10/16/2026
The History of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
Newark Lodge No. 391 — Newark, Ohio
The history of Newark Elks Lodge No. 391 reflects more than a century of fellowship, charitable service, and community involvement. The Newark Lodge founded in 1898, became part of a national fraternal organization dedicated to charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. Its story illustrates how a local organization grew through the dedication of its members and a shared commitment to serving others.
The Founding of the Elks
On February 16, 1868, fifteen men associated with the theatrical profession met in a room on New York City’s Bowery and organized the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Known as the “Jolly Corks,” they originally sought to establish a fraternity whose charitable efforts would assist distressed and indigent members of their profession.
Recognizing that the demanding, often nomadic lifestyle of theatrical performers could limit the organization’s charitable reach, members eventually opened the fraternity to men from other occupations. The organization developed its own identity, traditions, and ritual, establishing the foundation for the Elks as they are known today.
The Order’s principles emphasize fellowship, equality, and service to others. Its emblem, the elk, represents qualities traditionally associated with alertness, strength, and protection of the young and vulnerable. Charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity remain central to the organization’s ideals.
The Founding of Newark Lodge No. 391
Newark Lodge No. 391 was established in Newark, Ohio, in 1898. Its Golden Anniversary booklet, published in 1948, commemorated fifty years of Elkdom in Newark and documented the Lodge’s early development.
From the beginning, the Lodge provided local members with an opportunity to gather in fellowship while supporting charitable causes and the welfare of their community. The organization’s growth reflected the commitment of members who contributed their time, resources, and energy to establishing a lasting presence in Newark.
Early Meeting Places, 1898–1924
From 1898 through 1903, Newark Lodge held meetings in the Knights of Pythias Hall in the Hibbert and Schaus Building. As membership grew, the Lodge moved to the Oriel Building. Eventually, this location could no longer accommodate the expanding organization.
In 1920, property owned by the Lodge on East Main Street was offered for sale. According to the 1948 anniversary booklet, the site later became the location of the Newark branch of Cussin-Fearn. Proceeds from the sale helped finance the purchase of a larger, more permanent Lodge home.
The John Swisher Home
In 1923, plans were made to purchase the John Swisher home on Hudson Avenue. The property was acquired in 1924 for $45,000, with an additional $15,000 allocated for remodeling and equipment.
The investment demonstrated the members’ commitment to providing suitable accommodations for the growing Lodge. On January 1, 1925, the new Lodge home officially opened, offering expanded space for meetings, fellowship, and organizational activities. The purchase and renovation represented a significant milestone in the Lodge’s development and established a home for its continuing work.
Continued Growth and Expansion Plans
Membership continued to increase after the Hudson Avenue home opened. By the spring of 1927, the need for additional space had become apparent.
At a special meeting on April 19, 1927, Brothers Fletcher S. Scott and Charles L. Haslop introduced a motion proposing the appointment of a new Building and Finance Committee. The committee would study the need for a larger Lodge hall and banquet rooms, develop plans for additional space, and organize the finances necessary to support the proposed expansion.
These efforts, recorded in the 1948 anniversary booklet, illustrate the Lodge’s continued growth and its members’ determination to provide facilities for meetings, social gatherings, and other organizational activities.
Charity, Youth, and Community Service
Throughout its history, the Elks have emphasized helping people experiencing hardship and strengthening the communities they serve. Newark Lodge No. 391’s community-oriented mission reflects these longstanding principles.
Charitable outreach can include fundraising, donations, volunteer service, and support for local schools, community organizations, food assistance efforts, veterans’ groups, and other worthy causes. Such activities express the original purpose of the Order: to provide practical assistance to those in need and encourage members to make a difference in their communities.
Education and youth development are also important parts of the Elks’ broader charitable mission. National initiatives include the Elks National Foundation Scholarship Program, the Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest, and the Drug Awareness Program. These programs encourage educational achievement, sportsmanship, personal responsibility, and healthy choices.
The Order also maintains a longstanding tradition of honoring and assisting veterans and military families. Through its emphasis on patriotism, appreciation, and service, the Elks recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served the United States.
Fellowship and Membership
Newark Lodge No. 391 represents more than a meeting place. It is a fraternal organization built on shared values, lasting relationships, and a commitment to helping others.
Social gatherings, charitable projects, fundraising events, and community activities bring members together and sustain the bonds of fellowship that have defined the Order for generations. Each generation has contributed to the Lodge’s traditions while helping prepare the organization for the future.
Preserving a Lasting Legacy
From its early meetings in rented halls to the acquisition of the John Swisher home on Hudson Avenue, Newark Lodge No. 391’s history reflects determination, growth, and a commitment to community.
The Lodge’s Golden Anniversary booklet preserves an important record of its first fifty years, documenting the decisions and investments that helped establish its place in Newark’s history. Such historical records offer valuable insight into the people, places, and organizations that helped shape the community.
More than a century after its founding, the enduring principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity continue to represent the ideals of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
The story of Newark Lodge No. 391 is ultimately the story of generations of members who came together in fellowship and sought to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Its history remains an important part of Newark’s fraternal and civic heritage, reminding us that the strength of a community rests in the dedication of those who serve it and the traditions they pass on to future generations.
