Elks are American citizens who enjoy living life by the golden rule and contributing to the lives and well-being of those around them. Elks adhere to the founding principals of the order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity.
Since inception in 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has grown from a small gathering of people with good deeds in their hearts to the largest fraternal U.S. organization.
With over 1 million members, the Elks have contributed more than $3.6 billion in donations for the nation’s youth, veterans, disadvantaged and handicapped, and to individuals and groups in support of patriotic and civic programs. Each year this timeless organization gives more than $200 million in contributions and is one of the largest private providers of college scholarships in the United States.
Currently, there are over 2100 active Elk Lodges in the United States, each identified by a number and the name of the city in which the Lodge resides.
Our Mission
To instill 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.
The Elks are officially known as the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks (BPOE) but, if you ask an Elk who likes dad jokes, are also known as the “Best People on Earth." Elks Lodges are places where neighbors come together, families share meals and children grow up.
Elks serve as the cornerstone of American social and civic engagement. Give a little. Get involved. Get a lot of personal reward in return.
Mary Snellgrove
Jack Sapp
Chris Snellgrove
Earl Howell
Pam Cobb
David Thompson
Terri Vandiver
Bill Cobb
Doug Harden
Charity Mroz
Mary DeBerry
Koren Sapp
Wayne Denham
Wendy Thompson
Reeda Hall - Secretary/Chattanooga Elks Lodge #91 elected to President of the Tennessee Elks Association; 2025-2026
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is an American fraternal order founded in 1868 originally as a social club in New York City. Today headquartered at Elks National Veterans Memorial in Chicago, Illinois, it is one of the leading fraternal orders in the United States, with over one million members.
Great milestone to the Elks for 150 years of service and giving to its communities. Here's to 150 more years. Join us today.
This timeline captures many of the Order's significant achievements in its first 150 years from 1868 - 2018. Take a look!