History of Sanford Elks Lodge #1679

Additional History:

Sanford Lodge #1679 sponsored Southern Pines Lodge #1692 in December 1945.

Lodge #1679 built on present site in 1958 added 115,000-gallon pool in 1962.  Doubled Lodge square footage in 1968 with commercial type Kitchen, Ladies Lounge, larger Clubroom, and Lodge Room.  Major interior renovation in 1989-90.  Major exterior renovation in 1996-97.  Parking Lot in 2000.  Swimming Pool Bath House and Deck area in 2002.  Grill added, Kitchen update, Heating and Air condition Lounge, Pool Furniture, Club Room Furniture 2003-2004-2005.

Lodge #1679 was known for their Ritual Teams and Performances in the late 50's early 60's and work with the Elks National Foundation and Scouting Programs in the 60's and 70's.  Their work with Youth and renewed emphasis was placed on Elks programs; Veterans, Hoop Shoot, Scholarship, Elks National Foundation, Lodge Children's Activities and the NC Elks State Major Project in 80's, and continued with all Elks programs and increased Americanism, Soccer Shoot, and Youth Recognition programs in 90's.  The Lodge Membership has increased for 23 straight years [1982-2005].

Lodge #1679 has hosted East Central District Deputy Clinics, District Hoop Shoot Competition, District Soccer Shoot, State Hoop Shoot Competition, State Soccer Shoot Competition, State Ritual Clinic, State Drug Awareness Clinic, and NC Elks Camp Board Meetings in the 1980's, 1990's and 2000's.

During the 1990’s focal point have been fund-raisers in support of North Carolina Elks Camp.  Recognized as top contributor to Camp in the 1990's $100,000.  Purchased golf carts, two vans, beds and mattresses for the NC Elks Camp.  Our Ladies through an auction funded the Children's Playground at the Camp in order to enhance the Elks CampAbilites program.  After the NCSEA sold the NC Elks the lodge focal point has been on “Veterans” – money for NC State Veterans Home in Fayetteville cable TV and NCSEA to purchase a Handicapped equipped Van for NC State Veterans Home in Salisbury 2003-2004.  Lodge purchased another electric wheel chair for NC State Veterans Home 2005.

Lodge #1679 was recognized as the First Lodge in the State to achieve the $1 per member pledged BPOE goal to the World War II Memorial Fund with a lodge $1,000 donation exceeding the pledged amount in 1999. 

Grand Lodge National Awards won by sanford lodge:

Exalted Rulers: