Who we are...
We are a fraternal organization that includes among its values promoting and practicing the virtues of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; and promoting the welfare and enhancing the happiness of its members, the South Orange Elks value diversity and celebrate the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
We are committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from under-represented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders. Making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is the responsibility of all Elks.
The South Orange Elks has served our community for over 110 years. We are men and women from your neighborhood who support children with special needs, veterans, local food banks, and other local organizations and charities in South Orange/Maplewood. We also have the best live entertainment in the area at our "First Fridays" band nights, comedy nights, dance parties, and more.
What we do...
We sponsor and support South Orange Elks Rent Party Garden, Boy Scout Troop 60, Maplewood-South Orange Girls Softball, South Orange Maplewood Little League Baseball, Special Olympics, the SOMS MMS & CHS Music Programs, South Orange Rescue Squad, and more.
We host VFW meetings, Jespy House parties, Girl Scout ceremonies, local school and team fundraisers, CHS Girls Softball team, Maplewood-South Orange softball draft, Jespy House parties, Maplewoodstock meetings, Maplewood Lacrosse, Cougar Soccer, and more!
Our events include an Americanism Essay Contest, Scholarship programs, Army of Hope & Elks Camp Moore fundraisers, First Fridays music nights, Flag Day ceremony, meals served at Veteran's hospitals, Hoop Shoot contest, Lodge memorial service, Christmas toy drive, Memorial Day, Veterans’ picnic, marching in the Memorial Day parade, St. Patrick's Day Dinner, and we are always adding to our activities.
The History of South Orange Lodge #1154
On May 20th, 1909, inside our South Orange Village Hall, The South Orange Lodge was instituted as Subordinate Lodge #1154 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. District Deputy & Grand Exalted Ruler Edmund G. Statler of Paterson Lodge officiated under dispensation from R.L. Holland, Grand Exalted Ruler. Twenty seven men and two emits represented the chartered members installation. Fred Ardrey was first to be installed as the Exalted Ruler along with first Secretary William H. Van Iderstein.
By the end of the first year, South Orange boasted a total of 48 members. Within five years our lodge had more then doubled to 100 members. The highest mark in membership came in April, 1932 when there was a total of 632 members on the roster. Presently our lodge is home to just under 300 members, both men and women.
Initial meetings were held in the Masonic Temple, Fred Ardrey Funeral Home, The Junior Order Hall, The Knights of Columbus Auditorium and Meyers Hall. After many attempts, South Orange Lodge #1154 finally purchased its first home in June, 1916 located at 71 Second Street and later moved to the present location at 220 Prospect Street.