Elbon Shrine Club needs new members and new leadership

As most Shrine bodies Elbon Shrine Club is suffering from lack of membership and change in leadership. At the club’s highest point around 2014, they had approximately 40 members. They currently have about 15 who have paid dues for 2022. They have had the same leadership team in charge for approximately six years. That team as well as past leadership teams have done a great job keeping things moving and raising money. Even during the COVID years of 2019-2021 fundraisers where held and the doors where able to stay open.

Their average attendance for the year is eight members and it’s the same eight that are setting up, working and cleaning up after each fundraiser. The leadership team must also be able to take care of the building along with property and ensure that it is in good condition.

Elbon was first chartered in 1976 and was a Chartered Club of Ainad Shrine Temple is East St. Louis, IL. In 1989 Elbon honorably relinquished its charter back to Ainad.

Elbon consists of Master Mason and Shriner members in Staunton and surrounding areas. In 2008 a group of local Staunton Shriner members decided it was time to bring Elbon back to life. The motions where set in place, and in 2008 Elbon Shrine Club once again became a Chartered Club of Ainad Shrine Temple is East St. Louis, IL.

After operating out of a garage for the first five years, Elbon moved to its current location at 605 S. Laurel Street in Staunton in 2013. Many fundraisers have been held at that location and at other events in Staunton and the surrounding areas. The club feels very fortunate to always have enough fundraising opportunities and the support of the local community. They have been able to donate to local charities, scholarships, Shriners Hospital and Ainad building fund. Over the years, they have donated over $40,000.

They are issuing a call to membership and notification that to keep Elbon Shrine Club going they need help. They need local or surrounding Shriners to attend and participate. It’s a one-time fee of $20 then $10 per year after that to join Elbon Shrine Club. But more importantly they need participation from new and existing members to keep the building and the club going. They meet the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.

The October election of officers was delayed until November. They will meet with the Divan this month and discuss options and the future of the club. The future of this club depends on how these meetings go.

The members hope they can breathe some life into this club and keep it going. Call Moe 615-746-7425 or Brian 314-571-8119 with questions or check out the club's Facebook page for more information.