Another Milestone Anniversary Coming Next Year

 By Benny Fairchild

ALBANY – While this year marks the 125^th anniversary of United Helpers welcoming its first resident, it wasn’t until 1899 that the Society of the United Helpers was officially incorporated.

The incorporation came following the adoption of a charter and bylaws, which occurred in April of 1898 when 12 women, two each from the Baptist, Congregational, Universalist, Episcopalian, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches came together to form what would be known as the Society of the United Helpers. This was just mere weeks before accepting their first resident.

Articles of Incorporation

The Catholic church operated its own children’s home, and while Franklin and Lewis counties each had a protestant home, there was no such home in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, or Clinton counties, meaning the new United Helpers Home was definitely filling a need in the community, something United Helpers has continued to do over the years, whether it be through creating a retirement community, homes for people with developmental disabilities, or behavioral health services.

The Society’s articles of incorporation would officially be approved by the State Board of Charities on Feb. 22, 1899, giving us another anniversary to celebrate next year.

The articles read:

In the matter of the Incorporation of the Society of the United Helpers:

WHEREAS, Application has been made to the State Board of Charities for its approval of the incorporation of the Society of the United Helpers, and

WHEREAS, On due inquiry and investigation it appears to said Board desirable and proper that such Society shall be incorporated,

NOW, THEREFORE, In pursuance of, and in conformity with, the provisions of Chapter 559, of the Laws of the State of New York passed May 8, 1895, the said Board of Charities hereby certifies that is approves of the incorporation of the said Society of United Helpers, the certificate of incorporation of which hereunto annexed.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The said Board has this 23^rd day of February, 1899 caused these presents to be subscribed by its officers and its official seal to be hereunto affixed.

WM. R. Stewart,

President.