Glens Falls Elks Lodge #81

About Us

Elks Lodges bring so much more to their communities than just a building. They are places where neighbors come together, families share meals, and children grow up. Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today's veterans, and improve the quality of life.

Origin
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.

Purposes
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.''

Membership
The Order is a non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American fraternity. Proposal for membership in the Order is only by invitation of a member in good standing. To be accepted as a member, one must be an American citizen, believe in God, be of good moral character and be at least 21 years old.

What We Do
The Order spends more than $80,000,000 every year for benevolent, educational and patriotic community-minded programs in such fields as benefiting special needs children, sponsoring Elks National Foundation scholarships, scouting, athletic teams, veterans' works, a national ''Hoop Shoot'' free-throw contest involving more than 3 million children, physical and occupational therapy programs and patriotic programs.