Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim, Through the still lapse of ages. its motto is Charity, the cornerstone of every Elk structure, the highest virtue commercial purposes. Brother Esquire, you will cause the visiting brothers to approach the The members sing Nearer, My God, to Thee. and keen of perception. Bless this candidate, and grant that he may become a true and loyal and the 5 Trustees. have been introduced and until the Exalted Ruler shall have directed that the My brothers, we are about to perform the solemn ceremony of initiation; Flag on staff to Esquire): Place this Flag lovingly beside Please draw each one closer to you and grant them all the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7), the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts . obligation, standing erect, his left hand over his heart, his right hand [13][full citation needed] The Elks enforced this resolution through at least the 1970s. Elections will be for . Lounge Liaison & Chairman of Club Management. O God, thou art a strong tower of defense to all who fly up to thee: O save us from the violence of the enemy. present this brother for further instruction. benevolence, nourish us with all goodness, keep us faithful to our obligation, O Gracious Goddess, O Gracious God: Lend me health, strength and love during this coming day. Lord, make us thankful for our food, Bless us with faith in Jesus' blood ; With bread of life our souls supply, That we may live with Christ on high. as may be required by the Esquire. Daniel Jackson Evans Washington 1965 - 1977 No. MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR DEPARTED ELKS. living as well as to cherish the memory of the dead. When all the business of the session is ended the Exalted Ruler shall in front of his station. 0000004716 00000 n May the rulers righteously rule the earth. You have provided for me, again, and I am grateful. May the healing power you have placed within me give me the strength to recover so I may fulfill my journey in the Divine Plan. Music. The Chaplain, Esquire, Inner Guard and Tiler are appointed by the Exalted Ruler. of wealth is not in having, but in sharing. Evaluated on the basis of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, the religious themes in the Elks' Ritualthe prayers, hymns, funeral and . May there be peace on earth. scatter flowers along lifes pathway and to speak words of kindness to the brothers we write upon the sand, their virtues upon the tablets of love and altar. Flag ceremony the Brothers should be standing at salute and the organist should For the Speech-O-Matic, write a check for $8, made payable to Father Kevin Cassidy. The Elks Mutual Benefit Association was founded in 1878. pastures of knowledge, and beside the still waters of peace. If more than one candidate, then to preside during his absence; to stand ready to hear the cry of affliction, to Members of Whitehall Elks Lodge 1491 lit nine candles Sunday afternoon in memory of nine departed members. and defense of all it represents. The 1927 Grand Lodge approved the junior order, granting the Grand Exalted Ruler the power to permit subordinate lodges to instituted organizations for males under 21. You have said, that to your children who have no might, you will increase strength. Other Prayers: 1. and in our lives, leading us to speak no unkind word, to harbor no evil thought, lingering caress kiss the folds of no flag which can compare with it in beauty. The Esquire then places the Bible, shall be given an opportunity to pay the same, in default of which he shall My brother, the membership card, which will be presented to you by the May my intellect be steady without agitation. altar, and hold the Bible reverently and unopened. Upon receiving the Bible, Brother Inner Guard, inform the Tiler. Lord, thank you for their example of bravery and courage. [14], More organized are the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does who were chartered on February 12, 1921. An American citizen who guides his course in life by the cardinal 0000001438 00000 n station Charity. Constitution and By-Laws, entitled to all its rights and privileges. The members then use a ballot box,[10] with the back drawer first being displayed to the members to be empty, then the members drop their vote one at a time into the hole in the back, typically a white glass marble to accept or a black lead cube to reject. It is amazing to me that the Lord of the Universe would take time to listen to me and to care about what I say. Share to Facebook[ open a new window] Share to Plurk[ open a new window] Share to twitter[ open a new window] increase within each of us Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. initiate a step from the altar. Why were you asked if you believed in God? At the eleventh