Elks Lodge 158 Public Page

07/23/2026

The Springfield lodge, chartered in 1903, focuses on community service, charitable programs, and youth initiatives, particularly supporting veterans. On Thursday, July 23rd, the 158 turns 123 years old. (The organization formed in 1868 is 158 years old this year.) Thank you to our past members who started the lodge, and to those who have helped keep it going throughout the years. Congratulations and cheers to many more ❤️ years of service to our lodge and our community!

Fraternally yours,
Joe Bartley, Exalted Ruler

07/23/2026

HAPPY 123RD BIRTHDAY!
A message from Exalted Ruler Joe Bartley

The Springfield lodge, chartered in 1903, focuses on community service, charitable programs, and youth initiatives, particularly supporting veterans. Today, July 23rd, the 158 turned 123 years old. (The organization formed in 1868 is 158 years old this year.) Thank you to our past members who started the lodge, and to those who have helped keep it going throughout the years. Congratulations and cheers to many more ❤️ years of service to our lodge and our community!
Fraternally yours,
Joe Bartley, Exalted Ruler

(Originally located on South Sixth Street in downtown Springfield. The lodge moved to Lake Springfield in the early 1970's. See attached photos of Springfield Elks Lodge #158 (aka Elks Club of Springfield, Illinois) then, and now!)

07/22/2026

So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.

The Elks National Veterans Service Commission takes this pledge one step further, promising service to our nation's veterans and military members with a special focus on service to those in need.

To learn more about all the ways the ENVSC serves our nation’s veterans, visit www.elks.org/vets/

07/22/2026

Too soon? Not for Elks! ❤️ 🎅

07/08/2026

Congratulations to our newly installed IEA State President Jeff Sterr, pictured here with Grand Exalted Ruler Bryan Klatt at the 2026 Elks National Convention in Chicago, Illinois

07/08/2026

"Right down the road" we have a gem for the whole family. Plan a family day with a visit to our local zoo. It's educational, fun, and you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.
Don't forget to take your camera 📸 📱

When was the last time you went to the zoo?

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
* Last admission at 4:30pm
April 11-October 31

Admission Fees:
Adults (13-61 years old) - $7.50
Children (3-12 years old) - $5.50
Seniors (62+) - $5.50
Children 2 and under - FREE

06/28/2026

MEDIA ALERT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Elks National Convention Comes to Chicago, July 4–July 8
One of America’s Largest Fraternal Organizations Gathers for 161st Annual Session

CHICAGO, IL — More than 8,000 delegates, members, and guests representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and the Panama Canal Area will gather in Chicago from Saturday, July 4, through Wednesday, July 8, 2026, for the 161st National Convention of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. With nearly 800,000 members nationwide, the Elks remain one of America's largest patriotic and charitable organizations, dedicated to serving veterans, supporting youth, strengthening communities, and promoting patriotism and American values.

Convention headquarters will be located at the Hilton Chicago, while daily business sessions, educational seminars, exhibits, and special events will take place at McCormick Place Convention Center. Thousands of attendees are expected to contribute significantly to Chicago's hospitality, tourism, and business sectors during one of the city's major summer conventions. The highlight of the convention is the celebration of a historic milestone on July 4th. The Elks will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Elks National Memorial and Headquarters Building in Chicago, one of the organization's most significant landmarks and symbols of patriotism.

Founded in 1868, the Elks have contributed more than $15 billion in charitable support throughout their history. In the past year alone, Elks members provided more than $545 million in combined charitable giving, volunteer service, and in-kind contributions benefiting veterans, students, first responders, disaster relief efforts, and communities across America.

Members of the media interested in covering the convention, conducting interviews, or obtaining additional information are encouraged to contact:

Rick Gathen Director, Membership & Marketing Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (862) 324-2412 [email protected]

For additional information about the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the 2026 National Convention, please visit the organization's official website Elks.org.

06/28/2026

A Once-in-a-Century Celebration Begins

For 100 years, the Elks National Memorial has stood as a symbol of patriotism, service, and our unwavering commitment to America's veterans.

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, Elks from across the nation will gather in Chicago to commemorate this extraordinary milestone. Whether you can attend in person or not, you can still be part of this historic occasion by joining the official livestream.

Mark your calendar now and prepare to celebrate a century of service with thousands of fellow Elks across the country.

Watch the livestream: https://www.elks.org/memorial/Anniversary.cfm

Share this post and invite another Elk to celebrate with you.