![]() The Supreme Being requirement is necessary because of the requirement of swearing an oath of membership which we call “the Obligation”. Elk has antlers that are spindly and pointed, more akin to the antlers of a deer. A deer is very small when compared to an elk, whereas an elk is smaller when compared to a moose. On average, an elk weighs about 710-730, so a bull elk weighs half that of a bull moose. Our only membership restrictions are that the applicant be over 21, not have any felony convictions, and acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being (your choice). Elks are medium-sized when compared to a moose. New members need to be sponsored by an existing member, and need references from 2 other members. ![]() None of our officers draw a salary for their work, although our Lodge’s treasurer and secretary do receive a modest stipend. As a matter of course, tradesmen do tend to attract business on the basis of relationships they form with friends they make at the Lodge, but solicitation of business is forbidden. Answering “yes” is grounds for rejection of the application. We also forbid in our vows the use of our membership for business or commercial purposes, and expressly ask in our membership application if the applicant expects any pecuniary interest as a result of membership. The Elks differs from some of the other fraternal organizations in that we have no insurance programs, unlike the Foresters or Knights of Columbus. We’re fortunate to have a core of older, experienced members augmented by a series of new members that choose to become involved and learn the ropes from the old hands. My Lodge has not had a net membership decrease in the 14 years I’ve been a member, in fact we’ve gained about 15% over that time. We sponsor several dart teams and pool teams, and they’ve been a good way to expose potential new members to what we have to offer when visiting teams play at the Lodge. Where the average age of Elk members nationally is around 60 and climbing and membership has been declining for a couple decades, my Lodge has seen a decrease in the average age to around 54. Nationally, among other programs, the Elks is second only to the Federal Government in providing scholarship grants to high-school seniors. The opportunities to do charitable work locally are numerous, things like veteran’s services, youth programs, community improvement and beautification, drug awareness education and senior services. The social aspects are excellent my Lodge is the kind of a place where you could leave your wallet on the bar and find it there a week later. I quickly got involved in the charitable activities, and became an officer shortly thereafter. Elks Club Moose Lodge 698 National Lime & Stone Rader Environmental Leagues Coach. I was sponsored by my father-in-law, who was once a District Deputy to the National President, and has been the Secretary of our since Christ was in knee pants.
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