Plymouth Elks Lodge 2548 Celebrates 50 Years of Community Service

A half-century of community service, veterans support, youth programs, and charitable giving is worth celebrating, and Plymouth Elks Lodge 2548 is doing exactly that. The lodge is marking its 50th anniversary with a festive community celebration on July 11^th that will bring together members, families, and dignitaries to honor five decades of making a difference in Marshall County.

The anniversary event will feature a backyard BBQ buffet, outdoor games, and live entertainment from the band South of 6. Among the honored guests attending will be Indiana Elks Association State President Angie O'Donnell and First Gentleman Keith O'Donnell, along with other dignitaries from across the state.

"For five decades, Plymouth Elks Lodge has been a cornerstone of our community — supporting veterans, helping families, investing in youth, and opening our doors to anyone in need," lodge officials said. "We celebrate our history and also those people who made it all possible."

Plymouth Elks Lodge 2548 was officially chartered by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks on April 11, 1976. The lodge's founding charter officers were: Exalted Ruler: Robert Murry, Esteemed Leading Knight: Allen Troup, Esteemed Loyal Knight: Phillip Greenlee, Esteemed Lecturing Knight: Lee Rainbolt, Secretary: Russel E. Amor, Treasurer: Harold Dills, Esquire: W. Jerry Wilhelm, Tiler: Roger McCan, Chaplain: Wendell Resler, Inner Guard: Glenn Prat, Founding Trustees: Don Miller, Tom Leavell, William Hunt, Fred Hollett, and Charles Cook.

Plymouth Elks 2548 is part of the Northwest District within the Indiana Elks Association — a district with a notable distinction: it is home to both the oldest Indiana Elks Lodge, Logansport #66, and the youngest, Plymouth #2548.

The Indiana Elks Association recently made history at its annual Spring Convention, electing and installing Angela O'Donnell of Elwood Lodge 368 as its first female State President — a milestone for the statewide organization.

The convention also highlighted the breadth of the association's charitable impact across Indiana, including:

• $183,000 to IU Simon Cancer Research
• $183,000 to Purdue Cancer Research
• $50,000 to Riley Cancer Research
• $209,000 in scholarships awarded to 104 Indiana high school seniors
• $57,118 to Rock Steady Boxing

Over the past 78 years, the Indiana Elks Association has donated more than $12 million to IU and Purdue cancer research. Funding for Purdue's Institute for Cancer Research supports "Innovative Grants" that allow faculty to pursue high-risk, pioneering research ideas. Funding directed to IU's Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center supports young investigators — helping ensure Indiana's brightest scientific minds stay in the state to develop life-saving treatments.

Plymouth Lodge #2548 has consistently donated more than $10,000 back to the local community each year.

The Elks' commitment to veterans runs deep. The organization's solemn pledge — "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them" — is lived out locally as Plymouth Elks members regularly visit the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette, hosting Bingo and cookouts for residents. Community members interested in joining those visits can contact the lodge for the summer Veterans Home Visit schedule.

On the youth front, the Elks Hoop Shoot program — a free-throw contest for children ages 8 through 13 — drew more than 13,000 Hoosier participants this year. Plymouth Elks Lodge 2548 will host its local Hoop Shoot contest in December 2026. Watch for details this fall.

The Elks also operate the nation's largest volunteer-run drug awareness program, distributing literature and organizing community events to help young people make healthy choices.

Plymouth Elks Lodge 2548 is located at 12445 7B Road in Plymouth. The lodge is open on Wednesday and Friday evenings, with dinner served from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Those interested in becoming a member and making a difference in the community are encouraged to reach out to any Elks member to learn more.