A ritual for such a service has been provided, to be conducted by the officers and members of the Lodge. Without any suggestion of sectarianism, it is beautiful and impressive, and it is appropriately designed for use in the Lodge room, in a funeral home, or at the grave.

This ceremony is designated - "Lodge of Sorrow."

Tablet Memorial Service

It was another early, but voluntary, custom among Elks for the Subordinate Lodges to conduct a formal service in tribute to a brother who had died. With the growth of the Order this custom became more and more general; and the appealing sentiment of which it was born was crystallized in a Statute of the Order.
Under its provisions the first Sunday in December of each year is designated as "Elks Memorial Day"; and it is mandatory upon each Subordinate Lodge to commemorate departed brothers on that day.

A definite ritual has been prescribed for this annual event, which lends itself with equal effectiveness to the simplest, or the most elaborate, of permitted programs.
The Memorial Service may be conducted in the Lodge room for members only; but it is often observed as a public ceremonial, with a program of special music and other appropriate features.

Tablet Memorial Ritual