What is the average age of Elks Lodge members?

Like other fraternal organizations, the Elks have struggled with massive decline in membership as society moved away from Ralph and Alice Kramden and toward Will & Grace. The Elks, whose average member is 65, have lost 600,000 members since 1980 to old age, death and just plain apathy, officials say.

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You can also ask can only men join the elks?

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. People also ask 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 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.

Subsequently, 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 Moreover, what elks lodge has the largest membership? Nationally, Lodge 1896 Greater Wildwood NJ holds the honors of the largest membership at 5266 members. The top 10 largest membership Lodges are Wildwood NJ #1896, Punta Gordo, FL #2606, Honolulu HI #616, Lake Havasu City, AZ #2399, Bismark-Mandon ND #1199, Sun City AZ #2559, Santa Maria CA #1538.

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". Where is the largest Elks Lodge? 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 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.