A statewide organization has come to Reading for the first time in its history.
Members of the Pennsylvania State Association of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks kicked off the 102nd edition of its annual convention Thursday evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Reading.
The order is one of the nation’s oldest African-American fraternal organizations, offering membership to a wide and culturally diverse group of men and women. Organizers said the event has drawn more than 1,000 Elk members to the city for six days of meetings, seminars and celebrations.
Berks Lodge #47 and Mary Alice Temple #108 will play host to the group.