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    WESTLOCK ELKS LODGE #330

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November 24, 1927 was a historic day in the history of the Elks, as it was the day a lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks of Canada was organized in Westlock consisting of 50  members. It was instituted as Westlock Lodge No. 177.  After a few years it became inactive.  On March 27, 1950 a new lodge was instituted with seventy-one members being initiated with Bro. R. F. Staples as the first Exalted Ruler.            

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The Elks dedicated their time and efforts to raise funds for the needs of the less fortunate in our community.  

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The Elks spearheaded the drive toward the construction of the outdoor swimming pool and the development of Lindahl Park.  Later the Elks provided funding for the Sundeck at the swimming pool.  They assisted in the maintenance of the original Memorial Hall, fairground bleachers and arena.  For many years with the aid of the Royal Purple the Elks conducted Red Cross canvassing of the town and held Tag Days collecting for their National Charity the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children and the early detection of hearing and speech in children under the age of 18 years. 

 

Funds have been used throughout the years benefiting local minor sports, Kids Christmas parties, assisting the Public Library, Hospital and recreational facilities, bleachers and a Band Shell at Mountie Park, Gazebo at the Long Term Centre. They sponsored student trips and helped finance trips for school bands.

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Today ,the Lodge has over 30 members and enjoy the participation of over 65 percent of the membership at meetings and fund raisers.  

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Through the efforts of some Elks members and the Hall Board directors a new Memorial Hall was built after a fire destroyed the old Memorial Hall in 1992. The Elks contributed to the purchase of a parking lot for the Memorial Hall and since 2001 the Elks Lodge has taken over the operation of the new Memorial Hall.  All meetings and functions  of the Elks and other local clubs are housed in this Hall.

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The Westlock Elks took responsibility of updating the Provincial Elks Float and transported the float to fairs and events across the Province.    

                                                                     

The Elks major source of revenue is operating their weekly Monday night Elks Bingos, participate in assisting in the operation of Casinos which provides them with additional funds and selling tickets for a Cash Raffle, now in its 49th year. They believe in working with other organizations, offering assistance to the local Agricultural Fair and Museums. 

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The funds raised from these sources have been distributed to local community needs as well as generous contributions to the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children and the Alberta Elks Foundation.

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Over $50,000 is raised annually by the Westlock Elks towards supporting the needs of our community.    

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Other Programs supported by the Elks Lodge are:  School Scholarships, ISTAR, STARS Ambulance, Food Bank, Hospital Equipment Fund and Long-term Care equipment, Library,  Fire Safety House,  local sports clubs, sponsor of free-swim at the pool, assist fire victims, school playgrounds and many other organizations. Major contributions have been towards the Mountie Park Grandstand Bleachers, $60,000 towards a CT Scan for the local hospital and over $100,000 towards the construction and maintenance of the new Westlock Memorial Hall..

Westlock Elks hosted Elks Corby Cup Tournament and the Provincial Elks Conference in Westlock 2014

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The Lodge believes in socializing and having fun. They have an annual summer BBQ, Christmas party, as well as some BBQ supper meetings and have enjoyed RV campouts in the past.

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The members continuously perform the Elks Ritual in full regalia at all meetings and believe this helps to retain their membership and attendance at meetings. For several years they held the trophy for Ritual competition.

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The Elks Lodge is well known and highly respected in the community.