Polish Beneficial Association (PBA)
Founded in 1899, the Polish Beneficial Association is a fraternal organization based in Philadelphia. The organization offers its membership benefits ranging from English language classes and social events to scholarship assistance and life insurance.
Polish Beneficial Association Celebrates 1OOth AnniversaryOn Sunday, December 5, 1999 Polish Beneficial Association (PBA), a fraternal life insurance society, will officially celebrate its lOOth Anniversary. An Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at St. John Cantius Church, Thompson and Orthodox Streets in the Bridesburg section of Philadelphia at 2 P.M. St. John Kanty (Cantius) is the patron saint of PBA. Immediately following the Mass, a banquet will be held at St. John Cantius Parish Hall.
PBA was founded December 3, 1899 at St. John Cantius Parish Hall on Almond Street, Philadelphia, about 500 feet from where its original headquarters building still stands at the corner of Almond and Orthodox Streets.
The building was remodeled in 1964 and a new wing was added.
Incorporated as the "Death Benefit Fund Society under the care of St. John Cantius," and later known as the Polish Beneficial Society of St. John Cantius before changing its name to the Polish Beneficial Association, the PBA was organized by Francis Jaskowiak, Julian Wessel, and Francis Chwieroth, who took their idea to Rev. Marion Kopytkiewicz, pastor of St. John Cantius.
Rev. Kopytkiewicz considered the concept of a fraternal benefit society an excellent idea and helped spread the word of its organization to other parishes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware.
Thirty nine men enrolled in the organization at its first meeting.
The PBA originally sold Whole Life Insurance policies for $50, $100, $200, $300, and $600. Today, the PBA sells life insurance plans for over one million dollars. Additionally, it offers annuities, term life plans, and other insurance coverage. The PBA is the only Polish life insurance fraternal headquartered in the city of Philadelphia. It boasts a membership of over 10,000 and has assets over $9 million.
PBA President Ted Drejerski and Administrative Secretary Ann Teska invite the entire Polish American community to attend the Anniversary Mass and Banquet. For reservations or additional information, call the PBA office at 215-535-2626.
The Polish American Congress and the Polonia join in extending congratulations to the President, Ted Drejerski, officers, directors, and members of the Polish Beneficial Association, as they celebrate their lOOth Anniversary.
From: Polish American News, October 1999