RUMFORD – On July 23, 1903, about two dozen local men signed a charter creating the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks in Rumford, the 862nd lodge to be formed in the United States.

Now, 100 years and formation of hundreds of Elks lodges later, the local fraternal and community service organization is led by a woman, and is preparing to celebrate its centennial.

One thing has been a constant: the group has always met in the former Cheney Opera House, built in 1900. Longtime residents can remember going to the movies or perhaps taking in a live show, said Bill Murphy, an Elk trustee and husband of the current exalted ruler, Mary Ann Murphy.

The stage has been removed in the upstairs hall, but the balcony, the ticket window at the top of the stairs and the filigreed ceiling remain.

The historic, solid brick building will be the site of numerous festivities starting Friday night and going right through the weekend.

A Monte Carlo Night featuring an abundance of card and board games, and raffles kicks off the festivities on Friday at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, a cookout is scheduled for noon, followed by a 6 p.m. supper with state Elks President Jim Ferland from the Presque Isle lodge as special guest. A show featuring Maine humorist Joe Perham begins at 8 p.m., followed by dancing to the music of Jim Austin at 9 p.m.

On Sunday, a continental breakfast will be served, along with a display of old photos and the history of the building.

The historic building was built by Charles J. Cheney, a Vermont native and former Boston policeman who heard that investment opportunities were good in Rumford, largely due to the establishment of the paper mill a couple of years before. For decades, the hall hosted movies, vaudeville acts, operas, lectures, and an occasional town meeting, according to historical records.

All members and their guests are invited to the anniversary events. The Saturday night supper and entertainment cost is $15 per couple. Tickets can be purchased through Murphy at 364-3142.

Mary Ann is the second woman exalted ruler of the Rumford Elks. Her daughter, Christine Witas, served in the same role two years ago. Women were permitted to join in the late 1990s.

Membership in the local Elks Lodge peaked at 500 or so in the 1950s. Right now, the membership rolls carry just under 400 names, with 50 to 100 of these active in the group’s events.

As with all fraternal organizations, membership has declined in recent years, said Bill Murphy.

But Mary Ann wants to see that change. The Elks, she said, supports many worthwhile causes, most focused on young people. These include annual hoop and soccer shoots, participation the the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and scholarship programs. Annual Mother’s and Father’s day breakfasts are provided for the community, and Flag Day ceremonies are held each June.

A major project of the lodge is support and participation in the Maine Children’s Cancer program, she said.

“We want more memberships so more good work can be done,” she said. “We want good members that are willing to work. And we get together and have good times, too.”

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