North Austin Eks

On June 4th, at the Texas Elks State Association convention we were notified that our request for Dispensation was approved.
 

We did have to make a concession for the approval to be granted and that was to change the name from Central Texas Elks to North Austin Elks.  Although we were reluctant to make the change, it was determined that the best path forward was to agree to the change.  The formal announcement was made to the convention attendees on Friday, June 5th and everyone was excited that we would soon be an formally recognized Lodge.

Institution

The Institution of the Lodge will be held on August 8, 2026 at Temple Elks Lodge #138 at 2PM.  All who have signed the petition for Dispensation should mark their calendar and make plans to attend this event.  Attendance is required for those who wish to be included as a "CHARTER MEMBER" as that is a prestigious title and one that most Elks will ever gain.  The role of Charter Members will be forever inscribed in the Lodge history.

Plans for the Institution

As Temple Elks Lodge #138 is our sponsoring Lodge, they will be providing most of the work involved in preparing for the occassion.  They will doing all the decorations in the colors I have chosen which at black and gold.  These colors pay homage to my service in the United States Army.

Temple Lodge will be providing a dinner after the ceremony which will be BBQ and all the fixings.  There is no charge to those in attendance for this meal.

Accomodations

We are working with Temple Lodge to secure a room block for those who wish to spend the night after the festivities.  We anticipate that we will receive some favorable costs.

We will also be able to rent 15 passenger vans if there are those who need or desire transportation.  We will need to know who would like this transportation so we will put out a survey in the near future.  We will also need to provide driver(s) for these vans. We will try to make pickup and return locations as convenient as possible.  I anticipate that the van(s) will depart the Georgetown area around 9am and return around 9pm to Georgetown but the times are only approximate at this point.

Schedule of events

There is an Interlodge meeting scheduled at Temple Lodge on August 8th beginning at 9AM and should be over around noon.  

The Institution will take place beginning at 2PM followed, by Initiation, and then Installation of Officers.  The entire ceremony will last until approximately 5PM and then we adjourn for dinner, socializing and entertainment.  Those being initiated should plan to being dressed business casual as the Ritual Team performing the ceremony will be attired in Tuxedos.  All officers being installed should plan to wear jeans (black or blue), and white shirts (no tie required).  Boots and hat are encouraged but not mandatory.

Of special note - Initiations are typically limited to Members only, but for this event we are being told that we will receive Dispensation and all Members and guests will be allowed to attend.  

Our meeting location beginning in July will change from Cover3 to Whiskey Cake, 2600 N Interstate 35, Round Rock, TX.  The time will remain the same, 6:30PM.  This change was necessary to ensure we have room for everyone to attend the meetings going forward.  The room is much quieter and meeting friendly than Cover3 although we do appreciate their adapting to our needs.