Sons of Hermann Hall in Dallas

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Frequently Asked Questions

bulletWho are the Texas Hermann Sons?
bulletCan an Insurance Co really be Not-for-Profit?
bulletIs this for Germans only?
bulletThen why the German name?
bulletHow did you come up with that name?
bulletHow Financially Stable is Hermann Sons?
bulletWhat is a Fraternal Benefit Society?
bulletWhy join a local lodge?
bulletHow old do I have to be to join?
bulletHow can I become a member?

Q. Who are the Texas Hermann Sons?

A. Texas Hermann Sons is a not-for-profit Fraternal Life insurance company also referred to as a Fraternal Benefit Society. Hermann Sons was founded in Texas in 1861 by two German immigrants, who had migrated from New York City. The Grand Lodge or headquarters is located in San Antonio, Texas. There are 155 local lodges in 140 communities, towns and cities across Texas. Hermann Sons is the largest Fraternal Benefit Society operating in only one state - Texas - with more than 79,000 members. The full name of the organization is The Order of the Sons of Hermann in the State of Texas. (That's "Hermann" with 2 N's)

Q. How can a life insurance company be a not-for-profit company?

A. Hermann Sons is organized under 501(C)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code. Income over expenses is offered to the members in the form of fraternal benefits.

Q. Do I have to be of German descent to belong to Hermann Sons?

A. People of all backgrounds are welcome.  Please join our family!

Q. Why do you still have a German name?

A. We continue to honor our heritage.

Q. How did Hermann Sons get its name?

A. When German immigrants founded Hermann Sons, they chose the name of a Germanic hero, Hermann the Cherusker or Hermann the Defender, who had led his countrymen in the defeat of three legions of the Roman Empire in 9 A.D. in the Teutonburger Forest. Since it required courage and bravery to come to a new land and face the perils confronting them, they chose the name of a brave and courageous hero as their inspiration. Hermann the Cherusker, also called Armenius by the Romans, is often referred to as the George Washington of Germany.

Q. How financially stable is Hermann Sons?

A. In addition to being in operation for over 136 years with more than $611 million worth of insurance in force, Hermann Sons has a solvency ratio of 125%. Hermann Sons has been offering life insurance to its members since 1873. In the early years the largest policy available was $500, but today, policies range from small to mid range plans into the millions of dollars.

Q. What are the hallmarks of a Fraternal Benefit Society?

A. Patriotism and volunteerism. The Grand Lodge and local lodges assist members and nonmembers who have been victims of natural disasters or fires. Furthermore, lodge members volunteer in a myriad of ways - museum docents, mentors to elementary children, hospital auxiliaries, nursing homes, meals on wheels, to name a few - to improve their communities.

Q. Why a local lodge?

A. The local lodge is the basis of our Order. Lodge membership can widen your circle of friends, give you a feeling of belonging and expand your social life. Local lodges sponsor a variety of events such as dances, day trips to dog races, casinos, shopping excursions to outlet malls or the Mexican border. Others even organize trips to LasVegas or New England to see the fall leaves. Paying dues is part of the local lodge membership system.

Q. How old do I have to be to join Hermann Sons?

A. Hermann Sons is an organization that stresses 100% family membership.  It is often said that Hermann Sons takes care of you from the cradle to the grave.  Parents and grandparents often purchase life insurance for a newborn child or grandchild.  Insurance plans are available from birth to age 90.

Q. Sounds great to me - how do I become a member?

A. Visit the Sons of Hermann Hall and speak to any agent representing the Grand Lodge of the Order of the Sons of Hermann in the State of Texas.  Agents Wanda Dietel, Dottie Simon, or Helen Brown will be more than happy to give you all the information.

We hope to see you at the Sons of Hermann Hall soon!

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This site was last updated December 16, 2008
Contents Copyright © 1998-2004 by the Dallas Sons of Hermann Home Association
Sons of Hermann Hall, P.O. Box 710277, Dallas, TX 75371-2077