Catholic Central Verein of America

A national union of Catholic lay societies founded in 1855. The original organization consisted almost entirely of societies serving German Catholic immigrants and their families. The Verein underwent a major reorganization ca. 1900, becoming a national association built upon state federations of Catholic societies, rather than having each local society hold direct membership in the national association.

A permanent Central Bureau was established at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1908, with Frederick P. Kenkel as director. An affiliated National Catholic Women's Union (originally the Frauenbund) was established by 1916. The two organizations generally held joint conventions at both the national and state levels.

The Verein and the Women's Union engaged in such activities as newspaper publishing, assisting German immigrants, providing aid to the sick, providing a form of life insurance for members, and assisting widows and orphans. The two organizations had lost most of their German character by the end of World War II, and eventually the Central Verein changed its name to the Central Union.

From the description of Records, 1826-1972 (bulk 1908-1952). (University of Notre Dame). WorldCat record id: 25469712