What is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks?
Better known as the Elks Lodge, it is a fraternal order with thousands of members and a 150+ year history. There is a network of nearly 2000 lodges in communities all over the country. With our local lodge being the Oakland Elks Lodge #2481 located at 100 Elk Street.
The Elks is a charitable organization that gives over $80,000,000 each year to support our nation’s veterans and youth, as well as awarding millions in scholarships- second only to the federal government. Oakland Lodge #2481 donates over $10,000 yearly toward that total. The Elks organization was founded in New York City on February 26, 1868. It was founded “To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, [and] to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members.”
The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian, and American fraternity. In order to become a member, one must be over
21 years old, believe in God, be a citizen of the United States, and be of good character. A candidate for membership must be invited by a member in good standing.
Some answers to a couple of often-asked questions are: although the Elks supports veterans and veterans’ organizations, military service is not a requirement. As of 1994, membership is open to both men and women. Membership at your local lodge gains access to thousands of lodges across the country. All in all, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is an organization devoted to giving and is an important part of our community.
From the October issue of the Lakefront Magazine.