2018 State Convention

Grand Lodge Secretary Bryan Klatt visited us at our convention and gave a wonderful speech. Bryan and his wife Sue were both very friendly, and a lot of fun to be around. True examples of the phrase 'Best People on Earth'. We were also very honored to have our State Sponsor PGER Mike Smith and wife Sandra as well as our SDGER Mike Gordon and wife Bonnie in attendance. SDGER Mike Gordon received The President's Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service from Donald J. Trump.

Congratulations are in order for PSP Mike Nobles. Mike currently serves as a Trustee for the State Association as well as being the Chair of our Special Projects Committee. Now, he has the honor of being appointed to the Grand Lodge Public Relations and Marketing Committee for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He also received The President's Lifetime Achievement Award for National and Community Service from Donald J. Trump.

PSP Billy Stockman was elected to the office of five-year trustee. PDDGER Charles Pratt was elected to the office of Vice President North. President-Elect Bob Strange was unable to be installed due to illness. In the interim, Craig Huch will remain State President while Bob recovers from surgery. Please keep Bob and his family in your prayers.

PER Terry Hudson received an award on behalf of his Lodge for having the highest per capita in ENF for the State of Mississippi at $39.43 per person. Congratulations to the Gulfport Lodge for this tremendous show of support for ENF. The Gulfport, Pascagoula and Vicksburg Lodges all were in the top 100 out of 1906 lodges for their per-capita contribution. Gulfport had the 39th highest per-capita in the nation, and Mississippi had the 4th highest out of all States.

PER Terry Hudson also received the Charlie Duffie award. This award is presented to the Mississippi State Elk who exemplifies excellence in Elkdom on a State Level. Congratulations to Terry for all his hard work and effort in advancing Elkdom.

PER Rusty Stephens accepted the Mel Hornback award on behalf of the Corinth Lodge for having the most participation in the Hoop Shoot program. The Corinth Lodge had a spectacular amount of participation with over 3500 students in the contest.

An Eleven O'Clock toast competition was held and the winner of the Past Exalted Rulers division was PER Hugh McGowen from Hattiesburg Lodge. The winner of the Exalted Ruler division was PER Terry Hudson of the Gulport Lodge.

State President Craig Huch recognized Toni Blackmon, State Ladies Auxiliary President, and the member of the State Ladies Auxiliary for their contributions and enduring support to the State Association, and the cause of Elkdom.

The annual Spring Golf Tournament was held on Friday May 4th and the Pascagoula Elks Lodge won first place.

The convention was spectacular, a special thanks to the Vicksburg Lodge for making it such a rousing success. There were 78 members and 54 spouses or guests in attendance. There were 26 in attendance at the Ladies Luncheon, and a total of 129 attended the banquet. There were also 9 Past State Presidents in attendance.