Salvation Army and the Elks

The Salvation Army performed  a wonderful service among our soldiers in World War I in France: but it was severely handicapped by a lack of funds. To assist in meeting this exigency and to insure the continuance of this service, the Elks War Relief Commission and the subordinate lodges all over the county fostered the campaigns of the Army for the needed funds, in many instances assuming the entire cost of such campaigns.

In addition to this service the Commission at Christmas time in 1918 presented the Army with a check for S60,000 for assistance in its war relief.

Because of this nationwide cooperation, characterized by a most
gratifying success, and because, of the large Cash donation referred to, the Commander of the Salvation Army requested the privilege of addressing Lodge in session City at Atlantic in 1919
In that wonderful speech, which touched the heart of every hearer, Commander Evangeline Booth said:
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'When the war came, some of those who knew us well, knew teachings, and the nature of our activities; even they said you are not wanted in the War; there is no place for you on the battleground: stay at home and go on with your street preaching.' But again at this crucial hour when we were in dire want of money and friends, all over the country from sea to sea, the Order of Elks rushed to our aid. They saw to it that we had the opportunity, proving not only the strength and loyalty of the friendship of their Order, but its confidence in the Salvation Army to meet a great and deep need upon the battlefields of France.

The Salvation Army can never forget or get away from its deep sense of indebtedness and gratitude to the grand body of men that is before me this morning...I say without hesitancy that our organization could not have achieved its exceptional success in this war, but for the splendid, practical, tangible aid that was rendered to us by the Elks.
 

Adapted from the Elks History Book