Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

of the United States of America

(310) 831-0624

As dedicated in its constitution, the Order was founded to practice four cardinal virtues; Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity, to promote the spirit of American patriotism, and to cultivate good fellowship. It is strictly an American fraternity, is non-sectarian and non-political.

On February 16, 1868, the Order of Elks was formally organized in New York City. A group of actors, calling themselves "The Jolly Corks", who had been meeting weekly for social purposes, decided to adopt a more serious and permanent policy. They changed the name to "Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks" and established the first lodge. Since then, the Order has grown and today there are more than 2100 Lodges.

Membership in the order is open to any American citizen of good character who will pledge allegiance to our flag, who is over 21 years of age and believes in the existence of God. The applicant must be proposed by a member. The application, signed by the applicant and the proposer, shall be submitted together with a check for the Initiation fee to the Lodge Office. When elected to membership the applicant will be notified of the date of Initiation.

The applicant and family will be invited to an indoctrination program. This program is presented by the Lodge officers and will inform the new member and family, in greater detail, what they may expect from the Order and what their responsibilities are.

For new members the dues are pro-rated for the current year. After payment of dues, the Lodge Secretary will issue the membership card, which when signed by the member will gain him/her admission to any Elks Lodge. A card is available for the Member’s spouse. This allows their admission to the Lodge facilities at any time except on Lodge meeting nights. This card must be requested by the member at the Membership Office. A member shall not lend their membership card to another. A membership card is not subject for use by anyone other than the person named on the card.

Effective September 1, 2005 there will be a service charge to replace lost or stolen cards. Progressive lost card fees: First $25.00; Second $50.00; Third $100.00.

There is to be no lending of cards to non-members or members who have lost or misplaced their cards.

Key cards to the electronic side doors will be available for purchase to members paid to April 1, 2007. Absolutely No replacements on purchased Key Cards. Membership card must be shown at time of purchase.

The Trustees serve for five years and one is elected each year, in February, and is installed along with the officers in April. The Trustees are responsible for the Lodge facilities. They also control the funds of the Lodge and prepare the budget each year.

The Club, established in connection with the Lodge, shall be managed, supervised and controlled by the Exalted Ruler, Esteemed Leading Knight, Esteemed Loyal Knight, Esteemed Lecturing Knight and the Trustees of the Lodge.

The Emblem Club is an organization of ladies who are related to Elks members. Wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and widows are eligible for membership. The purposes of the Emblem Club are charity, patriotism, good fellowship and assistance to the Elks Lodge.

A member may bring guests for lunch, dinner, dances and parties and will be responsible for them while they are on the premises. When the member leaves the facility, the guest must also leave. No non-member will be admitted unless accompanied by a member. All guests must leave the premises before 6:00 p.m. on Lodge meeting nights, except those meetings designated as "open".

The supreme legislative body of the Order is the Grand Lodge. It is permanently composed of all Past Exalted Rulers who are in good standing in their respective Lodges. The Exalted Ruler of each subordinate Lodge is the representative of the Lodge at the sessions of the Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge elects its own officers; proposes amendments to the Constitution which must be ratified by subordinate Lodges; provides for institution of new Lodges; prescribes the rituals of the Order and its paraphernalia, emblem and jewels; and enacts all legislation for the administration of the affairs of the Order.

State Associations are organized by subordinate Lodges but have no jurisdiction over them or their members. Their purposes are to promote better ritual exemplification in their member Lodges and to provide fraternal contacts between members of various Lodges. They are empowered to regulate their own internal affairs and promote such benevolent activities as the may select. They also act in an advisory capacity in the establishment of new Lodges.

"Elks Magazine" is published by the Grand Lodge and is mailed to each member ten times per year. It contains articles of general interest as well as news from the State Associations and local Lodges. "California-Hawaii Elks Magazine" is published ten times per year by the California-Hawaii Elks association. This publication contains news of local Lodges and reports on activities of the Association. The "Six-Bells" is published each month by the San Pedro Lodge #966 and is mailed to each member. It contains a calendar of events, committee reports, and news of the San Pedro Lodge and its members.

All members must show their Membership cards at the security desk upon entering the lodge. No exceptions.

Guests must be accompanied by an Elk member at all times when in the Lodge and club facilities. Guests may not be left unattended. This means that when the member leaves the facility, the guest must also leave.

Invited guests of a "properly sponsored" private party must remain with their group at all times. They will not be allowed to wander about or use any portion of the facility except as specifically stated in the written contract.

Visiting members from other Elks Lodges are invited to sign the Guest Register upon entering the facility.

Guests are permitted at any time except Mondays after 6:00 p.m. and during special functions when the lodge is open to "Ticket Holders" only.

No liquor is to be taken from or brought into the Lodge premises at any time. This is a violation of State Law. Members in violation are subject to disciplinary action.

The Lodge expects all Members to wear attire appropriate for a CASUAL SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout the Lodge and Club during all hours of operation.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday throughout the Lodge and Club until 6:00p.m.

In the Main Bar at any time the Lodge is open except as described below.

Shorts will not be permitted

On the Dance Floor (unless approved by the event chairperson and published in the Six-Bells).

In the Main Bar during special events as defined by the House Committee. These special events will include, but are not limited to the Purple Bubble Ball, Inaugural Ball, Holiday Ball and New Year’s Eve Party.

Sandals are permitted during all hours of operation. Go-aheads (flip flops, thongs, etc.) will NOT be permitted after 6:00 p.m.

At NO TIME will tank tops, halters, cut-off jeans, swimwear or bare feet be permitted within the Lodge or Club premises with the exception of the standards covered under the rules that govern the Health Club, Tennis Courts, and Swimming Pool areas.

The use of profane, abusive or threatening language is strictly forbidden. Any person using such language will be asked to desist and may be ejected and have Club Privileges removed by the House Committee.

Smoking Regulation: There is NO smoking permitted in the building, pool area or tennis courts at any time.

Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. (last call at 11:30 p.m.)