Who We Are
We are a nonprofit members-only club with a mission to foster fellowship, celebrate culture of our ancestors, and support charitable activities within the community. Nestled in the heart of the West Side of South Bend, the club has become a cherished third place for many—a welcoming escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Our Story
The Mutual Fraternal Aid Society of Saint Joseph Protector of Young Men, commonly known as the Saint Joseph Young Men's Society in South Bend, was established at the Saint Adalbert Parish in 1910 at the initiative of Reverend John Kubacki, the parish's first pastor. Within two weeks of the pastor's call to action during a Sunday sermon, 56 boys enrolled in the Society. The purpose of the Society was "to promote mutual Christian aid in sickness, misfortune, and death, and to cultivate the national spirit and mutual aid of young men." Initially, membership was open to men aged 14 to 30 years old and of Polish Catholic descent. In accordance with the Society's bylaws at the time, members were to receive communion quarterly. Over the years, the Society showcased Polish theatrical plays, participated in patriotic parades, and provided financial support to the parish and its parishioners.
During the onset of World War I, many members volunteered for the army, causing the pause in the Society's official business due to lack of quorum. Post-war, the Society redirected its focus towards sports, establishing basketball, baseball, and bowling teams while also backing scout groups in Polish schools in South Bend. In 1939, the Saint Joseph Young Men's Society purchased a building on the West Side of South Bend, housing a thriving bar and multiple event and conference halls, witnessing a rapid increase in membership, reaching 750 by 1960. The Society still resides there today.
Beginning in the mid-1960s, the Society faced dwindling membership due to the decline in the local manufacturing industry and the subsequent migration of the Polish-American community. This decline led to reduced participation and financial support for the club's activities. Despite these obstacles, the Society persevered, adapting to meet the evolving needs of its members and the community.
Today, the Saint Joseph Young Men's Society is undergoing a revival, determined to honor its rich legacy while embracing future opportunities. Through strategic planning and renewed enthusiasm, it aims to attract new members, of diverse backgrounds and interests. By modernizing facilities, expanding programs and services, and fostering community spirit, the Society seeks to reclaim its role as a vibrant cultural and social hub. With a commitment to heritage preservation, fellowship, and inclusivity, the Saint Joseph Young Men's Society is well-positioned to flourish in the years ahead.
