West Chester Elks Lodge #853 is a association or organization in West Chester, PA. Phone: (610) 696-2075. Average rating is 4.3 stars from 10 reviews.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks emblemWest Chester, PA Elks Lodge #853
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West Chester Elks Lodge #853 — 401 W Washington St, West Chester, PA 19380, USA
4.3 10 reviews

Brotherhood, Community, and Good Times in West Chester

Lodge #853 has served Chester County since 1895, hosting events, honoring veterans, and bringing neighbors together.

Charity

Giving without expectation

Justice

Fairness for every person

Brotherly Love

Fellowship above all

Fidelity

Faithful to our word

Upcoming Gatherings

Events and gatherings coming up here. Add them to your calendar.

AUG29
HR Open
5:00 pm
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SEP1
HR Open
5:00 pm
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SEP3
HR Open
5:00 pm
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SEP4
HR Open
5:00 pm
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SEP4
Members Dinner
6:00 pm
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SEP5
HR Open
5:00 pm
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SEP8
HR Open
5:00 pm
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SEP10
HR Open
5:00 pm
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About Us

At 401 W. Washington Street, the West Chester Elks Lodge #853 has been a fixture of Chester County civic life since its charter in 1895. Walk through the front door and you'll find a place that takes its obligations seriously without taking itself too seriously. Members gather here for dances that fill the floor, fundraisers that move real money into the community, and the kind of casual Tuesday-night conversation that keeps a town connected.

The Lodge holds tight to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks mission: charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. That's not just wall art here. Lodge #853 supports local youth programs, veterans' services, and scholarship funds that have sent Chester County students to college for generations. Guests who've attended events consistently remark on the warmth of the room and the ease of the evening.

If you've never been inside, picture a well-kept hall with a genuine sense of occasion, where a dance fundraiser feels like a real event and a new member is treated like a neighbor from day one. That's Lodge #853.The rating of 4.3 out of 5 across independent reviews reflects exactly what you'd expect: a place people actually enjoy coming back to.

What We Offer

Lodge #853 hosts a rotating calendar of events open to members and their guests. Dances, dinners, and holiday celebrations fill the main hall throughout the year, and private event rentals make the space available for milestone occasions that deserve a proper setting.

On the charitable side, the Lodge runs scholarship programs for area students, veteran outreach initiatives, and community fundraisers coordinated through the state and national Elks organization. Members who want to get involved can step into committees covering everything from youth activities to Americanism programs.

Membership itself is the core offering. Joining connects you to a network of more than 800,000 Elks across the country while keeping your giving local. West Chester residents and Chester County neighbors are encouraged to inquire about membership eligibility and the application process directly at the lodge.

Why Choose Us

Chartered in 1895, Lodge #853 brings over 125 years of continuous community service to Chester County.

Spacious event hall regularly hosts dances, dinners, and private celebrations with a 4.3-star guest rating.

Scholarship and veteran programs channel Lodge fundraising directly back into West Chester families.

Membership connects you locally while linking you to a national network of over 800,000 Elks members.

Centrally located at 401 W. Washington St., minutes from downtown West Chester's shops and restaurants.

Active volunteer committees mean members can contribute at whatever level fits their schedule and interests.

What Our Guests Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear it from our members & guests

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10 months ago
"Very nice place. My client has a dance there, and had a ball."
— Gina Hunte
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
"Very nice time and event"
— Pamela Abbott
⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 years ago
— Ronald Russell
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
— Christy Farley
2 months ago
— Jose Cruz Alvarez

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become a member of West Chester Elks Lodge #853?

Membership in the Elks is open to U.S. citizens who are at least 21 years old and believe in God. Prospective members are sponsored by a current Elk and go through a brief application and review process. Stop by the lodge or reach out to a current member to get started.

Can non-members attend events at the lodge?

Many lodge events are open to members and their guests. Some fundraisers and dances welcome the broader public. Check the current event calendar or contact the lodge directly to confirm guest policies for a specific event.

Is the lodge hall available for private event rentals?

Yes. The main hall at 401 W. Washington St. can be rented for private functions including dances, receptions, and celebrations. Contact the lodge to discuss availability, capacity, and rental terms.

What charitable programs does Lodge #853 support?

The lodge actively supports scholarship programs for local students, veterans' services and outreach, youth activities, and community fundraisers tied to the national Elks charitable framework. Specific programs vary by year, so ask a member for the current initiatives.

Where exactly is Lodge #853 located and is there parking?

The lodge is at 401 W. Washington Street in West Chester, PA 19380, in borough near downtown. Street parking is available, and additional public parking can be found within a short walk.

How often does the lodge hold events?

Lodge #853 maintains an active event calendar throughout the year, including regular member meetings, seasonal dances, holiday dinners, and charitable fundraisers. The frequency picks up around the fall and holiday season.

What does it actually cost to join the Elks?

Initiation fees and annual dues vary by lodge. Lodge #853 can provide current fee schedules upon inquiry. National Elks membership also includes access to lodges across the country, which many members find valuable when traveling.

75° Clear West Chester
Sat 76° 60°
Sun 81° 62°
Mon 82° 68°
Tue 93° 69°
Wed 75° 70°
Thu 87° 70°
Fri 84° 69°
The Order · Since 1868

Community. Friendship. Charity.

Every Elks lodge belongs to one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders. Through the Elks National Foundation, the Order has given more than $481 million to college scholarships, veterans, and neighbors in need.

Join the Elks
A Proud Heritage

The Elks gave America
Flag Day.

Long before it was a national observance, the Order set aside June 14th to honor the flag. Patriotism has always been one of our cardinal principles, and every lodge meeting still closes the same way it has for over a century.

“To our absent members.” — the Eleven O’Clock Toast

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Who are the Elks?

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of America's oldest and largest fraternal orders, founded in 1868. Every lodge is a home for fellowship, service, and patriotism in its own hometown.

$481M+given through the Elks National Foundation for scholarships, veterans, and community programs.

What the Order does

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