Founded September 26, 1912 and incorporated under a special Dominion of Canada Charter. The first lodge was established in Vancouver, B.C. and the Officers and members expanded the Elks organization across Canada. Charles E. Redeker became the first National Leader of the Elks of Canada.

The largest, all-Canadian, fraternal organization in Canada developed.

The Elks of Canada have grown to over 250 lodges with close to 15,000 members and are committed to our Vision of being the most progressive family focused organization in Canada, meeting community and member needs and expectations.

Over the years changes have been made to realize this Vision. In 1998 a referendum was passed by the membership removing the word male from the Constitution – permitting women to join the Elks.

The qualifications to become a member of the Elks are: Any person of good reputation, a believer in a Supreme Being, an adherent of lawful government and having attained the age of 16.

Members are initiated by their home lodge, become members of the National Order and receive a warm welcome in any lodge they visit across Canada. Think of it as a “national network” of friends.

All applicants must complete a membership application and be proposed by a member in good standing at a regular meeting of a Lodge. Membership fees are collected and a ballot/vote upon the admission of the candidate is taken. (Fees are determined by each local Lodge.) Once approved each member is “initiated” into the Elks by a special and meaningful ceremony. Once initiated they are entitled to all the privileges of membership in the Elks of Canada.

The men and women of the Elks of Canada promote and support community needs across Canada.

History of the Vegreville Elks Lodge #143

            The Vegreville Elks Lodge was formed in Vegreville under a charter dated November 24^th, 1926.  The first exalted ruler was A. H. Goodwin.  The Lodge’s first meetings were held in the Dobbin’s Building (Legion Hall).  The original home of the Lodge was a two story house purchased in 1932.  The present home was purchased in 1942 and has been added to since, with a major renovation and addition taking place in 1986.  A further minor renovation occurred this past year with the installation of a metal roof and new siding on the front portion of the hall.  As well, new signs for the Elks Hall were purchased and installed.

The Lodge is very proud of two Brothers, the late Robert Robert, and the late Dr. Nick Kuzyk, who became Grand Exalted Rulers of our Order in 1967 and 1975 respectfully.

Over the years, the Lodge has participated in many events and carried on many projects.  These include supporting minor sports, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and Cadets to mention a few.   As well, the Lodge has supported the building of playgrounds, the provision of transportation services through VTSS.  The Lodge also hosts an annual Fair Raffle.  We have participated in bingos with Vegreville Alclub Bingo and had sponsored a brass band (in the 1930’s).  The Lodge also sponsors the Elks Fish Pond and Park (where Vegreville’s world famous Pysanka is located).

During the early years of the Lodge’s existence, carnivals were held at the old Heather Curling Club Building.  The Fair Raffle was also instituted as a means of raising funds for our many local projects.  The early raffles had tractors and boats as prizes.  Today, the raffle features cash prizes.  The late Mayor Hawreliak of Edmonton was one of our early winners of a tractor.

In 1956, the Lodge, with the assistance and cooperation of the Royal Purple Lodge #125,  undertook the production of the play “Aaron Slick From Pumkin Crick”.  The play was produced and directed by the late Brother Robert Robert.  The leading actor was the late Brother Sol Lucow and the leading actress was the late Lady Lucy Kassian.  The play went on the road for performances in Mannville, and Holden.  There were a couple of performances in Vegreville, and then the show went to Chipman, where it came to an abrupt end as no one showed up.  On the way home, the troupe stopped at Moon’s Café in Mundare to celebrate the end of the show biz tour until the wee hours of the morning.

The Lodge also held several Cultural supper nights under the capable direction of master chef, the late Brother Robert Robert.  Throughout the years, the Lodge hosted many New Years’ Eve celebrations.  Near the end, we even joined with the local Legion, Branch #39, to keep these annual celebrations continuing, but with declining interest and increasing band costs, the event was eventually phased out.

At one point, the Lodge hosted a Casino night, but that too did not last.  That particular night the weather was monsoon like and the turnout was very poor.

In 1992/93, the Lodge Members decided to erect a replica of an Elk at the Elks Park and Fish Pond.  The project was spearheaded by the late Brother Henry Landry and a statue was ordered from the Museum of Yukon Natural History Inc. from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, in 1993.  The curator was Chuck Buchanan of Northfork Taxidermy.  The total price of the Elk was $3 885.00, including shipping to Edmonton.  The Elks was picked up by Lodge members and brought to Vegreville in the back of a pick-up truck.  It was then mounted in the centre of the flower bed and later raised on a pedestal, to prevent joy riders from trying to ride the Elk.

