Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association was founded in 1876. The founders were all direct from Scotland and brought with them the true characteristics of the native born Scot. Many who came to Canada, brought with them considerable knowledge of the workings of Fraternal Societies from a social aspect, but these early pioneers had to learn to formulate a satisfactory financial method to achieve their ideals. The Association went through many changes to become what it is now.
The Sons of Scotland began granting insurance to its members, adapting the simple plan of collecting 50 cents from each member. When a death occurred, an amount was paid to the beneficiary from this fund, not exceeding the sum insured. This plan continued in operation until 1895, when it was changed to a method of obligating each member to make a monthly payment, the amount of which varied according to age.
In 1917, the executive board changed the financial structure to incorporate actuarial methods and regulation. Up to this date, only Whole Life policies were issued. It was also agreed to admit women into the Association to participate in insurance benefits and become active members.
In 1919 the Association adopted the 20 year payment life policy.
In 1925 plans were added for Endowments at age 65 & 70 and 20 & 25 year also. In that year, the Association began granting bonuses.
In 1927 an important event occurred. The Association established a Juvenile Insurance Department granting insurance on the lives of children of members. Also the Association decided to grant Paid Up policies to members who had 5 years service and wished to discontinue payments.
In 1929 Endowment insurance was granted to Juveniles.
In 1935 grand Camp agreed to allow members the privilege of using the Cash Value of their bonuses to pay premiums; the privilege also of surrendering all Endowment policies 10 or more years in force and life plan in force for 20 years or more. A non medical on amounts of $125.00 & $250.00 and to pay all medicals for amounts of $250.00 policies.
In 1890 membership was 419 shared between 12 camps. Three years later 126 camps registered 3,928 members.
By 1908 enrolment had increased to 7,834. Membership has risen and declined since then to the present time.
Assets of our Association seemed meager in comparision to our present status. In 1893 the funds were $1,090.00. In 1916 the bank balance was in excess of a half a million dollars to our present total of over 9 million dollars.
Grand Camps were invariably held in Toronto. There have been 38 Grand Camp sessions there. In earlier times meetings were held in
The initial years of our Association (1878-1895) weren’t stable times for calling Grand Camps. As the membership grew from 1895 to 1915 Grand Camp came to order every 2 years. From 1915 to 1931 it lengthened to every 4 years then for 8 years, reverted to every 2 years. In 1939 the cycle switched to every 3 years and has remained so.
In 1976 we celebrated our Centennial year.
