A fraternal order with nearly a million members and a 141-year history.
A network of more than 2000 lodges in communities all over the country.
Origin
The Elks organization was founded in New York City on February 16, 1868 under the name "Jolly Corks" by 15 actors, entertainers and others associated with the theater. In ensuing years, membership expanded to other professions.
Purposes
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."
Membership
The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity. Proposal for membership in the Order is only by invitation of a member in good standing. To be accepted as a member, one must be an American citizen, believe in God, be of good moral character and be at least 21 years old.
What We Do
The Order spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefitting physically handicapped children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, a national "Hoop Shoot" free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs.
The youth of our country have always been important to the Order. It is for this reason the Elks Drug Awareness Education Program was launched to warn primary grade students and their parents of the dangers in drug use. Additionally, every lodge observes June 14th as Flag Day, a tradition which the Elks began in 1907 and was later adopted by the Congress as an official observance.
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.
The Jefferson Elks Lodge is your home for Great Hospitallity! Our large handicap accessible facility is perfect for your next event. We specialize in banquets, weddings, reunions, business conferences, community events, trade shows, dances, annual meetings, fund raising events, and birthday parties. The west lounge accomodates 60 comfortably. The ballroom plus the west lounge can accommodate up to 250.
Our local Does chapter caters your food needs, from appetizers, lite lunches and buffets, to sit down dinners. They also have suggestions for decorating with backdrops and special table arrangements.
The lodge features full bar service.
For an appointment to make arrangements for your next function call 515-386-2106 after 4:00 P.M. Monday thru Saturday.
