NORWICH – With the loss of its charter awaiting an appeal, local Elk’s Lodge #1222 closed and locked its doors on Sunday, as ordered by Grand Exalted Ruler James Nichelson and Grand Secretary Brian Klatt.

According to an executive order issued by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Grand Lodge, Elk’s Lodge #1222 has failed to make reports required by the laws of the order, and has not complied with the auditing and accounting manual.

Nichelson added that “all property of the Lodge necessary to conduct the ceremonies prescribed by the ritual, its charter, membership lists, books, papers, jewels, emblems, regalia and effects shall become the property of the Grand Lodge, be surrendered upon demand to the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.”

Officers and members of the Norwich lodge, however, strongly disagree with the decision, and have called upon the higher courts of the order for an opportunity to refute the executive ruling.