The Elks spans across Canada, bringing together people of broad vision, understanding, and compassion. Founded in 1912, its core principles are Charity, Justice, Community Love, and Fidelity. The organization aims to promote the well-being and happiness of its members while fostering good citizenship and strong community ties.
The Elks, welcome all honourable persons who uphold Law and Order and Constitutional governance. A significant focus is placed on community service, particularly benefiting those under nineteen years of age. The Elks strive to make life sweeter, people better, and the world a happier place.
Our Chapter holds Regular Meetings every second Monday of the month from September to June. Our Meetings start at 7:00 PM.
In addition, Our Chapter meets every Wednesday morning (September to the end of June) at 9:00 a.m. for coffee and general conversation.
Our lodge is located at 6315 Horn Street, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5G6.
The Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Canada granted a charter to 121 men in Red Deer, Alberta, establishing Lodge No. 85 on May 14, 1924. The charter, signed by Grand Exalted Ruler Gerald Lewis and Grand Secretary S.S. Savage, marked the beginning of a remarkable fraternal tradition.
The Red Deer Lodge flourished thanks to recruitment efforts led by Grand Organizer Jack McCoubrey. The first meetings took place in a building that once housed the Red Deer Post Office. Over the years, the Lodge moved multiple times, acquiring and selling buildings to accommodate its growing presence.
In 1960, the present building was constructed and officially dedicated on May 14, 1961.
The Elks have consistently supported community projects, minor sports, and national causes. A unique feature of Canadian Elkdom is the Purple Cross Fund, which provides financial assistance to children under 19 with health problems not covered by Medical insurance.
A key focus has been in the fields of speech pathology and audiology, ensuring children receive necessary care, regardless of their parents’ membership status.
Like many organizations, the Elks have faced economic shifts. In the late 20th century, changing social and economic conditions impacted membership and financial stability. However, the Lodge has historically overcome adversity, maintaining its dedication to charitable work and community engagement.
Red Deer Lodge No. 85 is now part of District #9, which includes lodges in Gwendale, Sundre, Leslieville, and Ponoka. Semiannual district meetings and inter-lodge visits continue to strengthen fraternal bonds.
Membership remains open to all persons over 18 who are of good character, regardless of race, creed, or colour. The Elks also have a sister organization, the Ladies of the Royal Purple, with both groups working closely together in their community efforts.
Despite economic fluctuations, the Elks remain committed to their mission. The organization has weathered financial challenges, adapted to changing times, and continues to serve the community. With a long-standing history of resilience, the Elks of Red Deer look forward to many more years of service and fraternity.
Source: “A History of Red Deer Lodge No. 85 From 1924 – 1992” by Ken Spenser
| Brother Name |
|---|
| BARMBY, ROBERT |
| BARNABE, GUY |
| BATTLE, GARREN |
| BEVANS, JUNE |
| BISHOP, MARVIN |
| CALVERT, DENNIS L. |
| CAMERON, DEBRA |
| CHARCHUK, FRED |
| CHARLESTON, JAMES |
| CHRISTENSEN, JOHN A. |
| CLARK, RAYMOND L |
| CLARKE, DUANE |
| D'AMICO, JAMES |
| DRAVES, RICHARD F. |
| EDMONTON, JARROD |
| EDMONTON, JASON |
| EDMONTON, JERRY R. |
| FURBER, STAN |
| GALLANT, ROMA MARIE |
| GEDLAMAN, CRYSTAL |
| GLOVER, KEITH |
| GUNDERMAN, ROBERT K. |
| HANEY, NORMAN |
| HENGER, NICHOLAS F. |
| HERMARY, GERARD |
| HERMARY, JENNIFER |
| HERMARY, TAWNIE |
| HIEBERT, RONALD J. |
| HUGHES, JOSEPH W. |
| JOHNSTON, DAVID E. |
| KATONA, ALVIN J. |
| KELLOWAY, DONALD K |
| KIPLING, COLIN |
| KOMARNISKY, KEN |
| KUTZ, DALE R. |
| LAVERY, MOYA |
| LENTZ, HARVEY A. |
| LEVESQUE, GUY |
| LIGHT, ROBERT M. |
| LINDHOLM, ARNOLD |
| LOCKHART, WALTER W. |
| LUCAS, KIRBY |
| LUND, CURTISS |
| MANCUSO, PASQUALE |
| MCCOY, ROBERT N |
| MCKEAGE, IRA |
| MCREE, TERRY |
| MESTON, GEORGE |
| NAYLOR, MARVIN G |
| NELSON, DONALD A. |
| NELSON, MIKE |
| OLSEN, DEBBY |
| OOSTENBRUG, TED |
| PAL, CHRIS |
| PEARCE, JAMES |
| PELL, NOEL |
| PETTEN, GARRY |
| PETTEN, LYNDA |
| RABSKI, BERNARD |
| RAIVIO, DALE |
| REID, JAMES |
| ROBERTS, WILLIAM J |
| ROSS, VALERIE |
| SAKOFSKY, ROB |
| SAMOLUK, KEN E. G. |
| SCHEIFELE, SEIGFRIED |
| SCHWARTZ, PERRY |
| SEELYE, JUSTIN |
| SENIUK, BILL J. |
| SHERIDAN, DANIEL |
| SHERIDAN, TROY |
| SHERMAN, PEARL |
| SINCLAIR, DON |
| SMITH, LLOYD G. |
| SWAINSON, BRYAN W. |
| TETTERSELL, COLIN |
| VINCENT, KENNETH |
| WATSON, ALAN J |
| WATSON, DALE A. |
| WATSON, STEVEN L |
| WELLS, HAROLD W |
