The Elks Motto

“The faults of our members we write upon the sand, their virtues on the tablets of love and memory”

Who We Are

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), also known as the Elks Lodge, is an American fraternal order or social club founded in 1868.  Today there are more than 2,000 Lodges throughout the United States and 850,000 members.  Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up.  Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address unmet need, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. 

Our Principles

The Four Cornerstones of the Order

To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.