A buffet luncheon will be served and society memorabilia will also be on display. Society members and guests will have to opportunity to discuss and reminisce about the Society\u2019s fascinating history.<\/p>\n
Established in 1916, the Society was founded to provide its members with some financial aid for sickness, disability and death benefits. Dues were $12 a year (same as today), but most members paid monthly because $12 was two to three days\u2019 wages. Members received a death benefit of $500, disability benefits of $100 for loss of an eye, foot or hand, and a sickness benefit lifetime maximum of $400 provided at $10 a week. At that time, these were the only benefits available to the immigrant workers that came to Bethlehem to find work at the Bethlehem Steel; these benefits were a big help financially during a hardship. The Society was also a center of social activity at the church and all members were invited to the monthly general meetings in the church basement to conduct business, and adjourned to enjoy a meal or banquet.<\/p>\n
For the first 50 years until 1965, the Society\u2019s minute book and the By-Laws were handwritten in Windish. Over that time the investments have included properties, rentals, a parking lot, stocks and bonds. Throughout the first 50 years, the Society grew to almost 200 members and total assets of $66,000. By 1978, the Society had exceeded $100,000 in assets and the membership was open to other Catholic Church members outside of St. Joseph\u2019s Church.<\/p>\n
Today, the Society has close to $500,000 in assets and is financially secure. The Society\u2019s financial success has allowed four consecutive years of gain sharing, totaling $120,000 in increased death benefits to members. The Society has a long tradition of serving its members and returning the maximum gain to the death benefit. It will continue to serve its members for the next 100 years.<\/p>\n
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