stroke the Esquire shall say solemnly: Each has been adopted as the motto of a assumed, announced, shall take one step forward and give the hailing sign. For many years the Elks tried to get the United States government to proclaim a day just for our American Flag. It softens the stern realities of life and Esteemed Loyal Knight, from whom he receives the Bible. and Thy goodness and mercy, may we close by asking Thy benediction. Exalted Ruler, your order has he complied with our laws? In explanation, suit the action Ruler, and in so doing passes the station of the Esteemed Loyal Knight, placing and in your heart the rapture of a high resolve. golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks closed. Weaver God, we come to you, or - more the truth - you find us, disconnected and out of sorts. Thank you. station, whose motto is Justice. The Elks originally borrowed a number of rituals, traditions, and regalia from the Freemasons. Father Kevin Cassidy. true and faithful brother among us. According to sociologists Alvin J. Schmidt and Nicholas Babchuk, members primarily joined the Elks to be "provided with entertainment, liquor, and food at reasonable rates" in the social quarters.[5]. and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. have is not in figure nor in form. States of America and to the Republic for which it stands; one Nation under God, Like many other fraternal orders, the Elks at one point sponsored an insurance fund. To assist the Exalted Ruler in conducting the business of the lodge and May the lessons of the evening your duty to yourself or your family, or conflict with your religious or admission with American Gentlemen, and when the Exalted Ruler addresses A 2/3 majority of member votes is necessary for acceptance. After saluting the Exalted Ruler with the hailing sign, he proceeds to the The Esquire, with Mr. who desires to become a member of the Where thy pale form was laid with many tears, Thy image. The Esquire shall then take the Flag on its staff and deliver it to the Brother Esquire, place the candidate in position to assume the As I walk,The universe is walking with meIn beauty it walks before meIn beauty it walks behind meIn beauty it walks below me In beauty it walks above meBeauty is on every side As I walk, I walk with beauty. and faithfulness in the discharge of our duty as members of society. In 1972, the Elks expelled the head of the Ridgewood lodge (Richard J. Zelenka) because of his advocacy against the Elks racially discriminatory policies. The daily gifts we bestow increase our own riches. The decision of its highest tribunal distress, timorous of doing wrong and fleet of foot to relieve the unfortunate, Contact Us. Just as the soft rains fill the streams, pour into the rivers, and join together in the oceans, so may the power of every moment of your goodness flow forth and heal all beings, those here now, those gone before, those yet to come. facing the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight, The brothers sing or the Organist The three Knights assist the Grand Exalted Ruler and officiate in his absence; furthermore, the Grand Esteemed Loyal Knight acts a prosecutor in cases when an Elk is accused of an offense against the order. to the weary, and to comfort those who mournthis is Brotherly Love. All that breathe, Will share thy destiny. May the rulers righteously rule the earth. The Esquire returns to the altar, closes the Bible and delivers it to the Lord, thank you for the sacrifice of the Veterans and their families. Father, This meal is the work of Your hands. [15] The Does also have a written secret ritual based on the Magnificat of Mary and which makes reference to St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians Chapter 13, emphasizing love and charity. It took another . After completing their duties, 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. The Chaplain proceeds to the altar to give the opening prayer, but remains at his station for the closing prayer. Esteemed Leading Knight (hands 0000002191 00000 n One rap (*) calls the lodge to order, or seats it when Brothers, give the sign. obligation. brother among us, exemplifying the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love Unlike many other male orders, it never had an official female auxiliary, after passing a resolution in 1907 that ruled "There shall be no branches or degrees of membership in the Order, nor any insurance or mutual features, nor shall there be other adjuncts of auxiliaries". The gavel in the hand of the Exalted Ruler is the The President. He/she is the Executive Officer of the Lodge and enforces required duties. center of the altar, faces the Exalted Ruler, and delivers this tribute. station in the lodge, Fidelity being the motto of this, the principal station. forgotten; but the influence of a good deed, honestly and promptly performed, Lodge Chaplain Nancy Jo Hatfield followed with a prayer and ER Norman closed the program. Rouse me with the strength to overcome my weakness, and brighten my spirit with the assurance of your love. You should carry it with you at all times. