Did You Know ?

The Officers' and Committeemen's Handbook


This Handbook describes the Mission of the Moose, the Lodge Board of Officers, Committees and Activities, Social Quarters Operation, Board of Officers Meetings vs. Executive Session and other items related to Moose International.


The Handbook is a great tool for the Officers and Committee Chairpersons in the Lodge but is also available for reference to any member desiring more information about the operating procedures of the Lodge.


The Officers' and Committeemen's Handbook can be viewed and printed using the following link ... https://tinyurl.com/3rcakmk7


The Moose is an international organization of men and women, dedicated to caring for young and old, bringing communities closer together and celebrating life


Mission of the Moose

The mission of our organization is to strive for excellence in four areas:

1. To promote a fraternal program and community service opportunities within our Lodge system;

2. To provide a family environment and education for children in need and in residence at Mooseheart, Illinois;

3. To provide for the needs of senior members at Moosehaven, in Orange Park, Florida.

4. To promote membership growth and financially strengthen our fraternity.


The Lodge

The Charter grants each Lodge permission to operate as a unit of The Moose. As such, every member has taken an obligation (oath) to be bound together in fraternal service to each other and the organization, and to abide by The General Laws – The Constitution and bylaws of Moose International and The Moose, as well as the bylaws of the Lodge of which they are a member.

The General Membership Meeting Agenda


General Membership Meetings are regularly scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month.

This is the meeting where the membership votes on the recommendations made by the Lodge Board of Officers.

All Good Standing Members are encouraged to attend our regularly scheduled meetings.


The General Membership Meeting has a structured agenda which can be viewed and printed using the following link ... https://tinyurl.com/yvntnfvd


That which is done is done. 

Let none depart from this gathering with anger in their heart. 

Let us go forth with good thoughts, good words and good deeds for all mankind.

Why the Moose ?


Why the Moose?  Why was this particular animal chosen to represent a humanitarian fraternal order?  The Moose is a large, powerful animal, but one which is a protector not a predator. We think it was perhaps said best in our former enrollment ceremony:

          "He takes only what he needs, nothing more . . . yet for his great size and strength he lives in peace with other creatures. The moose uses his size and power not to dominate but to protect, not to spoil but to preserve. He is a fierce protector, a loyal companion, and a generous provider who brings comfort and security to those within his defending circle."

          It is these characteristics of the moose in the wild – the protective instinct for its young, and for the old and infirm in its herd – that the human members of the Moose fraternity have, for decades, modeled, in the establishment and operation of Mooseheart, the organization's community and school for children and teens in need; and Moosehaven, the retirement community for Moose men and women; as well as in service to its communities.


Moose Facts

Moose are the most wonderful animals in the world, they inspire us with a sense of awe for Nature's majesty.  Moose (Alces alces) live in the northern parts of America and Eurasia.  They are the largest members of the deer family, the biggest moose as high as seven feet at the shoulders.  They can weigh over 1300 pounds, the males with broad, palm-like antlers up to six feet across and 90 pounds heavy.

          Despite their size and strength, moose tend to act very kindly toward their environment.  Moose treat other animals and their surroundings with respect and care.  Moose can be deadly if they feel threatened or angered: they may charge the opponent or kick forcefully with their hind legs.  However, moose generally do not attack other creatures unless they or their offspring are in danger.  They prefer to avoid hurting others if possible.

          Moose eat all sorts of plant matter.  In the summer, moose wade and swim through marshes and lakes, eating water plants.  They also eat the tender shoots such as birches, willow, or poplar.  In the winter, they will forage near the edges of forests, eating plant material such as bark or branches.

          Only mature bull moose have antlers.  These antlers can very quickly grow to be very large size.  The rate of bone formation is the fastest known: up to one inch a day.  Moose shed their antlers before the winter each year and grow them back in the spring.  Why do they lose their antlers, considering the amount of energy it takes to grow them?  One reason they might shed their antlers is to make foraging in the winter easier.  Another reason is that the antlers each year are generally larger than the year before.  Starting over would allow the moose to expand not only length, but also broadness and bulk.

The 715 Moose Lodge

There has been five (5) Moose Lodges in the Fraternity that have been designated the 715 Moose Lodge.

The 1st 715 Moose Lodge was Chartered in Ventura California August, 11th, 1911 and later dissolved in 1915.

The 2nd 715 Moose Lodge was Chartered in Raven Virginia September 9th, 1916 and later dissolved in 1918

The 3rd 715 Moose Lodge was Chartered in Salisbury Maryland October 16th, 1919 and later dissolved January 10th, 1934

The 4th 715 Moose Lodge was Chartered in Hollywood California January 16th, 1941 and later dissolved October 31st, 1942

The 5th and current 715 Lynchburg Moose Lodge was Chartered in Lynchburg, Virginia February 9th, 1947 and proudly serves the surrounding Community.

Happy 75th Birthday to the Lynchburg Moose Lodge 715, February 9th, 2022