Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum

The Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum, commonly known as the Royal Arcanum, is a fraternal benefit society founded in 1877 in Boston, Massachusetts. It was established by John A. Cummings and Dr. Darius Wilson, who had previously been involved in founding similar organizations, including the Knights of Honor.

History

Dr. Darius Wilson, the primary founder, played a crucial role in establishing several fraternal organizations. His dissatisfaction with the Knights of Honor's lack of a graded assessment plan led him to create the Royal Arcanum, which was designed to operate on such a system. Wilson personally crafted the ritual, constitution, and emblem for the society to ensure control over its direction. The initial Supreme Council was established on June 23, 1877, at 1066 Washington Street, Boston.

Organization

The Royal Arcanum operates through a three-tiered system. Local groups are known as Subordinate Councils, which must have at least 16 members meeting specific qualifications. Five councils in a state or region can form a Grand Council with over 1,000 members, subject to approval by the Supreme Council. The highest governing body is the biennial Supreme Council, which remains the central authority.

Mission and Activities

The Royal Arcanum focuses on providing life insurance and annuities as part of its fraternal benefit system. It aims to protect families while contributing to community welfare. Members benefit from social events, educational support, scholarships, and community service opportunities. The organization's distinctive aspect is its commitment to reinvesting profits into community projects rather than generating stockholder dividends.

Membership and Legal History

Historically, membership was restricted, but these limitations have been removed over time. The organization has appeared in several U.S. Supreme Court cases related to benefit disputes. There was also a female auxiliary group, the Loyal Ladies of the Royal Arcanum, established in 1909. The Royal Arcanum once boasted a large membership but saw declines over the years.

Legal History

The organization has been a party to several significant U.S. Supreme Court cases, including Wishart v. Supreme Council of Royal Arcanum (1912), Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum v. Green (1915), and Supreme Council of Royal Arcanum v. Behrend (1918), which involved legal disputes over benefits.

Nonprofit Status

The Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum operates as a nonprofit fraternal organization, reinforcing its commitment to community service and member benefits.

Products and Services

Royal Arcanum offers a variety of financial products, including life insurance plans and annuities, designed to provide financial security while supporting local communities through volunteer work and charitable initiatives.