2023

2022

2021



PAST EXALTED RULERS ASSOCIATION — Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of the Order permits and Section 13.190 of the Laws of the Order mandates that there be an association of Past Exalted Rulers of the Lodge in good standing. The association advises the Lodge and conducts such programs it elects for the good of the Lodge. It elects Officers and adopts By‑Laws or other regulatory provisions. It should meet monthly. The first meeting night in February of each year is designated as Past Exalted Rulers’ Night. For information, refer to page 17 of the Ritual of the Local Lodges (Code 511500).
As of 04/01/23 the active 15 current P.E.R.s at Saint Louis Missouri lodge #9 are James Allmeroth, Michael Conley, Robert Dixon, Hal Dygert, Kurt Eggerding, AJ Ford, Mark Gabauer, Mark Goddard, Frank Kilcullen, Kurt Lord, Timothy Luby, Jim Martin, Doug McWard, Doug Reuther, and Mark R. Zust .Past Exalted Rulers



“Walking into that mess according to PER Mark Gabauer was “like catching a falling knife.” With the help of Leading Knight Doug McWard and other officers, we started what we referred to as “a cultural revolution” with the goal of becoming an “Elks Lodge.” My marching orders from our District Deputy were simple, “Give the lodge back to its members, it’s their lodge.” I believe that we succeeded. Doug McWard followed my year as ER and built on my themes and goals with his “devotion to transparency.” Pete added going after grants during his year so as to add on to our continually improving financial situation as well as starting our blood drives and health days ( as a step towards the lodge as a whole developing a community focus beyond the wonderful but unfortunately isolated work of the veterans committee ). Kurt Eggerding followed in Pete’s footsteps etc etc. It is fun looking back on those days. Doug, Kurt and I often reminisce amongst ourselves, wishing Pete could join us…..”to all of our absent members.”
In addition, Bob served as Leading Knight in 2013/14, was Metro East District #4780 Vice President in 2019/20, currently currently Chairs the P.E.R.’s and the the Golf Committee, and has been a member since 2006.



• As of this writing we are at a +91 net membership gain and with 40 in the pipeline. Our goal at the beginning of the year was 100+, so here’s hoping we achieve that by the end of the month!
• We have over a $100,000+ profit to the lodge from all sources!
• We received our first ever Elks Impact Grant and received all $20,500 in grants possible for the first time in lodge history.
• We held more than 30 events, including 5 new ones!
• We donated more than $13,000 to veteran’s organizations!
• We had a fully sold out (144 golfers) golf tournament allowing us to donate more than
$10,000 to various charities and lodge committees!
• We donated 35 of pints of blood during our blood drive!
• We collected and distributed more than 400 items of clothing during our coat drive!
• We donated 2323 items of food during our food drive!
• We relaunched our newly titled Lodge Auxiliary!
• We established our Lodge History Group to set us up for our 150th anniversary in 2028!
• We engaged the services of a professional fundraising company so we can explore a future lodge expansion!
• We already have more All-American Lodge points than we did a year ago and are positioned to take home a 1st place at this year’s convention
• The lodge is in great hands moving forward with our current officers moving through the chairs, and we’ll have a new first time Lecturing Knight!
• And last but not least, we had a heck of a lot of FUN!








