To be eligible for membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, you (i) must be a citizen of the United States, (ii) be at least 21 years of age, and (iii) you must hold a belief in God. Application are not simply accepted from interested individuals; instead, you must be proposed (or sponsored) by a member in good standing of the Elks Lodge and reside in the jurisdiction of the Lodge you wish to join. You also need at least two, but more preferrably three, other Elks who will act as your references. The Elk who proposes you for membership must obtain a Membership Application from the Lodge Secretary. To beging the process, you and your proposer will complete the application together, each filling out portion which relates to you. This application, then, must be turned into the Lodge along with at least $10 to beginning the application process.Your application will be read at a regular meeting of the Lodge. It will then be forwarded to the Investigating Committee. After the Investigation Committee completes its review, which typically takes two weeks but can take longer, your application will be reported at a regular Lodge meeting and will be scheduled for a vote. This is also typically done at the next regular lodge meeting.When the vote is concluded, assuming a favorable vote, you will be notified and asked to present yourself for Indoctrination. During Indoctrination, you will learn more about the Order, its programs and charities, certain expectations and requirements of membership, as well as its structures and organization. You will also be told during the program the date you will be initiated. Once you are initiated as a member, you can take part in all meetings and social functions of the Lodge. At this lodge, there is a $75 application/initiation fee and membership dues for the year are $40, which are not pro-rated. As a result, the full amount an applicant would owe would be $110, which must be paid in-full the night the new member is initiated if the amount has not already been paid.Use our handy online directory to locate a Lodge near you. If you are interested in membership at Philipsburg Lodge #1173, please contact the lodge at (814) 342-4101 or send an email to the lodge email address bpoe1173@verizon.net. We would love to have the opportunity to show you why the Elks is such a great organization.Also, from time to time, this Lodge may host a "interested members night," where we open our lodge, invite individuals from the community who have expressed an interest or have been brought to our attention, and host an evening designed to show inviduals the benefits and advantages of membership. Check back often to find out when the next "interested members night" will be!