San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1924-04-13
Hundreds of Hermann Sons
Here On Way to Convention

the second and third generation of
those pioneer-settlers, are planning for
the hundreds of delegates to this
convention can only be imagined but
every one seems convinced that their
stay in the city among the hills, will
be one Of the most pleasurable in their
lives.
The Sons of Hermann is a fratern-
al benefit society, founded as q Texas
state organization of the national Or
ganization of the Hermann Sons,
March %, 1890, and chartered as such,
under the jurisdiction of the national
organization September 2, 1891. Its
connection with the national Organi.
zation has been in force until April
1919, when, without changing name
and organization it amended its char
ter in order to become an independ-
ent society in Texas, and no longer
under the jurisdiction of q national
body.
Thus, having since kept the same
purpose and objects within its. own
jurisdiction, its own charter and not
remodeled its whole structure, it
seems proper that the order claim al
existence of 30 years.
%ASSs Ohhy AZ 4SA0c SitASo
AS a Texas fraternity, the grand
lodge meetings have been limited to
cities in this state only. San Antonio
Houston, New Braunfels, Galveston,
Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, La
ton cities. Older members are look
ing back to these visits as pleasant
memories.
he 49,
ton the city of Fredericksburg is chos-
en-. There again will meet visitors
and citizens who speak the language of
their forefathers. But there are some
cardinal virtues which are embedded
in these people which are practised.
They will rejoice being American of
German descent, full pledged Ameri-
can. they maintain and act upon the
ideals of freedom, the love of justice,
which above all, are those of the
United States of America.
After three years time, the repre-
sentatives of the local lodges, about
GOO strong are brought again togeth-
er from every part of the big state to
compare and examine the wants of
the different lodges and features
which the members enjoy today, and
which are being bettered with the pas
sage of time, and to propose and car.
ry out all such measures as will more
fully cement the future of the order.
In the enormous growth of this
kind Of life insurance societies in the
United States, Recognized by the In
surance Commissioners, the Sons of
Hermann have taken their proportion
ate share.
Offers Many Benefits.
The development of this society in
the 80 years is manifested in many
ways: in membership and finances, in
the protection for the members of the
families, widows and orphans, by the
death benefit in the amounts of $500
and $1,000. lately increased to the
sum of $1,000; in the establishment
of a beneficence, such as not all other
fraternities have, that is the relief for
needy members; in the establishment
of the grent institution, the Home for
the Aged and Orphans, near Comfort ;
in Strengthening the bonds of fellow
ship and good feeling; and in dissem-
mating true spirit of liberty among
its members.
In the meeting of the grand lodge
in Fredericksburg the delegates and
visitors present it is estimated about
1000-will be informed by the reports
Of the different officers and commit
tees with all necessary data relative
TO the society affairs at the end Of
the fiscal year, March 81, 1924.
Assets Are Large.
The report of the Secretary will
state the numerical strength Of the
membership of the 413 lodges: the
total of 22,577 members, men and wo-
men, with an insurance in force of
about S20,00O,0O0: it will deal with
the center of membership in cities
and counties and other important
matters relating to the mortuary benc-
fit. expenses. the home for the aged,
relief and office work.
The amount of assets is S2.605, 800
IL in the different funds. 1t means
that the Order of the Sons of Her
mann has become a large financial
institution. with this difference from
other. that the greatest part of these
funds are invested for the protection
of the policy holders. That is the
point to be emphasized publicly: to
be connected with a business that is
big and good, with all the members
proud of the growth of their fratern-
ity. and of the help given to the de-
velopment of this state. The found
crs who met So years ago. were op.
timists. they saw vision.o the pos
sibilities of this fraternity. The de-
velonments have realized the vision.
Forty Members In Old Home.
But there is another aspect of the
matter which is even more important
The accumulation Of funds is only
one of the necessary features of the
business, in reality they exist for the
purpose of providing money for the
certificate holder. and for widows and
orphans. How many widows have
been saved from being compelled to
engage in toll beyond their strength.
or from depending upon the charity OF
relatives? How many children has II
enabled to gain an education? To the
policy holders themselves has come the