History. The Elks began in 1868 as a social club for minstrel show performers, called the "Jolly Corks". It was established as a private club to elude New York City laws governing the opening hours of public taverns. The Elks borrowed rites and practices from Freemasonry.

Do the Elks have a secret handshake?

By 1910, Elks done away with almost all of the ritual — including secret handshakes and passwords — and settled into the function they held for much of the 20th century: a group of (white) men, initiated only upon recommendation from another member of the lodge, who paid yearly dues, enjoyed lavish facilities built ...

What do the Elks believe?

Elks are Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. With the practice of these virtues your community will be a better place in which to live. To be eligible for membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, you must be a citizen of the United States over the age of 21 who believes in God.

Who belongs to the Masons?

Throughout history, the Masons diverse membership has consisted of emperors, kings, presidents, religious leaders, sports and entertainment legends, scientists, inventors and statesmen, including: 14 Presidents of the United States. 35 United States Supreme Court Justices. 17 United States Senators.

What is the purpose of the Elks Club?

OUR PURPOSE: This Fraternal Order was founded "To promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship."

Does the Elks Club allow black members?

But Kenneth Moore, a former national president of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, which was founded in 1868 as a social organization that gradually took on a charitable mission, said that blacks are welcome as members. The organization's bylaws were changed in 1972 to allow blacks as members, he said.

What is the origin of the Elks Club?

The Elks organization was founded in New York City on February 16, 1868 under the name "Jolly Corks" by 15 actors, entertainers and others associated with the theater. In ensuing years, membership expanded to other professions.

What's a 33 degree Mason?

A 33rd Degree Mason is a Master Mason who has exhibited knowledge, passion and sacrifice to his Craft. A Supreme Council awards the 33rd Degree as a way of honoring outstanding and selfless work performed in the Rite or in public life.

How do masons identify each other?

The secrets of Freemasonry are the various modes of recognition – grips (handshakes), passwords and signs (hand gestures) that indicate one is a Freemason.

What is the G in the Freemason symbol?

The Masonic Letter 'G' is a letter that represents God and Geometry. It is a reminder to every Freemason that every act they carry out is done in the presence of God, the Master Architect of the Universe. 'G' represents the letters four and science five.

How does one become a Freemason?

To become a member of Freemasonry, all you need to do is locate your local lodge where you live, work or study. We'll then ask for a few personal details which will be forwarded to you local masonic area. They will then get in touch with you, and can tell you more about Freemasonry and answer your questions.

What is Elks initiation?

The Initiation ritual should normally be performed as part of a regular Antlers' Lodge meeting, or as part of another Elk or Antler ceremonial occasion. It is permissible for outside visitors to be present during this ceremony. All spectators shall maintain the utmost decorum throughout the presentation of the ritual.]

What happens at Elks Lodge initiation?

The initiation rite is not considered a secret. The initiation involves an altar, with a Bible upon it and chaplain leading the brethren in prayers and psalms. The candidate must accept a "solemn and binding obligation" to never "reveal any of the confidential matters of the Order".

Is the Elks Lodge religious?

The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity.

How do Elks greet each other?

Elks, is the original "Hello Bill!" of Elkdom, and this cheerful salutation which has found its way around the world, originated in Minneapolis during the Elks' National Re-Union in that city in 1897.

What do Masons say at the end of a prayer?

"So mote it be" is a ritual phrase used by the Freemasons, in Rosicrucianism, and more recently by Neopagans, meaning "so may it be", "so it is required", or "so must it be", and may be said after the person giving the prayer says 'Amen'.

What is the son of a mason called?

The object was then lifted into place and made part of the structure. In speculative Freemasonry a Lewis is the son of a Freemason who joins the fraternity. As an analogy it is commonly meant that the father raised (levatum) the son into position to take his place as part of the structure of Freemasonry.

What is Mason handshake?

Freemasons greet one another with a variety of handshakes, all based on one's rank within the organization. “There is a handshake for each degree: Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master, i.e., the first three degrees and also in the higher degrees,” says Révauger.

What are female Freemasons called?

The older society, having started working higher degrees, changed its name in 1958, appending the Order of Women Freemasons, as they are known today. Both bodies have lodges throughout the United Kingdom, and the Order of Women Freemasons also has lodges in Australasia, Zimbabwe, and Spain.

Is a Shriner higher than a Mason?

Members of the Masonic lodges are required to learn about their fraternity and earn a series of Masonic degrees. When a member has completed the third and final degree he becomes a Master Mason and is then eligible to become a Shriner.

What finger do Masons wear their ring on?

The pinky finger is mostly acceptable for wearing your ring and it becomes even more acceptable the further up in the tradition you advance. The symbol of the compass should be worn facing towards you only if you are a newer member because it shows you are taking the pledge to the tradition seriously.

How many Elks lodges are there in the United States?

With more than 1.1 million members in more than 2,100 lodges nationwide, the Elks is one of the largest and most active fraternal organizations in the United States; consisting of American Citizens of the United States and its Territories.

What is the oldest Elks Lodge in the United States?

At the nation's oldest operating lodge, Lodge 3 in San Francisco, 600 of its 800 members are under 40.

How long has the Elks Lodge been around?

When the Grand Lodge Charter was issued, the founders then received the first local charter as New York Lodge No. 1 on March 10, 1871. Explore History. Visit the Elks History Project to see decades worth of magazine issues, historical photographs, and more.

What is an Esquire in Elks?

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.