Elk Officer Roles

Exalted Ruler– The “President.” He/she is the Executive Officer of the Lodge and enforces and performs duties required by the Laws of the Order and the By-Laws of the Lodge. The Exalted Ruler appoints all committees and has general supervision over all matters pertaining to the Lodge.

Leading Knight
 – “1st Vice-President.” Assists the Exalted Ruler in the performance of his/her duties. Will officiate in the absence of the Exalted Ruler.

Loyal Knight – “2nd Vice President.” Second in command in the absence of the Exalted Ruler.

Lecturing Knight – “3rd Vice President.” Third in command in the absence of the Exalted Ruler.

The Exalted Ruler, Leading Knight, Loyal Knight and Lecturing Knight are “Chair Officers” and are members of the Board of Governors and Directors. Ideally, the Knight positions rotate through the chairs in their respective order and become Exalted Ruler. In addition, the Knights perform any duties appointed to them by the Exalted Ruler or that is specified in the Laws of the Order or Lodge By Laws.

Secretary – Records minutes of Lodge meetings, maintains Lodge accounts, receives all monies and forwards to the Treasurer, reads/answers all correspondence, prepares/administers membership cards.

Treasurer – Receives all monies from the Secretary and gives a receipt, pays approved bills of the Lodge, maintains record of receipts and disbursements, and signs all checks.

Trustees – The Lodge Trustees control the funds and property of the Lodge and hold regular monthly meetings as part of the Board of Governors and Directors.  They keep a record of all investments and purchase all Lodge supplies, provide for an Accident Prevention Program and present an annual Lodge budget.

Tiler – (an appointed position) Stationed at the door of the Lodge at all meetings, he/she permits no person to enter without previous announcement and permission from the Exalted Ruler.

Esquire – (an appointed position) Is stationed to the right of the Exalted Ruler during Lodge meetings. He/she organizes the Lodge, prepares candidates for initiation and introduces visiting members.

Chaplain – (an appointed position) Stationed to the left of the Exalted Ruler during Lodge meetings, he/she recites the opening and closing prayers, and performs the duties required by the Laws of the Order and By Laws of the Lodge.

Inner Guard – (an appointed position) Positioned at the inner door during Lodge meetings, the Inner Guard allows only those qualified to enter.

The Chaplain, Esquire, Inner Guard and Tiler are appointed by the Exalted Ruler. All other positions are elected. All officers perform other duties as appointed or as required by the Laws of the Order or Lodge By Laws.

Board of Governors/Board of Directors – the Board of Governors/Board of Directors (known as “The Board”) is made up of the Chair Officers (Exalted Ruler, Leading, Loyal and Lecturing Knights.) and the 5 Trustees.  The Board controls the lodge facility and it’s assets as well as the club/lounge operations.   All decisions and actions of The Board are subject to the control and direction of the Lodge and its members by discussions and vote at Lodge meetings. A Chairman is chosen by the members of The Board.