1790 Ainsworth

To inculcate the principles of charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity; to recognize a belief in god; to promote the welfare and enhance the hapiness of its members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the benevolent and protective order of elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating the elks care and elks share.