual Past Exalted Rulers Night — February 5, 2026
Submitted by Clem Brown, Past Exalted Rulers Association President
The 15th Lodge Meeting of our 130th year was a very special night, with approximately 35 members and four visiting Elks in attendance as members of the Past Exalted Rulers Association took to the Officer Stations while the regular Lodge Officers enjoyed being seated in the gallery to watch the meeting.
The meeting was an initiation night, with five new member candidates awaiting initiation. The candidates were suitably impressed as the Officers performed the Initiation Ritual from memory, just as they had in the past when they were performing Officers of the Lodge. Initiated at the February 5 session were Edward Berger, Darlene Copland, Nathan Sleeper, and Melissa Stombaugh.
The roster of Past Exalted Rulers Officers that evening:
- Exalted Ruler — Diane Bodwell (PER)
- Leading Knight — Bill Darr (PER, PDDGER)
- Loyal Knight — Larry Bodwell (PER, PDDGER)
- Lecturing Knight — Clem Brown (PER)
- Secretary — Tim Woods (PER, PDDGER)
- Treasurer — Marty Griffith (PER)
- Esquire — Al Kayal (PER, PDDGER, PSP)
- Chaplain — Randy Sterling (PER)
- Inner Guard — Carol Brown (PER)
- Tiler — Joe Brown (PER)
- Trustees — Gus Noble (PER) and Randy Doescher (PER)
- Red Coat — Karen Seaman (PER-in-waiting)
The evening also included the nomination of new officers, an important step as the Lodge prepares for the coming year. The leadership and experience of the P.E.R.s made the night even more meaningful and demonstrated the ritual proficiency and proud traditions of Phoenix Lodge #335.
Originally published in the March 2026 Tracks newsletter of Phoenix Elks Lodge #335. Read the full issue (PDF).
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