The Van Wert Elks lodge was instituted in May of 1910 and within one year after the lodge was formed, it established a location at 124 East Main Street. In 1948, the lodge purchased property located at 740 South Washington Street and moved to the location in 1950 after construction on the property was completed. In 2003, the Washington Street property was sold and a new building was constructed at the present location with the official opening at 1197 Elks Drive on December 13, 2004. It features a restaurant, full bar and banquet room available for rent. The Elks offers events for members and the general public throughout the year and makes many charitable donations to various organizations in our community.

The Elks Mission: To inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.