For many years the Lodge had a very capable and strong Patrol Team, under the leadership of the late Brother George Hoggins.  However, as the years went by, the members were forced to retire and our patrol team is no more. The Patrol Team is sorely missed by those of us who remember its strong performances at many Lodge functions.

The Elks Lodge continues its strong community participation by sponsoring local youth groups and non-profit groups by providing the use of the hall at minimal cost to them for their annual functions.  The groups basically get the use of the hall for the cost of janitorial services (usually $25 to $50).  We have also purchased hockey jerseys, baseball uniforms and other minor sports equipment.  The Lodge has also been a strong supporter of school programs.  We supported the Big Drum Program at St. Martin’s Catholic Elementary School,  and currently  support various awards programs at St. Mary’s Catholic Junior/Senior High School as well as Vegreville Composite High School.  A major program undertaken by the Lodge was the provision of shirts for the VCHS band and a contribution of $30 000 towards the purchase of Two – 24 passenger buses for Vegreville Composite High School.

Most recently, the Lodge pledged $10 000 to the Vegreville Minor Soccer Association for its Pitch development program and $2000 to the Girl Guides for the trip to Ottawa.

Another area of support is St. Joseph’s General Hospital.  At one time the Lodge undertook the funding and construction of a helicopter Landing Pad at the hospital as well as the provision of major equipment for use in the hospital and in the local senior care centres.  We have also provided a specialized wheel chair and specialized equipment for the speech, visual and hearing impaired.  Most recently the Lodge donated $5000.00 towards the purchase of a Medical Simulator Clinical Training Centre, which will be based at St. Josephs General Hospital in Vegreville.  The Lodge has also pledged funds towards the purchase of a mobile ECG unit

Currently, the Lodge participates in a Casino at Fort McMurray.  This annual event helps the Lodge support its hall and provides large sums of money for distribution to various local groups.  As well, the Lodge has made significant contributions towards the Lions Spray Park, the Kinettes Play Ground Project, and a kitchen upgrade for CALS.

The Lodge participates in the annual Exhibition parade by bringing in the Provincial Parade Float and our members walk alongside the float distributing candy to the children lined up to watch the parade.  This is done with the support and cooperation of our Royal Purple Lodge.

The Vegreville Lodge has been and continues to be a strong supporter of arts programs.  On an annual basis, the Lodge supports the Wendy Brook Music Festival and the Fine Arts Cultural Fund maintained by the Vegreville Cultural Association.

Recently, the Lodge has been a strong supporter of the Vortex Football Team, and the Dare Program.  As well, the Lodge provides funds for the Vegreville Transportation Services Society, on an annual basis.  Our commitment to the youth and seniors of our community is very strong and continues to grow on an annual basis.

The Lodge is also a supporter and contributor to the Canada Day Program Fireworks hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council in Vegreville.  The Elks Park is usually the site for the annual Canada Day fireworks.

In 2010, the Elks played a large role in hosting of the Olympic Torch on its way through Vegreville, with Brother Elks providing security and serving on the planning committee.

Every year, with the support and co-operation of the Town of Vegreville, the pond at the Elks/Kinsmen Park is filled with water and stocked with trout.  The pond is open to youths under 16 and seniors for fishing during the summer, and when frozen over, the pond is used for skating.  The Lodge has purchased two fountains for the pond, and each spring they are installed and set to operate during day light hours.

Currently, the Lodge is working towards the erection of new Entrance Signs to the Elks-Kinsmen Park, with the co-operation and support of the Town of Vegreville and the Kinsmen.

Most recently, through the Elks and Royal Purple fund For Children, the Lodge helped a young boy with multiple disabilities get a lap top with dragon dictation capabilities to help him with his school work.

Finally, the Lodge has been and continues to be a strong supporter of all Elks sponsored programs.  The Lodge is a strong supporter and contributor to I-STAR, the Alberta Elks Foundation and the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children.  The Lodge has hosted and participated in the Walk for Children.  The Lodge has also participated in the Annual Curling Competitions held by the Elks and Royal Purple at both the Provincial and National Levels.

This is merely a glimpse of the history of the Lodge and is by no means inclusive.  If any major items were omitted, it was by accident and by no means intentional.