Who are the Elks?
Who are the Elks?
We are…
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.
A generous charitable foundation that each year gives millions in scholarships, an inspiration to youth, a friend to veterans and more.
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.”
Our Mission
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.
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.
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.
Exalted Ruler Martha Deegan
irishgal01@att.net
Our Lodge
Welcome to our Lodge #771. Located in the center of Middlesex County, stop in our Lodge and visit us!
Lodge Meetings: September through June: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7:15 pm July and August: 1st Tuesday, 7:15 pm
Lodge Located At: 44 Maynard Street, Middletown, CT
Lodge Mailing Address: PO Box 818, Middletown, CT 06457-0818
Directions to the Lodge:
From CT Route 9 SOUTH: Exit 13 (Route 17), take Main Street Extension Exit from Exit 13. Turn left at the end of the ramp. Follow for 1 mile (Main Street Extension becomes Saybrook Road). Turn right onto Clew Street, then left onto Maynard Street. The Lodge is on the left - you will see it when turning onto Clew Street, and there is a sign at the corner of Clew Street and Saybrook Road for the Elks Lodge.
From CT Route 9 NORTH: Exit 11 (Randolph Road), turn right at the end of the exit. At the light at the top of the hill (0.1 miles), turn left onto Saybrook Road. Follow for about 1¼ miles; turn left onto Clew Street, then left onto Maynard Street. The Lodge is on the left - you will see it when turning onto Clew Street, and there is a sign at the corner of Clew Street and Saybrook Road for the Elks Lodge.
Join Us
Interested in joining the community?