A black day for the Elks

Sun Editorial
Clearwater Sun - January 27, 1983

The reputation of the national Benevolent Protective Order of Elks has been blotted by the Clearwater lodge's decision to sell its downtown headquarters to the Church of Scientology for $240,000.

Motivated by fear that the Scientologists would sue if they accepted an almost identical offer from developer Charles Rutenberg, the lodge members voted against the best interests of their city.

Justifiably, the decision evoked outrage and disbelief.

The club acted irresponsibly and selfishly. Its members should be ashamed.

Sale of the lodge building to the Scientologists will strengthen the sect's hold on Clearwater and place a significant piece of the city's tax base in limbo.

The Elks enjoy a nationwide reputation for public service and community conscience. The Clearwater club's action is not in keeping with the image of the national brotherhood.

To become final, the sale must be approved by a three-member panel of Elks Grand Trustees in Chicago. It is inconceivable that the trustees would approve of the cowardly action taken by its Clearwater lodge.

Concerned Clearwater residents should make sure the national trustees know of the community's opposition to the sale. Letters may be too slow. A deluge of phone calls and telegrams is called for.

The address of the Grand Trustees is 2750 N. Lake View Drive, Chicago, Ill. 60614. The telephone number is (312) xxx-xxxx.