The St. Stanislaus Society

The St. Stanislaus Mutual Benefit Society was established on March 24, 1912, by Rev. Joseph Hinzman and had its own domicile in the Parish Hall on Denison Avenue. Its character was that of mutual aid; illness and funeral benefits were paid out from the collected membership fees, and help was given to anyone who found him or herself in sudden need.

Members of this society called themselves brothers, took part in all annual festivities, organized celebrations, and joined the cultural life of the Polish community. They took extensive care of the White Eagle Orchestra, which was composed of 48 musicians, who honoured almost all national and religious holidays with their performances.

The orchestra played an important role in the recruitment of soldiers to the Polish Army in France. 25 members of The St. Stanislaus Society joined the Army; this was 10% of the people living in Canada recruited into the army. In 1916, a branch of the association was established in Welland and used the Charter and the Constitution of The St. Stanislaus Society of Toronto.

When fusion negotiations began between The St. Stanislaus Society and Sons of Poland, Welland’s Branch refused to accept the change and began independent work.