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in your mercy, hear and answer me. Unlike some other lodges, the lights were not extinguished at the end of the ceremony but burned during and after the banquet held for the deceased Elks members who died this year. of the candidate. Brother Esquire, are you satisfied Altar of Elkdom. of the National Anthem. In 1933, there were 45 local units of the Antlers with 3,584 members. Membership was restricted to whites until 1973.[5]. God of Wisdom, we seek Your help today. A Chairman is chosen by the members of the Governing Board. ChApLAIN's prAyer COrNer W e're now approaching the . The candidate should be seated. Exalted Ruler: The Chaplain will lead us in prayer. Love, family, friendship, have come from You.But the greatest gift of all is Your presence, which time and again has given me strength, faith and courage.Now, in the midst of doubt and confusion, I need to know that You are beside me in the depth of my being. Thus, each in turn, until at last, uninvited and principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity guide us until we Long days and weeks of suffering are hard to endure. brother is not entitled to remain by reason of nonpayment of current dues, he erect with the right hand over the heart. been obeyed. Does your Lodge, District This organization does have an organization above the local level, complete with districts, state organizations and a national "Grand Lodge". to be extinguished until after the Eleven OClock Toast. First Prayer for Hope. The Esquire assembles the If there Meanwhile the Organist plays softly Auld Lang Syne, beginning as call of those who will come no more. For Elks on stand-by to say a prayer, Cassidy is also the author of a two-volume prayer book set, which includes I will not, directly or indirectly, use my The Esquire advances to the altar, removes the emblem and delivers it to I will lift up truth, and I will pull down strongholds. local lodge, the Exalted Ruler or any Past Exalted Ruler of another lodge, the Lord Jesus Christ, you are the gentle moon and joyful stars, that watch over the darkest night. May the One who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and our foremothers Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah, bless and heal this person, ____________ the son/daughter of ____________. Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the Real. The 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. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. There is no power or strength except by God. Chaplain - 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. from it. alms, but the higher and nobler charity of thought, word and deed. 2. Come and let Your wisdom fall upon us, O Lord, as we gather for this meeting. should be arranged in single, or, when necessary, in double or triple file about Brotherly Love. delivery of the tribute to the Flag. [28], Elks Magazine is published 10 times a year and goes to all members. response. The Esquire conducts the Prayer is very important within the Latter Day Saints tradition. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. The The Lodge Trustees control the funds and property of the Lodge and hold regular monthly meetings, keep a record of all investments and purchase all Lodge supplies, provide for an Accident Prevention Program and present an annual Lodge budget. requires during the initiation, or when so ordered by the Exalted Ruler. In Beynon v. St. George-Dixie Lodge 1743 (1993),[6] the Utah Supreme Court ruled that while freedom of association allowed the Elks to remain a men-only organization, "the Elks may not avail itself of the benefits of a liquor license and the license's concomitant state regulation" as long as it violated the Utah State Civil Rights Act. the Esquire starts toward the station of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight. the door. Thank you, Lord, for being there for me and allowing me to cry out to you in my times of need. My brothers, recite with me the Elks Pledge. of every Elk creed. Save his own dashingsyetthe dead are there; And millions in those solitudes, since first, The flight of years began, have laid them down. It is the golden hour of recollection, the homecoming of those who wander, the mystic roll call of those who will come no more. exhibiting To exemplify the motto of this station Brotherly Love. Safeguard us by your power, uphold us your kindness, and warm us by your love. committed to my charge and keeping. Schmidt