Established in 1890 the San Diego Lodge is part of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country. Since its inception in 1868, the Order of Elks has grown to include nearly 1.2 million men and women in almost 2,200 communities.  The BPO Elks is committed to the ideals of charity and patriotism.