Fraternal Societies in Rush County, Kansas

Veterans' organizations such as the Grand Army of the Republic were popular in the early days of Rush County because many of the early settlers had served in the Civil War. The return of soldiers after World War I and World War II brought about a strong sense of patriotism and a subsequent increase in membership to the American Legion and VFW. In the 21st century, an aging veteran population is threatening the survival of veteran's organizations as well.

Freemasonry is one of the largest and oldest fraternal organizations in the world. It is based upon legendary societies founded during the building of Solomon's temple. Freemasonry in America originated fromthe Grand Lodge of England in 1717. Its beliefs are based upon a belief in God, Grand Architect of the Universe. The foundation of the organization is the first three degrees, referred to as the “Blue Lodge”. In addition, members may progress through the York or Scottish Rites after which they are eligible for membership into the Shrine.

The AOUW was founded in Meadville, Pennsylvania on October 27, 1868 by John Jordan Upchurch, a Master Mason. It is a fraternal society that provided life insurance benefits to its members. Its "rite of passage" consists of three degrees.

The IOOF  was founded in England. Its origins in America are traced back to Washington Lodge organized in Baltimore on April 26, 1819. The United States Grand Lodge was founded in 1843. Its three tenets are friendship, love, and truth. There are three local degrees of membership after which additional degrees may be obtained. 

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal society of Roman Catholic men. It was founded in 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut by nine men under the leadership of Father Michael McGivneyled. The organization does extensive charity work including scholarships, financial help for ill members, and orphans.

The Knights of Pythias were founded in Washington, D.C. in 1864 by Justus H. Rathbone. The organization does charitable work and maintains homes for aged members and families. The chief governing body is the Supreme Lodge. There are three auxiliaries organizations, the Pythian Sisters, the Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan, and the Junior Order Princes of Syracuse.

The OES was originally intended to be the female branch of Freemasonry, but has become one of the largest organizations in the world for both men and women. It was founded by Dr. Robert Morris, a Master Mason and Past Grand Master of Kentucky. Its teachings are based on the Holy Bible.

The Rebekahs are the women's affiliate of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. It was founded on September 20, 1851 and was the first national fraternity to include both men and women. The Rebekah degree was written by Schuyler Colfax, vice-president of the United States from 1868-1873. It is based upon the story of Rebekah from the Holy Bible.

James C. Root founded Modern Woodmen of America in 1883. The fraternal society provided benefits for the financial security of a member's family following his death. The name was inspired after Root heard a parable about good that came from “woodmen clearing away the forest to build homes, communities, and security for their families.” Local lodges have ceased to exist, but the organization remains as a fraternal insurance company.

The WBFA, also known as Zapadni Cesko-Bratrska Jednota (ZCBJ), was established in 1897 as a fraternal benefit society for Czech men. In 1899, women were also admitted into the organization and in 1947, membership was opened to persons of all ethnic backgrounds. In 1971, the name was changed to Western Fraternal Life Association. Members who purchase an annunity or life policy automatically become members of a local lodge.

The American Legion was founded March 15, 1919 in Paris, France by members of the American Expeditionary Force. It was chartered by the U.S. Congress September 16, 1919 with the motto "For God and Country, we associate ourselves together." They sponsor youth programs including the Boy Scouts, and provide support for veterans and their families.

The GAR was founded in Decatur, Illinois, in 1866. The first Post was established in Springfield, Illinois under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson. Membership was open to any honorably discharged veteran of the Union forces. In 1868, its most notable accomplishment was instituting the observance of Memorial Day. Although the last remaining Union veteran died in 1956, the work of the GAR was continued by its auxiliary organizations.

The VFW was founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936. It is open to veterans who served on foreign soil or in hostile waters in a campaign for which a medal has been authorized. It provides support for its members and influences legislation for veterans' matters.