The Salisbury Elks Lodge #699 will host the 123rd Memorial Service on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. at the lodge located at 508 South Main Street in downtown Salisbury. The event is open to the public and will be held in the newly renovated downstairs clubroom.

“We’d love to have more people in the community join us,” said Mike Jones, who has been a member of the lodge for over 50 years. “It’s a special day to remember and honor members who have died during the year. They are never forgotten, never forsaken.”

The following Elks’ members will be memorialized on Sunday: Clifford W. Kerr, member for 52 years; Jimmy Lee Julian, member for 10 years; Steven F. Copley, member for 42 years; Richard W. Hakala, member for four years; and Richard D. Glover, member for 36 years.

The ceremony will feature opening remarks and the general eulogy from Exalted Ruler Kenny Martin. John Zvara will sing several hymn selections. Past Deputy Director Grand Exalted Ruler Harry Agner will share the Memorial Address.

Jones, Ray Paradowski and Debbie Martin serve on the 123rd Memorial Service Committee.

Jones, a collector of Elks memorabilia, has a few programs dating back 100 years ago.

“It seems that back then, the ceremonies were big affairs with music, song and sentimental discourse included in the program,” he said. “I think it’s pretty cool that being a member of the Elks, your efforts, service and participation are recognized and enshrined.”

The names of the deceased individuals will also be added to the memorial board on display in the lodge hall.

The motto is, “The faults of our brothers and sisters we write upon the sand, their virtues upon the tablets of love and memory.”

Following the ceremony, everyone is invited for light refreshments and fellowship.