The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons (IOKDS) is an international, interdenominational organization of Christian men and women whose aim is to carry out religious, educational and philanthropic projects that support the mission to “Care for all God’s children through service In His Name”.
The organization originated in New York City in 1886. In the 1880s, New York City was not only a city of great wealth, but also one of great poverty. As immigrants poured into cities on the east coast of the United States, work became difficult to find, which often lead to the exploitation of those who are able to find jobs, and unfortunately, at the time there were few laws that protected workers – especially the women and children who worked in what were known as ‘sweat shops.’ There were also few organizations in those cities that could help the poor, sick and homeless.
The Order began on January 13th, 1886 in the New York City home of Margaret Bottome, a Methodist minister’s wife, who was well-known for her Bible studies and prayer meetings. Mrs. Bottome was very aware of the situation plaguing the under-privileged in New York City, and was frustrated that there was no coordinated efforts by the city’s churches to help those in need.
It was Dr. Edward Everett Hale, originator of the “Lend-A-Hand” movement, who gave Mrs. Bottome the idea for a “sisterhood of service” and she brought together nine of her Christian friends who, along with herself, made up “The Original Ten” – the founders of the Order.
Mrs. Irving, an educator in New York City, suggested the name, “The King’s Daughters”. In 1887, men and boys began seeking admission to the Order, and in 1891, the incorporated name of the Order became the International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons.
The Order moved its headquarters from New York City to Chautauqua, N.Y. in 1972, and is currently comprised of members from across the United States and Canada.
Circles of three or more members form the foundation of the organization. In some areas, groups of Circles join together in networks called Unions, while Branches are made up of all Circles, Unions and members-at-large in a particular state or province. Each Circle and Branch usually focusses their work around supporting particular missions or projects either locally or globally. Many projects also involve collaboration with local social service groups. Some examples of such projects include Autism, Meals on Wheels, long-term care facilities, hospitals, dental work for children, school supplies for children, literacy, etc.
Education:
Although support of educational programs was not one of the original purposes of The Order, later interest in this field resulted in the planning of home study courses. Education then became a formal part of the program for the membership. This emphasis now includes an extensive scholarship program which provides financial aid to Native American/Indigenous college students, ministerial students, health careers students, and students around the world studying in their home countries. In 2019, an IOKDS Learn and Discern Internship Program at the Chautauqua Institution was started as a five-week experiential learning course that qualifies the student for college credit at their college/university.
To learn more about the history of the Order, please visit the website at www.iokds.org.
Another way to learn more about the history of the Order, is to visit the Memorial Museum located on the second floor, Benedict House, 34 Vincent Avenue, Chautauqua Institution, New York. It was established in 1981 with a mission to identify, organize and preserve the printed, taped and photographic records and artifacts of the IOKDS to benefit the members’ and the general public’s understanding of the organization. In the museum, you will find exhibits of early publications, photographs, Native American artifacts, original minutes of early meetings, and the Margaret Bottome Room.