OLDEST - Elks Lodge in Baltimore - Baltimore MD
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 39° 18.320 W 076° 37.795
18S E 359467 N 4351926
Established in 1900, Monumental Lodge No. 3 is the oldest fraternal lodge of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World in Baltimore. In 1929, the lodge purchased its present home at 1528 Madison Avenue.
Waymark Code: WM15J76
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 01/10/2022
Views: 1
The Elks Lodge is located at 1528 Madison Avenue, Baltimore MD.
TEXT from the Historical Marker mounted on the wall of the building:
The Elks Lodge-Established in 1900, Monumental Lodge No. 3 is the oldest fraternal lodge of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World in Baltimore. This African American fraternal organization was founded in 1898 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and based on the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, which excluded non-white members.
Monumental Lodge No. 3 began as a club of 30 members, dedication themselves to the fraternal order’s mission of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. The lodge developed its greatest strength between 1929 and 1932, when its membership grew to more than 2,100 members. In 1929, the lodge purchased its present home at 1528 Madison Avenue. The Elks provided a brotherhood and a platform for empowerment within the African American community. In Old West Baltimore and elsewhere across the country, Elks joined with local churches to provide shelter, material support, money, and leadership to local and national civil rights movements. The Elks were a strong political force in the early 20th century, empowering African Americans to vote, fighting for equality, and fostering strong leaders.
The Monumental Lodge No. 3 was home to many Elks and leaders that were prominent locally and nationally, including George W.F. McMechen, William H. Smith, Ray R. Bond, and Pearl Brown.
Over the years, the lodge has been supported by three sister organizations: Great Southern Temple Number 30, founded in 1909, Emma Williams Temple Number 358, founded in 1925, and F.E.W. Harper Temple Number 429, founded in 1926.
(Inscription under the image in the upper right)
Lodge brothers in top hats, gloves, and coattails, circa 1992.
Group that erected the marker: Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor—Baltimore City Landmark, Baltimore National Heritage Area
FIRST - Classification Variable: Place or Location
Date of FIRST: 01/01/1900
More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.