St. George Society of Philadelphia

The society's charter in its act of incorporation approved by the Pennsylvania assembly on April 6, 1791,[3] states: "To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting, know ye that we whose names are hereunto subscribed, being citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, having associated for the purpose of establishing in Philadelphia, a society for the advice and assistance of Englishmen, in distress, and being desirous of acquiring and enjoying the powers, and immunities of a corporation or body politic in law, according to an act of assembly of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, passed the sixth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, do hereby declare, that we have associated ourselves together for the purpose aforesaid, by the name, stile, and title, and under the articles and conditions following, that is to say: Article I.

That the name style and title of this corporation, shall be "The Society of the Sons of St. George, established at Philadelphia, for the advice and assistance of Englishmen in distress."

The seal of the society was described in the act of incorporation as a shield bordered with thirteen stars, on which is depicted Saint George slaying the dragon, with the eye of Providence beaming upon him, and on a wreath above, a young phoenix rising from the flames.

The society carried out its charitable mission through the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

In 1876, the club bought the Philadelphia mansion of tycoon Matthew Newkirk at 13th and Arch Streets, renamed it "St. George's Hall", and used it as their headquarters until the building was torn down in 1903.