Mission Statement

Charity. Justice. Brotherly Love.
Fidelity. These are the cardinal
principles of our Order, tenets by
which we conduct ourselves.
The 1526 is our personal refuge,
a place that we call home.

It is our comfort, our place of rest.
A warm fireplace, a stiff drink, a
stocked kitchen and friends to share
it with are but one source
of our happiness, one aspect of
our Order. Membership is our privilege. Growth is our reward. Commitment is our lifeblood.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks maintains a rich and colorful history. Founded in 1868, it has span-ned over150 years of dedicated

service to individuals and communities
in need. It is Just one lasting legacy
of the Greatest Generation. American Patriots who shed their blood for the freedoms we enjoy today. That Greatest Generation instilled within each of us a sense of duty and sacrifice in favor of a brighter tomorrow, and it is incumbent upon us all to preserve this lesson as an heirloom for future generations.

Despite our connection to the vet-
erans of yesteryear, we are not a
vets organization. To consider us as such would be a disservice to the thousands of members within our ranks who were not fortunate
enough serve. We are, however,
each and everyone of us, commited

to improving the world where possible. We are also a social
Order, for with duty comes concession. We work hard to play hard. With Elks, a life of service begets a life of privilege. We are living proof that the best of both worlds can be had.

Lodge No. 1526 in Des Plaines,
Illinois is the premier lodge of the
Chicagoland area and but one
chapter of this vast Order. We

invite you to view our website
and hope that you will gain insight
into our organization.Perhaps

you too will consider joining us
as a full-fledged member of the
Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks.