Richmond planet., 1902-06-21
THE SOUTHERN AID SOCIETY.
An Institution Of Great Value TO the
Community.

Community.
(Ter Centenary Number, The Evening
Times-Herald, Newport News, Va,
May, 1902
But few institutions in the State of
Virginia are more favorably known or
have accomplished better work than
the Southern Aid Society of Virginia,
whose home offices are in Richmond.
This society was incorporated on Feb
ruary 25th, 1898, with a capital stock
of 5000. From the date of its organi.
zation it became evident that its mis-
sion was high one and that its aims
were fully deserving of support. It's
growth, therefore, has been remarkably
rapid and to-day it has nearly 20, 900 pay,
ing members. AS has been stated, the
aims and methods of the society are de-
serving of unstincted praise. Itwas or
ganized especially to promote habits of
economy among the wage -earners
and those of small means. 1t was orga-
nized by colored people, it is conducted
by colored people, and it exist exclusive
ly for colored people. Every member of
the society. by paying a nominal initia-
ton fee and by paying a small weekly
premium or dues, is entitled to all of
the benefits which are usually granted
by the old line insurance companies,
and at "a much smaller cost.
For instance, when a member pays a
weekly premium of five cents ne is en-
titled TO $3.50 a week in case of disabili-
~ from sickness, and his family is en-
Tilted TO $500 as a burial in case of
death. Ten cents week entitlesa men,
Der TO S3'25 a week in case of sickness
and his family TO $500 burial fee IN
case of death. Larger premiums being
proportionately larger benefits. 1t is
especially worthy of note that members
not only secure benefits which are very
valuable in proportion TO the cost to
themselves, but that every just claim is
settled Immediately and without httiga-
tion.
a very important feature in the soci-
ETY. also is the social privileges that il ex.
tends to members. These become bet
ter acquainted with each other and be-
come mStualy helpful IN case of,sckness
or accident.
Some idea of the extent TO which the
Newport News branch of the Southern
Aid Society-o of Virginia has been appre.
ciated may be gained from the fact that
this branch has already secured mem.
bershlp of about 900. and thiSnumber is
rapidly increasing. Since the middle
OF January, this year, 100 new members
have been obtained The society is doing
a splendid work among the colored peO-
pie OF the city, and ii has become one
of our really important institutions.
The officers have proven themselves TO
be men of ability and character and they
have every reason Co feel gratitied at
the success which has attended their eff
forts.
The Newport News branch of the
society is located at No. 624 23rd street.
and Is under the direction of g. H.
Gre, II Mr. Green has been with the
society III Newport News for nearly
Year and he has amply demonstrated
ms htness FOR the responsible position.
Besides being prominent business man
he is actively identified with the higher
lie OF his city and section. He is a con-
slsJent and Influential member of the
First Baptist Church of Williamsburg.
he is also well known in social circles,
being member of the Royal Arch
Chapter of MaSons, in which he has
gained a thirty second degree; the
Knight Templar; the Mystic Shriners;
the knights Of Pythias, in which he is
grand lodge officer; the Odd Fellows,
IN which he has gained the fourteenth
degree, and of which he is Past Most
Venerable Patriarch.
He is man of education and of pleas
ing address and he has gained the un-
divided respect of all classes and of both
races He is accomplishing splendid
work and we bespeak for him liberal
share of public patronage.