Elks Welcomes New Members

Glasgow Elks Lodge 1922 has made several improvements recently. First, and foremost, was the initiation of seven new members. On Wednesday, April 3, current members gathered to welcome Darryl Birkland, Dan Humbert, Carl Fuhrman, Dillon Koski, Norm Braaten, Paul Wetz and Kari Prewett to the fraternal order. Behind a curtain blocking off remodeling work, the new members went through the secret initiation process.

At the dinner that followed, Prewett told a small group about how she had picked up an application, which unfortunately was found later buried in paperwork. "It was an accident that I waited so long," she said. "Life just got in the way."

Zak Peterson, exalted ruler of the lodge, understands. He told the Courier via email, "Any new members can be as active as they wish. I know many people in town are involved in so many groups and so giving of their time elsewhere, they don't want to join anything else. And I totally get that! But if they join and don't want to be at every meeting or involved in every event, that is fine. Just joining and paying dues helps us out immensely, as a large majority of the dues stay local."

Peterson credits treasurer Darrell Morehouse with bringing the lodge back to solid footing financially. A letter sent out to members highlights how much of their debt has decreased over the past five years, noting the only outstanding debt held by the lodge is the mortgage.

Improving the financial status of the order has allowed them to make many improvements to the building. The Lodge Room is in a two-stage improvement project in an effort to better serve the community. Member Ed Stein is in charge of the remodeling project, with an eye to bringing in events from weddings to conferences.

The remodeled facilities offer a rustic aesthetic with modern fixtures. Barn doors will be installed to close off the storage room and south entrance doorway, while western-style chandeliers will provide one layer of light. Modern LED can lighting and indirect lighting around the outside of the room will provide different lighting options as needed for various events. The ceiling tiles have been replaced with Thermax board and blue pine, nicely setting off the wooden beams.

The second stage will look to update the air conditioning system and install a forced air heater. Refinishing the floors is also on Stein's radar, as well as installing curtains to cover the plaque walls for non-Elks events. Peterson noted the building is used by many organizations in the area, making it very much a community building. In spirit of that community, Stein has made every effort to source all aspects of the project locally. So far, all money spent on the upgrades has been spent locally.

Past improvements to the building include new doors in the bar entrance, a freshly painted lobby area, new carpet, updated LED lights, electrical updates, and chairs and table racks, built by Stein.

Anyone wishing to contribute or join the lodge is encouraged to contact Peterson via email, [email protected], or phone, 406-230-2867. Donations may also be dropped off at or mailed to the Glasgow Elks Lodge 1922, 309 2nd Ave S., Glasgow, MT, 59230.