The story of the BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS is a story that leads from
Broadway, New York City, to Main Street, U.S.A. It begins in November of 1867 with the arrival of
Charles Algernon Sidney Vivian to the city of New York. He was the 21 year old son of an English
clergyman and would do well in America as a singer and entertainer. His lasting fame, however, would
be as the founder of the Order of Elks of the United States.
The original group consisted of 17 members, all associated in some way with the theater. They called
themselves the Jolly Corks with Vivian as the Exalted Ruler. Selection of a permanent name brought on
great debate. Some suggested "Buffaloes" but that was rejected. It was not until some of the Jolly Corks
visited Barnum's museum and admired the head of the magnificent Elk that a decision was reached.
After a recommendation by the appointed committee, a vote was taken. Seven voted for "Buffaloes" and
seven for "Elks." One man switched, and on February 16, 1868 the newly born Order was named "Elks".
Its Social activities and benefit performances increased the popularity of the new Order. Membership
grew rapidly. Elks traveling to other cities spread the word of the brotherhood of Elks. Soon there were
requests for Elks lodges in cities other than New York. In response to these appeals, the Elks asked the
New York State legislature for a charter authorizing the establishment of a Grand Lodge with the power
to establish local lodges anywhere in the United States. When the Grand Lodge Charter was issued, the
founders then received their first local charter as New York Lodge No. 1 on March 10, 1871.
Over the years the Elks have made a name for themselves in many areas. They built and donated a
hospital after WWI that became the first Veterans Hospital in America. General John J. "Black Jack"
Pershing was allowed to accept the armistice by President Woodrow Wilson and Pershing chose the
11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour to accept it. You see, General Pershing was an Elk and he
knew what the hour of eleven meant to all Elks. The Elks were very prominent during all conflicts the
United States have been engaged. "So long as there are Veterans the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks will not Forget them."
The Elks were the first to recognize and celebrate a day for our American Flag. For many years the Elks
tried to get the United States government to proclaim a day just for our American Flag. It took another
Elk, President Harry S. Truman, to set June 14th as our national Flag Day.
Throughout the course of the Order's history, many celebrities from the entertainment field, business and
public service have been Elks. Presidents Warren Harding, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John
Kennedy were all Elks. Former President Gerald Ford was a member of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lodge,
where his father served two terms as Exalted Ruler (Lodge president). Of course, many members of
Congress have been Elks, too. Former Speakers of the House Tip O'Neill, Carl Albert, John McCormick
and Sam Rayburn all belonged to the fraternity. Former Speaker Tom Foley belongs to Spokane,
Washington, Lodge. And the late Hale Boggs of Louisiana was also an Elk.
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. Entertainers
Lawrence Welk, Will Rogers, Jack Benny and Andy Devine belonged, too. Devine was even Exalted
Ruler of San Fernando, California, Lodge. And Clint Eastwood is a member of Monterey, California,
Lodge.
From the sports world, the Order has counted among its members the likes of Vince Lombardi, Casey
Stengel, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Jim Finks.
The legacy of Charles Vivian's generosity continues to this day in over 2100 Lodges. As long as there
are those who need help, the Elks will be there to give aid and comfort.
The Exalted Ruler
The Exalted Ruler, also known as the E.R., is the President and Executive Officer of the Lodge. The E.R. is
responsible for all operations, programs, social quarter activities of the Lodge and presides at each Lodge session.
The cardinal principle of this station is Fidelity.
The Esteemed Leading Knight
The Esteemed Leading Knight is the Vice President, second in command and presides in the absence of the Exalted
Ruler. The cardinal principle of this station is Charity.
The Esteemed Loyal Knight
The Esteemed Loyal Knight is the third chair officer of the Lodge. The cardinal principle of this station is Justice.
The Esteemed Lecturing Knight
The Esteemed Lecturing Knight is the fourth chair officer of the Lodge. The cardinal principle of this station is
Brotherly Love.
The Secretary
The Secretary administers the Lodge business correspondence, membership records, and all matters as directed by
the Exalted Ruler.
The Treasurer
The Treasurer maintains the financial records and issues checks from the Lodge.
The Tiler
The Tiler is located outside the Lodge room and is responsible for guarding the door of the Lodge room during the
meetings.
The Esquire
The Esquire is the 'Sergeant-At-Arms" and maintains ritual decorum and carries out the orders of the Exalted Ruler.
The Chaplain
The Chaplain delivers the prayers and blessings at all Lodge sessions and services.
The Inner Guard
The Inner Guard is responsible for guarding the inner door of the Lodge at each Lodge meeting.
The Organist
The Organist provides the music prescribed by the rituals of the Order and performs such other duties as assigned.
The Trustees
There are three Trustees in the Lodge. Subject to control by the Lodge, the Board shall have the power to; control the
funds, investments and real and personal property of the Lodge, not otherwise provided by law, and collect the
income and rents there from and, to execute all leases contracts or other papers when ordered by the Lodge.