The New Albany lodge was granted a charter in October 1893 and has been a community servant/partner for over 120 years.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has a long and proud tradition in New Albany. Our lodge was
chartered in 1893 and moved to our present location in 1902. The order itself was formed in 1868.
Our lodge is one of thousands across the United States. We gather to serve our community, support our state
and national organizations and make a positive difference, both in our lives and the lives of others. The BPOE
is lead by the four cardinal virtues of CHARITY, JUSTICE, BROTHERLY LOVE and FIDELITY. To be an Elk, one
must be an American citizen, be at least 21 years old and believe in God.
The members of this lodge are involved in many aspects of community life and we support numerous
organizations and causes, both with our time as volunteers and through financial support. Our two main areas
of interest are children and veterans.
Through our annual “Clothe-A-Child” program, we provide much needed winter clothing to approximately
140 children each December. In addition, they and their families are treated to a breakfast with Santa. To
sustain this program, we hold an annual golf scramble and conduct additional fundraisers. We have been
most fortunate to supersede our goal of $20,000 in recent years.
We support our veterans by participating in local services, through the sending of care boxes to soldiers
overseas, and by coordinating a fundraising effort in conjunction with the VFW, the American Legion and the
Knights of Columbus. Our successes the past three years have allowed us to provide veterans at the Louisville
VA hospital with over $31,000 in patient care items to ease their recovery and help them transition back into a
normal life routine.
The lodge is also proud to support the state association’s major project of cancer research at Indiana and
Purdue universities. Contributions to the Elks National Foundation are returned to the community through
our scholarship program which, in this nation, is second only to the United States government in providing
money to deserving college students. The annual Hoop Shoot program is another major activity by which we
have established our connection to the community. Students from age 8 to 13 participate in a free throw
shooting contest and winners move on to district, state and national competitions. Other youth-oriented
activities include Drug Awareness and Americanism programs.
Not to be overlooked are the large variety of activities held each year for the benefit and enjoyment of our
members. Dinners, shows, trips and in-house games are just some of the ways we stay connected with each
other and offer an opportunity for socialization and friendship.
Although we do not strive for public acclaim of our efforts, we are nevertheless proud that the Elks name is
highly respected and our members known far and wide for the accomplishments of this lodge. To be an Elk
is to care and share. We constantly seek like-minded individuals looking to make a difference and encourage
you to ask questions of any officer or member.
There are many opportunities for involvement in and service to your community. We hope you will agree that
being a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the right answer for you.
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.
