Membership

Membership

New Members:

November 25, 2008

Rear Row: Richard D. McCullough and Charles J. Biehn

Front: Jeff McLaughlin, Ashley Bills, ER, Courtney A. Ekeber, Stephen K. Frish

September 27, 2007

Front Left to Right

Gerald Fehrenbach, Scott Hubocan, ER, Hal Mattson, Jairb Valderrama, Roger Dietterle, Will Martinson

Rear: Clinton Knitz, Tom Gutmann, William Porter, James Cough, Roger Moore, Englebert Quechenberger

August 2007

L-R Front; Anna Sievers, Joyce Flitner, ER, Dorothy White, Thomas Crandall

Standing; Jason Glass, Mohammed Emeni, Ronald Saltzgiver, Neil Strecker

July 24, 2007

Seated L-R Susan Bannister, Hal Mattson ER, Joe Kricena

Standing L-R Tom Epperson, Tony Meyer, Charles Van Arman

Sitting L-R:Jenny Wetzel, ER, Amy N. Sangiorgi & Melissa A. Converse

Standing L-R: Rick Salisbury, Edwin Harvey & John Loney

November 28, 2006 Initiation

Standing Left to Right; Chris Parker, Kevin Mohl, George De Ford, Kenneth Patterson and Gerald De Vries

Sitting; Eugene "Pat" Coyl, Jerry Beard, Gerald Grosch, Daniel McNulty-Price and Shawn Low

Join us! For more information, contact us via email at mvelks@sbcglobal.net or (949) 830-ELKS

or:

Membership Chairman,

Elks Lodge 2444

25092 Marguerite Parkway

Mission Viejo, Ca. 92692

ELKS MEMBERSHIP

WHAT IS "THE ELKS"?

B.P.O.E. stands for BENEVOLENT and PROTECTIVE ORDER of ELKS. B.O.P.E is a nationwide fraternal organization founded in 1868, Mission Viejo Saddleback valley Lodge was founded in 1972.

The animal from which the Order took its name was chosen because a number of its attributes were deemed typical of those to be cultivated by members of the fraternity. The elk is distinctively an American animal. It habitually lives in herds. The largest of our native quadrupeds, it is yet fleet of foot and graceful in movement. It is quick and keen of perception; and while it is usually gentle and even timorous, it is strong and valiant in defense of its own.

A representation of the majestic head of the male, with its spreading antlers, was adopted as the first badge of the Order, and is still the most conspicuous element of its copyrighted fraternal emblem.

WHO ARE THE ELKS?

An ELK member is an American citizen who guides his course in life by the cardinal principles of our order: Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity..They are Americans who want to save its great values; who love others and want to make sure they are healthy and happy; and who love life and want to contribute to it, as well as to share it.

HOW MANY ELKS ARE THERE?

2,177 Lodges in our 50 states, with almost a Million members, Mission Viejo Saddleback valley Lodge has over 700 members.

WHAT DO THE ELKS DO?

We actively sponsor, support and/or participate in over fifty charitable works and community services. Members on a local, state and national level donate money, mileage, and volunteer hours for programs such as youth activities, veterans, handicapped, and the underprivileged. Nationally, in money, the Elks donated over $51.7 Million for fiscal 2000.

So You Want to Join the Elks

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.

You must be sponsored by a member of the Elks Lodge and reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join. You also need two other Elks who will be your co-sponsors. The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary.

After your proposer fills in the required portion, you will be given the Application for Membership. Fill it in, following the instructions and answering all questions. Return the completed application to the Lodge Secretary with the prescribed fees.

Your application will be read at a regular Lodge meeting. It will then be forwarded to the Investigating Committee, who will call you and set up a time for you and your sponsor to meet with the committee so that they can interview you.

After the interview is concluded, the committee will report to the Lodge concerning your membership. The members will be given a notice not less than 10 days nor more than two months before the vote will be taken.

When the vote is concluded, you will be notified and asked to present yourself and your spouse for indoctrination. During indoctrination, you will learn more about the Order's programs and charities. You will also be told during the program the date you will be initiated.

After initiation as an Elk, you can take part in all meetings and social functions of the Lodge.

If for any reason your application is rejected, you cannot make application for membership for six months from the date of rejection.

Download our brochure, "Why Should I Become an Elk"?

Click here: The_Elks.pdf