After nearly two years Harrisburg and West Shore Elks are have officially been merged into one Lodge, officially named “West Shore – Harrisburg Elks Lodge 2257”. The official decree was signed on March 18th.
Why did the Lodges have to merge? Like many Lodges, Harrisburg faced some substantial financial hurdles, including excessive taxes in the city. Since 2019, the Lodge was without a building and met for meetings at another private club. The Lodge leadership fought valiantly for years to continue the good works of the B.P.O.E. but reviving the glory of Harrisburg Lodge #12 seemed out of reach.
Harrisburg Elks bring a rich history to the West Shore which includes the Meade Detweiler Memorial Statue which stands at the entrance of the drive way to Lodge 2257. In fact the 60+ founding members of the West Shore Lodge were originally members of Harrisburg Lodge.
West Shore Elks welcome our new brother and sister Elks. On Saturday, March 23rd, Janet McGinley, former Lodge Chaplain for Harrisburg, will be installed as the new Chaplain for West Shore – Harrisburg.
Congratulations to both West Shore and Harrisburg