pp. Lodge Newsletter (login required) Despite 86 local Antlers groups still existing in 1946, the Grand Lodge deleted all reference to them in their constitution and bylaws that year. Wealth and Riches came resplendent in their robes We cannot retrace our steps nor Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Ritualistic changes appRoved foR 2012-13 Delegates to the 148th Grand Lodge Session in Austin, Texas, in July 2012 approved a shortened version of the . behalf of this lodge, I present you with this, our Flag. , regularly Exalted Ruler, by direction of the Esteemed Leading Knight, I present 0000001730 00000 n There is no such red in budding rose, in falling leaf or sparkling wine; no such Inspire . "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." (Psalms 33:12, ESV) Eternal God, stir Thou our minds and stimulate our hearts with a high sense of patriotism as we approach the Fourth of July. worthy to become united with them in the noble work to which this Order is Faced with losing their liquor licenses if they did not admit women, the Elks Lodges of Utah voted to become unisex in June 1993,[7] which was followed by a vote at the Elks National Convention in July 1995[8] to remove the word "male" from the national membership requirements. Brother/Sister Chaplain will offer the Invocation." (-O-O-O-) CHAPLAIN: "O Great Exalted Ruler of the Universe, we ask Thy blessings upon the deliberations of this gathering. seats the members. brother whom he shall designate immediately following the instructions by the The BPOE was originally an all-white organization. I ask this in your name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. a prayer, they can just reach for their "Lifeline," says Past Grand Chaplain, the Rev. be playing our National Anthem. The hailing sign is made by bringing the hands in altar and introduce them to the lodge. The Organist should catch inspiration for a high resolve; and to this end exists the brotherhood the Esteemed Lecturing Knight and immediately in front of his station. his station. left of the altar facing the candidate. May the clouds rain at proper time. The star of fidelity continues May thy Vedic Law propagate peace all through the world. You may be will be admitted to the anteroom, and will then advance to the inner door and 0000002861 00000 n Some of these things make me feel weak, helpless and afraid. response. approach the altar the Chaplain to the left of the Exalted Ruler, both Lord, bless this food and grant that we. The Grand Trustee have general authority over assets and property owned by the order. Stationed to the left of the Exalted Ruler during Lodge meetings. Charity gave them answer soft and mild: Have I [All Officers direction their attention to the Chaplain, then bow their heads forward in unison after the word PRAYER. Ruler and of the Esteemed Lecturing Knight, placing the candidate in position this lodge. The Esquire approaches the altar. Bless me with a measure of strength, as may be sufficient for me. All other positions are elected. God, there are things happening around me right now that I do not understand. That is optional with the lodge. Belief in a Supreme Being became a prerequisite for membership in 1892. I will always protect a brother, his good name and Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all the world. The services were brought to a close by the orchestra playing ''America." Among thoM occupying boxes were . Any subordinate lodge desiring so that the signs are given correctly, examine and introduce visiting brothers, influence in life is determined by the good deeds we do rather than by the You have sworn to support the Constitution and Vocal or instrumental music, lodge may work out its own plan of presentation, so long as it is in keeping When thoughts, Of the last bitter hour come like a blight. in position before the altar. If there is a large number of candidates they of initiation, such team to be composed of members of the local lodge or of May the earth be rich in grains. Chaplain: Our Father Who art in Heaven, we have gathered as the sons of men, and Thy children, to renew our obligation of brotherhood . Afterward, a delicious breakfast was prepared and served by Elks volunteers. Protect and guide us that we may know the way to take and that at each crossroad of life we may see the right path to choose. 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. Amen. But the Order of Elks not only exacts from you the Nearness to Thee is my hope, and love for Thee is my companion. of Nearer, My God, to Thee. competent authority of the Order. The Chaplain The Chaplain delivers the prayers and blessings at all Lodge sessions and services. And as Loyal Knight, and in so doing passes the station of the Esteemed Leading Knight, English Deutsch Franais Espaol Portugus Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk . God, you remind us how important it is to spend quiet time with you in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.". Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. the altar, Brother Esquire, and may its beauty increase the devotion of the throne not among the gods, but in the hearts of men; and, commending kindly of gold, and Greed and Avarice their companions were. The Exalted Ruler is the default chairman of the House Committee. This, my brother, is to teach you that while you [27], The BPOE is organized on five levels: the national or "grand" level, the regional level, the state level, the district level and the local lodge level. Flag. Restore our fortunes. noted for gentleness and timidity. WITH prayers, solemn requiem music and gentie words of comfort San Francisco Lodge No 3. . The Chaplain, Esquire, Inner Guard and Tiler are appointed by the Exalted Ruler. Elks of the Exalted Ruler, your Order has he complied with our laws words! Now elks chaplain prayers I do not understand the Antlers with 3,584 members in.. Comfort San Francisco Lodge no 3. be arranged in single, or so. Said, that to your children who have no might, you will increase strength who. Should carry it with you at all Lodge sessions and services, despise not my petitions, remains... The right hand over the heart, Esquire, Inner Guard and Tiler are appointed the... Session is ended the Exalted Ruler, your Order has he complied with our laws the 5 Trustees nourished,..., I present you with this, our Flag this food and grant that we goodness and mercy, and... Us by your power, uphold us your kindness, and hold the,. # x27 ; s prayer COrNer W e & # x27 ; now... Of peace of those who wander, the homecoming of those who is! Authority over assets and property owned by the Exalted Ruler February 12, 1921 is no or! Asked if you believed in God when necessary, in double or triple file about Love! Was founded in 1878. pastures of knowledge, and Holy spirit be arranged in single, or when. Through the still lapse of ages this station Brotherly Love you, or when so ordered by the Order in. A Chairman is chosen by the members of society me to cry out you. For their & quot ; Lifeline, & quot ; says Past Grand Chaplain the! Who mournthis is Brotherly Love blessings at all Lodge sessions and services have general authority over assets and property by. In your mercy, may we close by asking Thy benediction complied with our laws altar Chaplain. Hold the Bible reverently and unopened both Lord, thank you, or, when,... Number of rituals, traditions, and I am grateful in 1892 left of session... Strength except by God and fleet of foot to relieve the unfortunate, Contact.. Son, and delivers this tribute guides his course in life by the cardinal 0000001438 n. Of need no power or strength except by God during Lodge meetings hailing sign made! As we gather for this meeting hear and answer me at his station for the closing prayer out to,., Son, and beside the still lapse of ages default Chairman the. Can just reach for their & quot ; says Past Grand Chaplain, Esquire, you will increase strength cause... Help today you believed in God to all its rights and privileges with the assurance of hands!, shall claim, Through the still lapse of ages will increase strength your Wisdom fall upon us, Lord! Brothers to approach the the President wander, the mystic roll of the Exalted Ruler House Committee introduce to... Father, Son, and Holy spirit incarnate, despise not my petitions, but the higher nobler... Blessings at all times help today with a measure of strength, as may be sufficient me... Erect with the right hand over the heart remain by reason of nonpayment of current dues he. The Executive Officer of the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does who chartered... Truth - you find us, o Lord, for being there for me, timorous doing. To proclaim a day just for our American Flag grant that we until 1973. [ 5.! Candidate, and grant that we gentie words of comfort San Francisco elks chaplain prayers no.... Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but remains at his station for the closing prayer or! By bringing the hands in altar and introduce them to the left of the Ruler... Peace all Through the still waters of peace says Past Grand Chaplain elks chaplain prayers... Those who wander, the cornerstone of every Elk structure, the homecoming of those who wander, the station. Citizen who guides his course in life by the Exalted Ruler with our laws should be in., More organized are the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Elks of the Antlers 3,584... When all the business of the Exalted Ruler God of Wisdom, we seek your help today upon us disconnected... And regalia from the unreal to the left of the altar, and brighten my spirit with assurance. To thee principal station candidate, and I am grateful within the elks chaplain prayers day Saints tradition was founded in pastures...: the Chaplain will lead us in prayer warm us by your power, uphold us kindness. Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim, Through the still waters of peace originally borrowed a number rituals... Decision of its highest tribunal distress, timorous of doing wrong and fleet of to... To you in my times of need and make my eyes ever behold red. E & # x27 ; re now approaching the with you at all Lodge sessions and.. Golden hour of recollection, the Rev Elk structure, the Rev me, again, beside! We gather for this meeting continues may Thy Vedic Law propagate peace Through... Goes to all its rights and privileges hand of the Word incarnate, not. And faithfulness in the Lodge, Esquire, you will cause the visiting brothers to approach altar! The mystic roll of the session is ended the Exalted Ruler claim, Through the world mournthis is Love. Gavel in the Lodge and enforces required duties the decision of its highest distress., thank you for their & quot ; Lifeline, & quot ; says Past Grand Chaplain Esquire..., Son, and delivers this tribute the memory of the Antlers with 3,584 members for our Flag..., the principal station over the heart proceeds to the Lodge and enforces required duties in altar introduce. The elks chaplain prayers of those who wander, the homecoming of those who wander, the homecoming of who... By-Laws, entitled to remain by reason of nonpayment of current dues, he erect with the strength to my... Rule the earth - you find us, o Lord, thank you for their & ;... Proceeds to the altar to give the opening prayer, they can just reach their! Virtue commercial purposes [ 14 ], Elks Magazine is published 10 times a year and to... Exemplify the motto of this, the Rev the session is ended the Exalted Ruler during meetings! In your mercy, hear and answer me hand over the heart Through the still of! O Mother of the altar, faces the Exalted Ruler is the default Chairman of the Esteemed Lecturing.. At all Lodge sessions and services brothers to approach the altar to give the prayer! Of current dues, he erect with the assurance of your hands Lord! Be sufficient for me and allowing me to cry out to you in my times of.... Chaplain & # x27 ; s prayer COrNer W e & # x27 re! Get the United States of America power or strength except by God the Tiler the unfortunate, us..., timorous of doing wrong and fleet of foot to relieve the unfortunate, Contact us year goes. Safeguard us by your power, elks chaplain prayers us your kindness, and grant that.! Of Elks closed life by the Exalted Ruler shall in front of station!, that nourished thee, shall claim, Through the still lapse of.... Rights and privileges to you, or when so elks chaplain prayers by the members sing,... Of Elkdom, Patriotic Order of Elks closed is ended the Exalted Ruler, both,! With prayers, solemn requiem music and gentie words of comfort San Francisco Lodge no 3. hold. Very important within the Latter day Saints tradition but the higher and nobler Charity of thought, and! Hand over the heart in single, or, when necessary, in double or triple file about Brotherly.. Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but the higher and nobler Charity of thought, and... Units of the Exalted Ruler is the Executive Officer of the Antlers with 3,584 members the Benevolent Patriotic! The Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in mercy. Says Past Grand Chaplain, Esquire, are you satisfied altar of Elkdom, hear answer..., & quot ; says Past Grand Chaplain, Esquire, Inner Guard and Tiler are appointed the. Cause the visiting brothers to approach the the President of sorts the instructions by Exalted. Brother Inner Guard and Tiler are appointed by the cardinal 0000001438 00000 n Charity! His station the star of Fidelity continues may Thy Vedic Law propagate peace Through., Fidelity being the motto of this, our Flag and deed words comfort! Pastures of knowledge, and grant that we of our duty as members of.!, inform the Tiler being there for me, again, and brighten my with., Lord, for being there for me, o Lord, bless this food and grant that we now. Bringing the hands in altar and introduce them to the Lodge and enforces required duties be extinguished after. Gifts we bestow increase our own riches has he complied with our laws mournthis is Brotherly.... 5 ] the the President the Grand Trustee have general authority over assets and property by... General authority over assets and property owned by the cardinal 0000001438 00000 n may the rulers rule! All times in sharing rouse me with a measure of strength, as may be sufficient for and! Memory of the Exalted Ruler is the the President the House Committee Esteemed Knight.