Latrobe Elks hope to attract new members with new lodge building

The Latrobe Elks Lodge and Golf Club hopes to attract members with a new building.

The Elks held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building Wednesday. About two dozen people came to the Derry Township organization to celebrate and enjoy refreshments.

The new building, which overlooks the Elks’ golf course, features a social hall, bar, five big-screen TVs and several Keno lottery machines. A kitchen should be complete by mid-summer.

Ray Zsolcsak — the exalted ruler of Latrobe Lodge No. 907 — said the fraternal and charitable organization already has welcomed 44 new members since the building’s April completion.

The Elks tore down their previous lodge building in 2014. Since then, Zsolcsak said the organization primarily has served golfers.

“We didn’t have anything to offer the non-golfer,” said Zsolcsak of Derry Township. “Now, there’s just a lot more going on here.”

The building will beckon more activities. Lodge manager Mindy Andrews said the group has hosted several events, including a Kentucky Derby watch party that raised over $1,000 for charity.

“This is an awesome space, and people come and have fun. But we’re also doing really good things,” Andrews said.

Though the lodge is smaller than the old one, Andrews said it’s more modern. Eventually, the Elks would like to add a back patio that would overlook the golf course’s 18th hole.

“We’re taking it one step at a time,” Zsolcsak said. “We promised the membership that we would not go into debt. We paid for (the new building) as we’ve gone. We don’t owe anyone anything.”

An Elk member must be at least 18, an American citizen and believe in God, Andrews said. Contrary to popular belief, women can be members.

Zsolcsak credited his 42-year membership with the Elks to the organization’s charitable impact and lifelong relationships.

“If you have an interest in giving back to the community (and) helping others who are less fortunate than you, we provide that opportunity,” Zsolcsak said. “In addition, we give you an opportunity to develop some relationships with people who are like-minded.”