The Knights of the Columbus Mt. Pleasant Council No. 98, currently led by Joseph Craven, is one chapter of the K of C, which is more than 125 years old. This local branch is involved with charitable work with area churches and other local charities. If someone is interested in becoming a member they must ask a current member to take them to a meeting.
Part social club, part 'fraternal order', the Benevolent Elks have grown quite a bit since the organization's humble beginnings in 1868; currently there are an estimated one million members scattered throughout 2,000 lodges across the country. This location, Lodge 10, is known as "the New England mother lodge." It moved into the space at the corner of Spring and Morrell in 2007, directly behind the VA Hospital. Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy and Ford were all active Elks Lodge members.