The German Friendly Society of Savannah

The German Friendly Society of Savannah was organized on July 26, 1837, for the relief of indigent members, their widows and orphans, and to promote social and friendly harmony among the German community of Savannah .  For a period of one hundred and seventy-seven years this purpose has been effectively accomplished.  The friendly and benevolent work of the society has not been limited to its own members.  It has brought relief to thousands of other Germans living in Savannah , to German seamen, and to transients who have met with unfortunate circumstances, and to the needy in general.  Over the past one hundred and seventy-seven years, the society has contributed funds to various agencies around the country and in Germany .  The motto of the Society is “IN ESSENTIALS UNITY, IN NON-ESSENTIALS LIBERTY, IN ALL THINGS CHARITY.”  What the motto of the society means today:  An American organization whose membership is of German heritage, honoring God and whose essentials are: charity, fellowship, love, and the promotion of German culture in the community.