American Slovenian Catholic Union (KSKJ)

Overview

The American Slovenian Catholic Union, commonly known as KSKJ (Kranjsko slovenska katoliška jednota or "Carniolan Slovene Catholic Union"), is a fraternal organization established in 1894 in the United States. It is primarily aimed at Catholic Slovenes and serves as a life insurance company, providing financial security and fraternal fellowship to its members.

History

KSKJ originated during the Industrial Revolution, primarily to protect the families of Slovenian immigrants who worked in hazardous steel mills. The organization initially comprised 333 members and grew rapidly. By 1909, it had expanded to over 10,000 members. The first official KSKJ headquarters were established in downtown Joliet, Illinois, marking a significant milestone in the organization's growth.

In the early 20th century, KSKJ played a crucial role in establishing and supporting Slovenian parishes, particularly in Chicago. The organization was instrumental in the development of St. Stephen's Parish by purchasing a defunct Swedish church to serve as its first place of worship.

Name Changes and Developments

• 1962: The Silver Convention in Steelton/Harrisburg, PA, saw the organization's name changed to the American Slovenian Catholic Union, KSKJ.
• 1968: The KSKJ Scholarship Fund was established to support educational endeavors.
• 2006: The organization officially changed its name to KSKJ Life, American Slovenian Catholic Union.

Activities and Benefits

KSKJ Life sponsors various events, including award and recognition dinners, outdoor activities, children's contests, picnics, and Christmas parties. It also awards scholarships for higher education and supports local charities. The organization publishes a newspaper, KSKJ Voice.

Current Status

Today, KSKJ Life continues to advocate for its members and their communities by providing life insurance, annuities, and promoting traditional Christian heritage and family values. It has a strong presence with over 40,000 members across the United States.

Structure

KSKJ Life operates through a network of local lodges. It has a national governance structure that oversees its operations and member benefits. In recent years, the organization has expanded its facilities by acquiring a new building for its headquarters in Joliet, Illinois.

[1] https://www.kskjlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/April-2019-Final-for-Website.pdf [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Slovenian_Catholic_Union [3] https://archives.archchicago.org/photo-exhibit/collection-spotlight-slovenian-parishes [4] https://kskjlife.com/our-history/ [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/361150880