HISTORY of the Danish Sisterhood of America
The 126-year-old history of the Danish Sisterhood of America is a very important part of our organization. It allows us to understand how the Danish Sisterhood was established, who stood behind it and the evolution of our organization. It gives us the opportunity to see where we have been and the roads that were taken to get to where we are today. Through our historical records we can read and understand the groundwork of our founding Sisters and how incredible it is that the Danish Sisterhood has been able to withstand the test of time.
Original Logo
We have kept our Logo as DSS (DANSK SØSTER SAMFUND) which was the original Danish name for our organization – even if it was later changed to the Danish Sisterhood of America.
Our Founder – Mrs. Christine Hemmingsen organized the Danish Sisterhood of America, on December 15, 1883.
The first lodge was located in Negaunee, Michigan and named Christine Lodge Number 1.
The first lodge was located in Negaunee, Michigan and named Christine Lodge Number 1.
At their first meeting, it was decided that members of the Danish Brotherhood could become social members of the Sisterhood; therefore, in addition to the eleven women who were initiated as active members, 20 men, members of the Danish Brotherhood Lodge No. 6 were initiated as social members.
In 1887 the Sisterhood held its first Convention and thanks to the encouragement and support of the Danish Brotherhood, the Danish Sisterhood continued to grow as an independent organization.
Sisterhood support was also given to the war effort in Denmark. A letter was received in 1946 after the liberation of Denmark, expressing appreciation for the contributions from American lodges for books to the colleges of Denmark.
The United States Bicentennial was not only a proud time for our country but also for the Danish Sisterhood. Honorary Membership in the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood was awarded to Queen Margrethe of Denmark during her 1976 Bicentennial visit to the United States with Prince Henrik.
In 1887 the Sisterhood held its first Convention and thanks to the encouragement and support of the Danish Brotherhood, the Danish Sisterhood continued to grow as an independent organization.
Sisterhood support was also given to the war effort in Denmark. A letter was received in 1946 after the liberation of Denmark, expressing appreciation for the contributions from American lodges for books to the colleges of Denmark.
The United States Bicentennial was not only a proud time for our country but also for the Danish Sisterhood. Honorary Membership in the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood was awarded to Queen Margrethe of Denmark during her 1976 Bicentennial visit to the United States with Prince Henrik.
DOGWOOD LODGE 179
Several women gathered in Vancouver in February 1967 in the adjoining room to where the Brothers held their monthly meeting at the Hastings Auditorium. The proposal of joining the organization was accepted by most of the ladies present. Fourteen members attended our first meeting in April 1967. We operated for four years under the name: Danish Sisterhood of Vancouver.
At the next National Convention in September 1970, the delegates voted to accept us as an Associate Lodge.Then 88 years later - on March 13, 1971 the Danish Sisterhood Dogwood Lodge 179 was installed. The Dogwood lodge name was adopted after the British Columbia's floral emblem. In the interest of sharing the rich culture of Denmark the 1987 National Convention delegates voted to expand the membership into the Danish Sisterhood to any woman who is of Danish descent, or who has a strong interest in the Danish heritage and traditions.
Out of the original Charter members, 8 received their 25 year Pins in 1996. In following years, several Delegates and Alternates from the Dogwood Lodge were sent to the National Conventions, that took place every 4 years. Our first in Philadelphia 1978 and the last in Chicago in 2007. - We look forward to the next in 2011 in San Francisco.
The Danish Sisterhood Lodge #179, together with the Danish Brotherhood Lodge # 328, has held their annual ‘Andespil’ (Bingo) since 1977. The Sisters make the sandwiches and the Brothers are in charge of the Bingo. Since Dogwood Lodge was installed, several teams have been participating in the annual Pacific North West bowling tournaments and over the years managed to win some of the trophies.
Over the years we organize many fundraising and social events such as Whist drives, Bazaars, Bake sales, Garage Sales, Pot-luck dinners, Bingo, Picnics and several other various functions including our yearly Christmas party. We further participate in the yearly Country Fair and the Midsummer Fest and out of the profit, we donate to various needy organizations.
Preserve our Past for the Future
The Danish Sisterhood “Dogwood Lodge 179” will continue to pursue the ideals and preserve the heritage, traditions and Danish Culture for future generations, that former members established so many years ago and we are proud to be part of the largest Danish women's organization in America with over 2000 members active in 50 lodges (48 in the USA and 2 in Canada).
Dogwood Lodge 179 was the very first Lodge organized in Canada and in 2006 we celebrated our 35th Anniversary. Many members have come and gone over the years and some regretfully passed away.
At the next National Convention in September 1970, the delegates voted to accept us as an Associate Lodge.Then 88 years later - on March 13, 1971 the Danish Sisterhood Dogwood Lodge 179 was installed. The Dogwood lodge name was adopted after the British Columbia's floral emblem. In the interest of sharing the rich culture of Denmark the 1987 National Convention delegates voted to expand the membership into the Danish Sisterhood to any woman who is of Danish descent, or who has a strong interest in the Danish heritage and traditions.
Out of the original Charter members, 8 received their 25 year Pins in 1996. In following years, several Delegates and Alternates from the Dogwood Lodge were sent to the National Conventions, that took place every 4 years. Our first in Philadelphia 1978 and the last in Chicago in 2007. - We look forward to the next in 2011 in San Francisco.
The Danish Sisterhood Lodge #179, together with the Danish Brotherhood Lodge # 328, has held their annual ‘Andespil’ (Bingo) since 1977. The Sisters make the sandwiches and the Brothers are in charge of the Bingo. Since Dogwood Lodge was installed, several teams have been participating in the annual Pacific North West bowling tournaments and over the years managed to win some of the trophies.
Over the years we organize many fundraising and social events such as Whist drives, Bazaars, Bake sales, Garage Sales, Pot-luck dinners, Bingo, Picnics and several other various functions including our yearly Christmas party. We further participate in the yearly Country Fair and the Midsummer Fest and out of the profit, we donate to various needy organizations.
Preserve our Past for the Future
The Danish Sisterhood “Dogwood Lodge 179” will continue to pursue the ideals and preserve the heritage, traditions and Danish Culture for future generations, that former members established so many years ago and we are proud to be part of the largest Danish women's organization in America with over 2000 members active in 50 lodges (48 in the USA and 2 in Canada).
Dogwood Lodge 179 was the very first Lodge organized in Canada and in 2006 we celebrated our 35th Anniversary. Many members have come and gone over the years and some regretfully passed away.
Vision
The National Danish Sisterhood organizations will address changing times. We will build commitment by all sisters to preserve our organizations and heritage with interest, enthusiasm and concern for each other.
Mission
The mission of the Danish Sisterhood is to strengthen, maintain and preserve the Danish heritage and traditions for future generations.
Long Range (10 Year) Goals
• To attract, motivate, and retain members.
• To provide tools to create an environment open to change and growth.
• To regularly review and update the financial and organizational structure.
• To enable members to discover, enjoy and understand their heritage.
• To market the Danish Sisterhood of America and Danish Culture to the community.
• To provide tools to create an environment open to change and growth.
• To regularly review and update the financial and organizational structure.
• To enable members to discover, enjoy and understand their heritage.
• To market the Danish Sisterhood of America and Danish Culture to the community.