Mississippi
State Association of Elks |
NATIONAL HISTORY Improved, Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks of the World The Improved, Benevolent, Protective Order of Elks of the World is a non-profit organization that was granted copyright as an organization on September 28, 1898, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The founders, Arthur J. Riggs and Benjamin Franklin Howard, dreamed of forming an Elks organization for people of color that would address the educational, physical, emotional and social needs of the community. The organization was founded on the cardinal principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly and Sisterly Love and Fidelity. The purpose of the organization is to promote and enhance the welfare and happiness of its members, that nobleness of soul and goodness of heart be cultivated, that the cardinal principles be inculcated, that its members and their families be assisted and protected, and that the spirit of patriotism be enlivened and exalted. Its mission is to practice charity by providing and performing charitable services in communities throughout the world and to promote harmony, friendship, and unity among our members. Daughters’ Auxiliary On June 13, 1902, Emma V. Kelley organized the Daughters of Elks in Norfolk, VA to be an auxiliary to the Brothers of Elks. The purpose of the organization was to practice benevolence and to uplift humanity and its members. On September 9, 1903, the Grand Temple was organized with the sole purpose of uniting all women of sound health and good moral character to give moral and material aid, and to elevate its members. The mission was to engage women around the world in adopting the cardinal principles of Charity, Justice, Sisterly Love and Fidelity. The programs of the Grand Lodge and Grand Temple are centered around four major facets: • Education These facets are the vehicles by which we impact communities throughout the nation. |