The Virginia State Association of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World hosted more than 150 attendees at their fall conference in Suffolk this weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront.

A charitable, non-profit organization committed to community service and the mentoring of youth, the Elks of the World recognize the importance of the creation, implementation and monitoring of youth programs, as well as forming partnerships with business communities and other civic organizations throughout Virginia. Most notably, the Veterans Affairs Department of the Elks of the World held a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday in honor of the Rev. Dr. James L. Barnes. All branches of the military will be recognized.

Barnes served in the U.S. Army, ranking as a sergeant, and fought in the Vietnam War. He received a Bachelor of Theology from Gulf Coast School of Theology in Tampa, Fla., and a Master of Theology degree from Norfolk Seminary in Norfolk, along with his Doctor of Divinity. He retired from the International Paper Company in Franklin after 38 years. Dr. Barnes has been ministering since 1982 and is now the current pastor for the Lebanon Baptist Church, having recently celebrated 10 years.

For more information about the Virginia State Association of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World, log onto www.vaibpoew.com.