Jacob Riis

Robert McCally

Thad Welch

Walt Laude

THE KING'S SONS

The King's Daughters was founded January 13, 1886, however, the work of the Order did not at first include men and boys. As it progressed, many individuals and groups of men requested to be included so that in 1887 the Order opened its membership to Sons as well as Daughters of The King. The growth of this portion of the Order was less rapid than that of the sister association. One of the most popular and active groups was the Commercial Travelers Chapter which cooperated with the work of the YMCA. It was made up of 100 picked men from different states. These were real "fishers-of-men," as they went into the slum areas of various large cities and helped rescue the hopeless derelicts of mankind.

Several other early interesting men's programs were started. The J. A. Riis Settlement House and the Flower Mission was founded by Jacob Riis, at the time a police reporter on the New York Sun. The Flower Mission Circle carried donated flowers to homes that had never been brightened by flowers. Jacob was called America's first journalist-photographer. He was known at the turn of the century as the "Emancipator of the Slums." In other places, men and boys united simply to stand behind and encourage the Order's work in places where women were making great efforts in one or another direction. These associate men's Circles were among the most helpful workers of all.

The Chautauqua Scholarship program was started in 1920 for young women only, but was changed to included young men when Ronald Sasse and John Ditto joined the 1951 scholarship class. The Order acquired Bonnie Hall in 1952 to house the boys.

Even though King's Sons were elected officers in Branches and Circles, it wasn't until the seventies that men became International Officers. Charles Thompson was the first elected and served as the director of the Young Adult Department from 1970 - 1974. Harry Deischer was the Student Ministry Director 1974 - 1977 and Robert McCally was the Young Adult Director from 1976 - 1980. Carroll Gray served as the Chautauqua Scholarship Director from 1986 to 1990 and Thad Welch Jr., was The Silver Cross Editor, 2000 - 2004. Walt Laude is the present Silver Cross Editor.

2007 marks the 120th anniversary of King's Sons serving In His Name. Margaret Bottome wrote in the October 1888 issue of The Silver Cross addressed to the King's Sons, "Our Brothers: God has called us 'Sons and Daughters,' and what He joins we shall not put asunder."

Ethel S. Welch
International Historian

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I have always felt a need to help others and looked for something where I could use my skills to be of service. I was invited to join... The King's Daughters and Sons. The warmth and love of the members and how they were trying to serve others made me feel at home... I attended my first International Convention in Savannah, Georgia. It was a wonderful experience and I was overwhelmed at the love and camaraderie and how everyone was so glad to see each other. As I listened to reports I was impressed at all that was being done In His Name. It has been a great experience and leaves one with a good feeling to see how so many of the participants have moved on to accept positions of responsibility at the local, Branch and International level. All that has happened over the years since I first became a King's Daughter has created a special place in my heart for the Order.
Wyolene, VA