Watchung Hills Elks Lodge #885 Continues in the 150 Year Tradition of BPOE


Submitted by Mike Ryder

Founded in New York City on February 16, 1868, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. This non-political, non-sectarian and strictly American Fraternal Order was founded “to promote and practice the four cardinal virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American Patriotism and cultivate good fellowship.”

Each year the Elks spend more than $80,000,000 for benevolent, educational and community-minded services in areas such as patriotic programs, drug awareness education, help for special needs children, scholarships, scouting, athletics, veterans’ works and physical and occupational therapy. Since its founding the BPOE has donated more than 4 billion dollars; last year alone, the national Elks organization donated approximately $675 million in cash, gifts and time to make our communities better places to live. The Elks are one of the premier patriotic and charitable organizations in the United States of America with more than 1,900 lodges across the country and approximately 800,000 members.

Watchung Hills Elks Lodge #885, founded 56 years ago, is a thriving community service group that each year contributes time and resources to organizations like “Food Bank Network of Somerset County,” the Lyons and Menlo Park VA Hospitals in service to our veterans, Herren Project for Drug Awareness and the Elks Camp Moore for children with special needs. Additionally, last year we started supporting our local Cub Scouts, Warren’s Pack 182.

We are located at 1 Elks Trail in Warren Township, situated on 6.5 acres including a pavilion, bandstand, picnic area, grotto, meeting hall and swimming pool. Our Meeting Hall and outdoor pavilion and picnic area facilities are available for Public use for an appropriate donation; non-profits at no charge.

Contact us at membership@elkslodge885.org with your questions, call (908) 668-9727 to reserve our facilities or visit www.elkslodge885.org to learn more about us.