The Complete Guide to Elks Lodges in California: A Rich History of Service and Fellowship
As your local expert in home renovation and an avid Elks enthusiast, allow me to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Elks lodges throughout the great state of California. With nearly 300 lodges statewide, California is home to a thriving community of Elks members dedicated to service, charity, and fostering fellowship.
The Venerable History of the BPOE
First, let‘s explore the origins and evolution of this time-honored fraternal organization. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) was founded in 1868 in New York City by 15 men including Charles Vivian, an Englishman who wanted to recreate the convivial atmosphere of gentlemen‘s clubs he‘d experienced in London.
In its early days, the Elks mainly functioned as a social club for entertainers and performers looking for a place to unwind and congregate after shows. However, the organization soon expanded its mission to include charitable works and over time evolved into the service-oriented order it is today.
Some key milestones:
- 1878 – The Elks digest is first published to document the group‘s history and traditions.
- 1907 – The Elks National Foundation is established to fund scholarships, youth programs, and more.
- 1925 – There are over 1 million Elks members across the country.
- 1995 – The Elks allow full membership by women after years of exclusion.
Today, the Elks have over 850,000 members nationwide and a renewed commitment to charity, inclusivity, and building stronger communities.
The Elks Arrive in the Golden State
The Elks made their way to California‘s shores in 1871 with the chartering of the Redding Lodge No. 101. As the population boomed during the Gold Rush era, more lodges popped up throughout Northern and Southern California.
By the early 20th century, California had over 100 Elks lodges, making it one of the most active states. Some of the oldest still-active lodges include:
- Gilroy Lodge No. 836 (est. 1891)
- San Francisco Lodge No. 3 (est. 1876)
- Sacramento Lodge No. 6 (est. 1873)
Here are some figures illustrating the Elks‘ growth in California over the decades:
| Year | Number of CA Lodges | Total CA Membership |
|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 160 | 22,000 |
| 1950 | 270 | 210,000 |
| 2000 | 282 | 325,000 |
| 2020 | 275 | 248,000 |
Their numbers may have dipped in recent years, but California Elks lodges still have over a quarter million members devoted to this long-standing order.
The Symbols and Rituals of the Elks
The Elks have many traditions and symbols that date back to their 19th century origins and hold special meaning for members.
The most well-known is likely the "So Be It" greeting. When Elks meet, they exchange this salutation along with a secret handshake involving arm strokes, hand clasps, and palm presses representing key values like charity and brotherly love.
The famous Elks initiation ritual welcomes new members through oaths, pledges, and sharing the history behind rituals. For instance, 11 o‘clock toasts honor the 11 original founders. Members wear pins and badges showing the Elks logo, a clock face displaying 11 o‘clock.
While these practices may seem esoteric or old-fashioned, they instill a sense of identity and moral purpose in members.
Prominent Elks Throughout History
The Elks have counted many influential figures among their ranks, including:
- Presidents: Warren G. Harding, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy
- Entertainers: Bing Crosby, Clint Eastwood, Vince Lombardi, Mickey Mantle
- Writers: Herman Wouk, Jack London, Carl Sandburg
- Astronauts: "Buzz" Aldrin, Virgil Grissom
Fun fact: Former president and Supreme Court chief justice William Howard Taft served as the Elks Grand Exalted Ruler from 1913 to 1915 while in the White House!
These luminaries and over 850,000 other dedicated members have enabled the Elks to contribute millions in scholarships, youth programs, veterans services, and other charitable causes.
California Lodges Making an Impact
Elks lodges across California run impactful community programs and fundraising drives. For example:
- The Castro Valley Lodge donated $75,000 in grants in 2021 to local nonprofits.
- Chico Lodge volunteers to cleanup Bidwell Park.
- Culver City Elks organize blood drives providing 500 pints annually to the Red Cross.
- Stockton Lodge gifted over 1,000 bikes to children last Christmas.
The Elks also invest in California youth through scholarships like the Most Valuable Student program. In 2022, 20 students from California received $3.375 million in awards from the Elks National Foundation.
Joining a Lodge Near You
To be accepted to this prestigious order, you must be sponsored by a current Elk member and go through a review process. There‘s an initiation fee and annual dues. While requirements vary between lodges, most expect a deep commitment to their ideals.
The rewards? Joining a community of like-minded people to forge new friendships. Gaining opportunities to assist worthy causes. Preserving time-honored traditions. Or simply belonging to something larger than oneself.
I hope this guide has provided insight into this fascinating fraternal organization with deep roots in California history. If you‘re interested in learning more or visiting a lodge near you, contact your local chapter. Just look for the iconic clock tower facade featuring two Elks and the time permanently fixed at 11 o‘clock.