• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Presidential!We Are Generous!We Are Having Fun!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Elks

By MarionMade! on June 12, 2018

THE MARION ELKS LODGE 32.

In 1885, Marion Elks Lodge 32 opened its doors as the first Elks Lodge to represent a small community outside a metropolitan area. This location was the second Elks location to open in Ohio. In September 1885, Lodge 32 would institute nine other Ohio Lodges in areas ranging from Cleveland to Columbus. The following year, Warren G. Harding, known for his editorial position at the Marion Star at this time, was asked to deliver a memorial speech on behalf of a lost Elk Brother. It was reported that the Elks members thoroughly enjoyed his speech; Harding would become Elk member no. 67 and, in 1893, serve as an Esteemed Loyal Knight. According to the Elks Annual Resister, Elks Lodge 32 is one of the few to have a U.S. President as a member.

On December 5, 1921, President-elect Warren G. Harding would deliver a promised service to deceased Elk Brothers in Bedford, Virginia, at the Elks National Home during their Memorial Day Service. Harding shared his beliefs on “fraternity of men” and the needs of “fraternity of people and nations.”

Harding stated, “I believe with all my heart, we offer the highest memorial today if we may resolve in our hearts to practice faithfully the things that magnify the helpful memories of the departed and impress on the living the fraternity which sets hearts aglow with happiness and turns our sharp words to songs of praise. This is the sweet assurance for today, it is the encouragement for tomorrow, and it answers the call of the heart for those compensations which must come sometimes and somewhere in God’s eternity.”

Across the U.S. are peaceful corners of landscape where departed Elks Brothers are laid to rest. In 1926, Elk member Newton Davis would donate a burial lot, from this donation came a Burial Lot Committee. Later, Brother William L. Guthery would leave a donation for his departed Elks Brothers, leaving seven lots in the Marion Cemetery. This allowed opportunity for the Brothers to lay side-by-side in “fraternal unity” after their final summons. Burial sites such as these are known as “Elk Rests,” these Lodge-owned cemetery plots exist in 69 Lodge locals. Currently, the Marion 32 Elks Rest is the final resting place for seven departed members.

#MarionMade

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Kings Mill Covered Bridge

    Some of the best treasures are the ones discovered without expectation. Such is the case, often, with the Kings Mill Bridge as it spans the Olentangy River, southeast of Marion on St. James Road. The bridge was built in 2016, but captures the essence of the historic covered bridges that have attracted millions nationwide. The […]Read More »
  • The Royal Group

    THE ROYAL GROUP. . From its humble beginnings as a manufacturer of pallets and wooden boxes in the early 1900’s, Royal has grown into one of the largest independent manufacturers of corrugated products and distributors of packaging supplies in the world. The Royal Group has been trying to gain more of a presence and build […]Read More »
  • Boomer and Senior Expo Brings the Community Together

    The Marion community will celebrate senior citizens at the upcoming Boomer and Senior Expo on Friday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kingston Residence of Marion at 464 James Way. This is the 12th year that the Marion community has come together to offer food, fellowship and fun to hundreds of seniors […]Read More »
  • Photographer Captures Marion’s Best Features

    One man volunteers his time and talent to take dozens of beautiful pictures of Marion County, its new businesses, historical places, interesting people and everything in between. “I like the history of Marion – from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Chapel to the Huber Museum to the True House. We need to learn about our history!” […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image