What Is An Elks Lodge? OUR PURPOSE: This Fraternal Order was founded “To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship.”
What is the purpose of the Elks Lodge? OUR PURPOSE: This Fraternal Order was founded “To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship.”
What are the benefits of joining the Elks Lodge? BECAUSE Through our local Lodge, district, state, and National programs, we provide healthful activities, guidance and assistance to over eight million boys and girls every year. We fund scholarships, athletic teams, summer camps, scouting and drug education programs.
What does it mean to be an Elks member? The Order of Elks is an organization of American citizens who love their country and desire to preserve its cherished institutions; who love their fellow man and seek to promote his well being; and who love the joyousness of life and endeavor to contribute to it, as well as to share it.
Is the Elks Lodge religious?
The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity.
Are Elks Masons?
Elks lodge, like Lions Club, was formed by Masons and basically does the same charitable work. They are just not Masons.
What happens at Elks Lodge initiation?
The initiation rite is not considered a secret. The initiation involves an altar, with a Bible upon it and chaplain leading the brethren in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a “solemn and binding obligation” to never “reveal any of the confidential matters of the Order”.
What is the initiation for the Elks Club?
To be eligible for membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, you must be a citizen of the United States over the age of 21 who believes in God. You must be sponsored by a member of the Elks Lodge and reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join.
How do you become a life member of the Elks?
LM – Life Member: To be nominated as a Life member, the member needs to have been in good standing for 30 years and be at least 65 years of age. The last 10 of those 30 years he/she must be a member of this Lodge. Then must be elected by a 2/3 of those present at a regular Lodge meeting.
Can Elks members visit other lodges?
* Any person may be brought in as a guest 3 times before being required to fill out a membership application. Exceptions are spouses of members & guests who live out of state and are just visiting for a short time. * Members are responsible for the actions of their guests.
What is the history of the Elks Lodge?
The Elks began in 1868 as a social club for minstrel show performers, called the “Jolly Corks”. It was established as a private club to elude New York City laws governing the opening hours of public taverns. The Elks borrowed rites and practices from Freemasonry.
What is the largest Elks Lodge in the United States?
Bismarck Mandan Lodge 1199 has a rich history since 1910. We are very proud of our accomplishments and boast that we are one of the largest Elks Lodges in the Nation with nearly 4,500 dedicated members.
What is the plural of elk?
elk /ˈɛlk/ noun. plural elk or elks.
Can an atheist join the Elks Lodge?
The Elks Lodge ceremonies, rituals, and rites all include references to “God”, the after-life, eternal nature of the soul, etc. An atheist would not prefer to be exposed / subjected to these offensive ceremonies. Thus atheism is completely incompatible with almost all official proceeding of the Elks Lodges.
What is largest fraternal organization?
The Freemasons are regarded as the world’s largest fraternal organization with more than 6 million members, followed by the Elks Club with a million members.
Can a woman be an elk?
Under a 1995 amendment to the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Elks, the national Elks organization, women are allowed to join this previously all-male organization.
Do the Elks have a secret handshake?
By 1910, Elks done away with almost all of the ritual — including secret handshakes and passwords — and settled into the function they held for much of the 20th century: a group of (white) men, initiated only upon recommendation from another member of the lodge, who paid yearly dues, enjoyed lavish facilities built …
What do you wear to the Elks Lodge?
Elk Members and Guests are expected to wear attire that is neat and clean. (Examples of unacceptable attire include being barefoot, wearing dirty, torn or ragged clothing, attire that is sexually revealing or clothing with obscene or vulgar wording or pictures.)
What does a Lecturing Knight do?
LECTURING KNIGHT Assist the Exalted Ruler in the performance of his/her duties and officiate for the Exalted Ruler in his/her absence, and the Leading Knight’s and the Loyal Knight’s absence.
What is a stray Elk?
A “Stray Elk” is a paid-up Member of a Lodge who now resides within the jurisdiction of another Lodge. An individual who has taken an Absolute Dimit or been dropped from membership for nonpayment of dues is not a Stray Elk.
Are Elks Lodge dues tax deductible?
According to the IRS, contributions to fraternal societies are deductible only if they are “used exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.” In other words, other contributions to the Moose or Elks aren’t deductible.
What is an exalted ruler in the Elks?
The Exalted Ruler, also known as the E.R., is the President and Executive Officer of the Lodge. The E.R. is responsible for all operations, programs, social quarter activities of the Lodge and presides at each Lodge session.
What is conduct unbecoming of an elk?
8. “CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN ELK” SHALL INCLUDE PERSONAL CONDUCT LIKELY TO BRING REPROACH UPON THE ORDER AND EVERY WILLFUL VIOLATION OF HOUSE OR CLUB RULES. 9. THE EXALTED RULER CAN APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO HANDLE ALL OF THE COMMITTEE WORK OF THE LODGE.
Why are they called Elks?
In the U.S.A., the Elks began with a group of actors and entertainers led by Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian, an Englishman. They chose the name Elk because of the animal’s stately qualities.
What is the oldest Elks Lodge in the United States?
At the nation’s oldest operating lodge, Lodge 3 in San Francisco, 600 of its 800 members are under 40. In Austin, so many young professionals have joined Lodge 201 that membership more than doubled from 210 to 460 in less than two years.