About Us

    The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was formally organized on February 16, 1868 in New York City.  A small group of actors, who had been calling themselves “The Jolly Corks” decided upon a change in name and the adoption of a more permanent and serious policy, rather than their Bohemian beginnings.  This lead to the establishment of the “Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks” with declared purposes of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love, and Fidelity.

    Despite this rather grave and formal sounding name, the Elks have remained very much a social club, promoting welfare and happiness of its members.  Good fellowship has not been forgotten, at least not at the Elks, even in the times we live in today.

    The Elks are a nation wide organization of nearly one million Americans with local chapters in more than 2,300 locations throughout the country.  While it is primarily a social club, the Elks donate over $80,000,000 annually for charitable, welfare, and patriotic programs.  Elks youth activities reach more than 5 million boys and girls throughout America in all types of recreational and leadership programs, and the Elks National Foundation annually donates $2.96 million each year for college scholarships, second only to the United States government!!

    Locally, our Lodge sponsors some great local charities.  We provide a safe, nurturing environment for the Children's Dispensary:  "A Place to be Me," which is an organization dedicated to enhancing the learning and enrich the lives of people with special needs.  We lovingly refer to them as "The Kids."  The Kids bowl on Monday evenings and also have a "Teen Club" on Friday evenings.  We sponsor two of their dances a year and also donate the use of our pool at least once per year for them.  To learn more about the Children's Dispensary go to www.childrensdispensary.org.

    We also sponsor a local boy scout troop.  Troop 215 meets here on Thursday nights during the school year.  On Tuesday nights, we have a Cub Scout Pack meeting.  Troop 215 has even expanded with a Venture Crew!  Troop 215 also just gave the honor of Eagle Scout to Justin Yoho!  For more information about Boy Scout Troop 215, visit http://home.comcast.net/~troop215/site/.

    Our Lodge is part of the Great Northwest District of the Indiana Elks Association.  Twice per year, we pay a visit to the Indiana Veteran's Home in West Lafayette, IN.  There, we put on a picnic and play BINGO with the men and women who have sacrificed so much to ensure our freedom.  This is a highlight of the year for many of us at our Lodge.  For more information about the Indiana Veteran's Home, visit http://www.in.gov/dva/3021.htm.

    Each State Association in Elkdom has its own Major Project.  In Indiana, our major project is Cancer Research through Purdue University and Indiana University.  Over the years, Indiana Elks Lodges have raised over $7,000,000 for Cancer Research which has been distributed between Indiana and Purdue University.  Our donations have been spent on the important research needed to help find treatments and cures for the different types of cancer.  Hopefully one day scientists will be able to eradicate this terrible disease;  but until that day comes, the Indiana Elks will be there with support to help attain that goal.  For more information regarding Cancer Research and how you can help, please visit www.cancer.purdue.edu or http://cancer.iu.edu/.

    All this doesn’t mean there isn’t any fun to becoming an Elks member, though.  Parties and dances are scheduled monthly and costs are far below what might be expected from the private sector.  Elk members are welcomed with open arms at any of the 2,300 lodges nationally.  The Elks are very much a social club, for the entire family, with special facilities and programs for family entertainment and recreation.  Come on in, check us out, and be prepared to make some great, new, lifetime friends.