Despite rumors of the contrary, Albert Lea Elks Lodge 813 will not be closing its doors, Elks Exalted Ruler Scott Golbuff said Thursday.

Golbuff said the rumor about the closing of the fraternal organization’s lodge has been going around for a couple of years, but he said, “That’s never been an option. We have no intentions of closing.”

The organization has had several meetings discussing options, he said, and Monday evening it had one where a state Elks Lodge official was in attendance to help brainstorm about options of fundraising and how to raise members.

But that’s no different than what other service clubs do to raise money and members, Golbuff said.

For fundraising this year, they’ve had a plastic duck race at the Shell Rock River channel that runs between Fountain and Albert Lea lakes, along with pancake breakfasts and other fundraisers.

The organization is planning some type of a chili cookoff for later this year or early next year, he said.

“It’s too bad some of the rumors go around because it hurts business and it hurts everyone,” he said.

Albert Lea Elks Lodge 813 began in 1902. The organization met at different places downtown until 1966, when it moved to its present spot at 1813 S. Broadway Ave. Many other people and organizations in Albert Lea use the Elks Lodge facility for meetings and celebrations.

Golbuff said the Elks Lodge has 1,677 members — the largest one in Minnesota and the 12th largest in the United States — and members each pay annual dues of $55.

Managers are working to pay off club debts.

“It would be wonderful if we had all the money to pay everybody off,” he said.

In the meantime, Golbuff added, “The best way we’ve been working to quash those rumors is be positive and optimistic and continue to provide services and serve good food.”

The Albert Lea Elks Lodge will host the 2010 state convention for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which will bring people to Albert Lea from all around Minnesota.