The first association of Ladies of Charity, Guardian Angel Settlement Association, was established in the United States on December 8, 1857 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1957, members of the Guardian Angel Settlement invited all Ladies of Charity Associations in the United States to attend the centennial meeting. During the meeting, the Ladies voted unanimously to form a national organization. The constitution and by-laws of the Association of the Ladies of Charity of the United States (ALCUS) explained its purpose as: to serve as a bond between the associations of the Ladies of Charity in the United States and the International Headquarters in Paris, France; to promote unity among the associations in the exercise of charity according to the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul through personal service to the poor; and to encourage the activities of the existing associations and to assist in the organization of new ones. In 1991, the name of the organization was officially changed to Ladies of Charity of the United States of America (LCUSA).
From the description of Ladies of Charity of the United States of America Records 1857-2009 (bulk 1957-1994). (DePaul University). WorldCat record id: 676779917
