2024 Thomas W. Melham Humanitarian Award Recipient

Richard J Elman

Orak Shrine Center - Michigan City, Indiana 

Rick was raised in 1988 and served his lodge as its Master eight years later as its Master in 1996. Eight years after serving as Master he served the Grand Lodge of Indiana as its Grand Master. He broke that eight-year sequence when he became the Grand Secretary in 2010. He also served as

Potentate of his Shrine in 2010.

He was coronated a 33° on Sep 23, 2003. He received the highest award the state can present when he received the Caleb Smith Award. In 2022, he received the Imperial Potentate’s Award of Merit.

He continues to serve as the Grand Secretary for Indiana and has served the Great Lakes Shrine Motor Corps as its Secretary for 10 plus years.

Join me in congratulating Most Worshipful, Illustrious, and Illustrious Sir Richard J Elman.