On November 3-5, 2003, Amos McCallum, Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks (Elks National President) will be making his official visit to the State of Maine. Since his election in July, McCallum, and his wife Barbara, both of Saco, Maine, have been traveling across the country, visiting places as far away as Alaska, serving as an Ambassador of Elkdom, in an effort to promote the charitable works of the Order.
McCallum and his wife will be traveling to the Millinocket area, where he will be met by Maine Elks Association President James Ferland of Sidney, and Past Grand Lodge Inner Guard Andrew Constantine of Bangor. While in Millinocket, McCallum will have the opportunity to tour a paper mill and visit Ripogenus dam. He will then be honored at a special banquet, to be held at the Millinocket Elks Lodge. On November 5, 2003, McCallum will travel to Augusta, where he will meet with Maine Governor John E. Baldacci to share with him the programs of the Elks.
State President James Ferland stated that "this is a very special year for Elks in Maine." "Not only are we celebrating our 75th Anniversary as an Association, but for the first time, one of our own has been elected to the highest office in our Order." "This is truly remarkable," he said.
McCallum began his career in Elkdom when he joined the Biddeford-Saco Elks Lodge in 1963, eventually becoming its Exalted Ruler (President) in 1972-1973. Since then, he has served in many capacities, not only in his own Lodge, but in the Maine Elks Association, serving as its State President in 1982-1983. His involvement with the Grand Lodge began in 1983, when he became a District Deputy, then holding several national committee positions and offices, culminating in his current position as national president.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country. Since its inception in 1868, the Order of Elks has grown to include nearly 1.2 million men and women in almost 2,200 communities. The Elks dedicate themselves to inspiring civic and national pride through their Americanism Program, support of our nation's youth through the Drug Awareness, Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot, and Scholarship programs, and support for our nation's veterans.
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