THE MASONIC AND
MINISTERIAL RELIEF
ASSOCIATION
OF COLUMBIA COUNTY
CHATHAM
COLUMBIA COUNTY
NEW YORK
By Capt. Franklin Ellis316
1878
The Masonic and Ministerial Relief Association of Columbia County was organized July 23, 1872, and has its home office in the Masonic building at Chatham village. Its object is to secure cheap and reliable insurance, or the relief of mothers, widows, and orphans of deceased members. No large accumulation is contemplated, but the best possible security is offered,--"The pledged honor and integrity of every member of the association." The Members are divided into classes of five hundred each, based on age, and pay a membership fee of ten dollars, and an annual due of one dollar, and on the death of a member belonging to his class, two dollars for every one thousand dollars assured.
The plan has proved very satisfactory, as the following report of its condition, April, 1878, attests:
| Policies issued in Class A | 321 |
| Deaths in Class A | 3 |
| Lapsed in Class A | 119 |
| Present members | 200 |
| Policies issued in Class B | 562 |
| Deaths in Class B | 3 |
| Lapsed in Class B | 187 |
| Present members | 372 |
| Polices issued in Class C | 392 |
| Deaths in Class C | 8 |
| Lapsed in Class C | 130 |
| Present members | 254 |
Two hundred and fifty-two policies were issued in 1877.
The officers since the association was organized have been: President, Cornelius S. Mead; Vice-President, Hugh W. McClellan; Secretary, Abram Ashley, Jr.; and Treasurer, Wright H. Barnes.
These Beautiful Graphics Designed by:
