The Benevolent Order of Elks

The Beginnings...

Since its founding on February 16, 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), recognized by the noble creature that symbolizes the Order, has grown to include nearly 1.2 million men and women in almost 2,200 communities.

Although the original Elks were actors and entertainers, members of other professions soon joined the organization. Today's Elks represent just about the full spectrum of occupations in America. Throughout the course of the Order's history, many celebrities from the entertainment field, business and public service have been Brother Elks:

Public Servants: Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, many members of Congress, Tip O'Neill, Carl Albert, John McCormick, Sam Rayburn, Tom Foley, and Hale Boggs.

Service Men: General John "Blackjack" Pershing, 70,000 Elks served in WW1 and 100,000 Elks served in WW2, over 2,600 made the supreme sacrifice for American freedom.

Celebrities: Will Rogers, Jack Benny, Lawrence Welk, Andy Devine, Clint Eastwood and William F. Cody, better known as "Buffalo Bill".

Athletes: Vince Lombardi, Casey Stengel, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Jim Finks.

The Essence of the Elks: Our Focus and Our Purpose

 

The purpose of our organization and lodge is best summarized through our motto – “Elks Care and Elks Share”. We are a collection of people from the local community – your neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family. Chartered under a common belief in God and country, we became members to develop and strengthen relationships, enjoy activities among friends, and most importantly, serve the greater good and the needs of the community through charitable endeavors.

Benevolent Order of Elks Mission Statement

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, 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.

Community Involvement: Putting Our Pronciples To Work

 

The BPO Elks is committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism. The Order ranks as one of the largest private providers of college scholarships in the nation. The Order has donated cash, goods, and services to the nation's youth, its veterans, the disadvantaged and handicapped, as well as civic and patriotic programs.

Through our involvement in state and national Elks programs, we:

• support college scholarships
• youth athletics
• drug awareness
• and programs for the elderly and veterans.

Locally, we:

• sponsor Little League
• youth competitions such as hoop-shoots and soccer shoot-outs
• raise thousands of dollars for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP)
• provide donations and support to numerous Veterans programs
• and host events which honor mothers, veterans, and family.

“Elks Care and Elks Share” is more then just our motto, it is our character and purpose.

Our Symbols

The official emblem of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America.

Our emblem incorporates a white clock tolling the eleventh hour to represent the "Eleven O'Clock Toast" ceremony conducted at every BPOE meeting and social function. The clock's red Roman numerals are circumscribed by a blue circle containing the initials B.P.O.E.. The Elk's head and antlers rests within the circle surmounted by a red star.

"Why the elk?" The elk is a peaceful animal, but will rise in defense of its own in the face of a threat. The majestic creature is fast moving and has keen perception. The founding membership chose the elk as a fitting representation for a distinctively American, intensely patriotic, family oriented organization subscribing to the cardinal principles of Elkdom, "Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity." The 15 Founders of the BPOE desired a readily identifiable creature of stature, indigenous to America.

The Colors: White denotes purity and absolute truth. Purple is the badge of Kingshipand signifies highest favor. When white is combined with royal purple, it signifies the love of truth and the highest degree of virtue.