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History


On Sunday, December 3rd, 1899, in the school hall of St. John Cantius R.C. Church in Bridesburg, Philadelphia, PA, a group of Polish people gathered to form a brotherhood, to help each other out financially, in case of death of either the member or his wife. The thought of organizing such a brotherhood was first conceived by three men from the Frankford-Bridesburg area of Philadelphia. These men were Francis Jaskowiak, Julian Wessel and Francis Chwieroth. They went with their idea to their parish priest, the Reverend Marion Kopytkiewicz, Pastor of St. John Cantius in Bridesburg. He thought that it was an excellent idea, and so called a meeting of all the parishioners who would be interested, inviting also other parish priests and their parishioners to participate. Among the visitors were the Reverend Gabryel Kraus from St. Laurentius Church in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia and the Reverend Mieczyslaw Kopytkiewicz from St. Josephat's Church in Manayunk. Thus the organization known now as the Polish Beneficial Association had its humble begining.

It was decided at that first meeting to call the organization "Death Benefit Fund Society under the care of St. John Cantius". In later years the name was changed to Polish Beneficial Society of St. John Cantius, and now it is known as the Polish Beneficial Association.

It was decided at the first meeting to take members on a set death benefit of $600.00 for a member's death and $300.00 for his wife. Shortly after that other changes were made to keep up with modern times and life insurance regulations corresponding to State Insurance Department regulations.

Where at the first Meeting men were enrolled from ages 16-55, the organization NOW takes male or female members from age 0 to 80.

At the first meeting there were 39 men who joined the Death Benefit Society. TODAY the Polish Beneficial Association has over 10,000 Policies issued. The assets of the newly formed society were practically NIL at the start. TODAY, the Association has assets of about 9,800,000.00 and increasing it by a little more than $100,000.00 Annually.

Besides being a Fraternal Life Insurance Association the organization takes part in Civic, Patriotic, Charitable and Religious and Church Activities. Members have many fraternal benefits such as being able to obtain a Home Loan Mortgage to purchase a Home; Students may obtain Tuition Aid for College and Technical Schools; Members can obtain Loans on their policies. Over the many years Polish Beneficial Association has greatly expanded their activities for members and offer activities such as Children's Polish Folk Dance Lessons, Polish Language Courses, Children's Christmas Parties, Polka Dance Lessons, Children's Polish Glee Club, Easter Egg Hunt for Children, various Trips and Outings. Also many of the individual Lodges offer activities for their local sections like Mother's Day and Christmas Socials.

The Polish Beneficial Association has also supported numerous Shrines, Hospitals, and given special assistance to Poland such as the Polish Children's Heartline, and Relief for Poland.

 

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