Nearly a century ago, on November 15, 1927, hundreds gathered to witness a moment that represented far more than the start of a new building. What was then known as the “Supreme Office” wasn’t just taking shape in brick and mortar, it marked the rise of a women-led organization whose vision was steadily transforming the business landscape across the country.
A cornerstone ceremony unfolded that Tuesday afternoon in Rock Island, Ill. and it was a testament to courage, faith, and the enduring power of women working together for the protection of home and family.
A Landmark Day
In 1927, the new Supreme Office was the largest structure ever erected by a fraternal insurance society for its own use—a stunning architectural statement of RNA’s growth and its rising national prominence.
Purple and white banners lined the street, “waving a welcome to the assembled throng.” On the platform sat the head officers of Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors of America, joined by prominent civic leaders. Members had traveled from 44 states to be part of this moment in their organization’s story.
The day began with a declaration from Mrs. Mary Arnholt, Supreme Oracle, who opened the proceedings with these words:
“The laying of a cornerstone is always an auspicious occasion. This fifteenth day of November 1927 is an outstanding day in Royal Neighbors’ history. To us, the placing of this cornerstone means that our hopes and labors for a Supreme Office are about to be consummated—that this great society is to have a home.”
A Ceremony Rich in Purpose
The day’s addresses reflected the era’s soaring vision and the deep fraternal values on which RNA was founded.
Dr. Franc Morrill, Supreme Medical Director, delivered the principal address, “Our Cornerstone.” Accounts in our magazine, The Royal Neighbor, describe it as masterful and scholarly, holding the audience “in rapt attention.”
A.R. Talbot, Head Consul of Modern Woodmen of America, spoke of the chains of fraternity—ties that bind communities in service and protection. Modern Woodmen provided guidance and expertise to the women of Royal Neighbors as they formed the society, and on this day, Modern Woodmen was recognized for their role.
John Hauberg, representing the Rock Island Chamber of Commerce, offered a witty and historically rich reflection on the city, the society, and the promise of the new building.
Architect Irving K. Pond shared the inspiration behind the design—an Art Deco structure in limestone and slate that mirrored the dignity, ambition, and forward motion of the women who would call it home.
Throughout the program, speakers reflected on the origins of Royal Neighbors with poetic reverence. They spoke of the early pioneer families—men pledging to protect their homes, and pioneer mothers standing “shoulder to shoulder” with them, facing hunger, toil, danger, and death on the frontier.
And they asked:
“Should the women of a later generation be less valiant in facing the pitiless problems of a newer day?”
Royal Neighbors, they declared, was the answer:
“The women of our nation were on their upward way—
their faces to the stars—
while afar the shining vision led them on.”
From Humble Beginnings to National Reach
Speakers recalled Royal Neighbors’ early days with gratitude and affection:
- Born as a women’s auxiliary to Modern Woodmen, adopted in 1892 by the Omaha Head Camp
- Incorporated in 1895 in Peoria, Ill., where the “Supreme Office” was a single table in the corner of a Justice of the Peace’s room
- Important papers stored in a wooden cracker box
- Just 600 members in those earliest years
From cracker box to cornerstone, the arc of RNA’s growth was remarkable—and the 1927 building symbolized the reach and resilience of its mission.
A Symbolic Stone, a Message for the Future
One of the ceremony’s most enduring moments came when Miss Erna Barthel, Supreme Recorder, placed a treasure box inside the cornerstone. It contained:
- Historical documents of the organization
- Names of leaders
- Copies of the day’s speeches
- A written message addressed to future generations of Royal Neighbors
Standing before thousands, Mrs. Alice Nash, Chairman of the Board of Supreme Managers, laid the mortar with a silver trowel as the massive stone—over one ton—was lowered into place. The assembled crowd sang the Cornerstone Ode as the stone found its resting place.
The Cornerstone Ode
A hymn written for and sung by the audience on November 15, 1927
Rejoice – Oh rejoice – with heart and voice,
While we our anthems raise.
For this glorious day for the RNA,
We sing our Father’s praise.
FAITH leads us on when the path is dark—
Courage when the road is drear—
LOVE shines around and glorifies our way—
And this is the voice we hear:
In as much—in as much—
This much I say to thee—
In as much as ye do for these,
Ye do it unto me.
Rejoice—oh rejoice for our building fair,
The temple of the RNA.
With rapturous joy our voices ring—
While in our hearts we pray:
Oh, may the years as they swiftly fly—
Find us a valiant ban—
Oh, may we bind with the purple and the white
The homes of our great land.
Forward we march—onward we go—
We are on the upward way.
Oh—sister woman—come and join with us
In the service of the RNA.
A Temple of Strength and Character
One reflection from the day perfectly captured what the new Supreme Office meant to members:
“The strength and character of this temple shall typify through all the years the strength and character of that great society whose home it shall be, as well as the gentle and constructive spirit of its head officers, who give it poise and direction.”
The building was designed not only as a home, but as a symbol—a representation of women’s leadership, collective courage, and the fraternal vision that shaped the society.
The Legacy That Lives Today
As we reflect on this ceremony, nearly 100 years later, the spirit of that day still resonates with who we are. We continue to:
- Protect families, uplift communities, and empower women
- Believe in the strength of members working together to serve communities
- Build on a legacy that began with a vision “upheld by hope, inspired by faith, sustained by love”
- Evolve—expanding our reach, deepening our impact, and carrying forward the mission set into stone on that November day in 1927
Today, Royal Neighbors still stands on this foundation—one built by pioneering women, strengthened by generations, and carried forward by all who believe in neighborliness, generosity, and service.
Historical recollections and speeches were take from the 1927 December issue of “The Royal Neighbor” magazine.
