Who We Are

We are a million men and women - young and old, urban, suburban and rural, working and retired single and married, some with kids at home and some with kids grown and gone. We make our living in business, industry, government, agriculture, medicine, law, education and more. We especially cherish our families, our children and our community. We enjoy each other’s company, looking forward to the activities we share and supporting firmly the beliefs we hold. We are people whose first thought isn't "What's in it for me?" rather, it is "What can I do to help?

"No man stands so straight and tall as when he stoops to lift up a child"- James J. Davis

In 1888, our founder, Dr. John Henry Wilson of Louisville Kentucky, formally established us as a largely social organization. In 1906 James J. Davis of Elwood, Indiana, became the 247th member, and with his enthusiasm, transformed a small fraternity into a dynamic social force which, within seven years, boasted more than 500,000 members.

In 1913, Davis - who also served as Secretary of Labor under three Presidents, as a United States Senator for 15 years - committed the Moose to the service of humanity by establishing Mooseheart. Located in the Fox Valley of Illinois, about an hour west of Chicago, this magnificent "Child City" has, over the decades, been home, school and success for more than 11,000 children in need. In 1913 the Women of the Moose was launched. While they operate their own unique philanthropic programs, these 500,000-plus members are an indispensable part of the Moose family. Also in 1913, it was realized that there are Moose members who gave extra effort and deserved special recognition, and so the Moose Legion was born. Members can make application for membership in the Moose Legion, which has always been comprised of 10% - 12% of Moose membership and takes pride in its own leaders and programs.

In 1918 the Order created the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a member by the fraternity. This honor, known as the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, is conferred once each year, in the magnificent House of God at Mooseheart, traditionally on the same day Mooseheart holds its annual commencement exercises. The few members selected to receive this honor each year have achieved the pinnacle of dedication and service. Only about 4,000 men currently are members of this elite group.

In the mid-1920's the Pilgrim Council concluded that there was a need for a waiting area for the ultimate Pilgrim Degree, so the Fellowship Degree of Honor was created. This honor is annually conferred upon qualified members of the Moose Legion, bestowed at both the International Convention of the Loyal Order of Moose and the annual convention of the state or provincial Moose Association to which the member belongs.

In 1922 Davis realized that the needs of the elderly also called out for aid, and so he was instrumental in the creation of Moosehaven, the "City of Contentment". Located in Orange Park, Florida - just south of Jacksonville - this 63-acre retirement community on the St. John's River is now a sun-kissed, beautifully landscaped and well-appointed community of fun and care for members of the Order who have reached the age of 65 and have at least 15 years of continuous service.

In the late 20th Century the Moose leadership initiated a nationwide modernization, the "Supreme Lodge of the World, Loyal Order of Moose" and the "Women of the Moose" became part of one Order, known as Moose International. A comprehensive modernization of the Mooseheart campus took place, as did an expansion of its admission policy, allowing Mooseheart to accept applications from any child in need. Moose Lodges began the change to Moose Family Centers, and the fraternity undertook the enormous task of raising $16 million to construct a state-of-the-art LifeCare Center at Moosehaven. This new, 120,000 sq. ft. complex, is designed to address the needs of the elderly in 21st Century fashion, including assisted living care, skilled nursing care, and the latest in programs and technology for dementia care - all for Moose members and their spouses only!

Our list of accomplishments continues to grow because of the contributions that will be made by new members in the weeks and months to come. Perhaps your name will be among the contributors of the future!