A Brief History of The I.D.E.S.

         The summer of 1889, in the small agricultural community of Mission San Jose, County of Alameda, a small group of Azorean immigrants gathered at the request of the Pastor of Mission San Jose, Padre Manuel F. Fernandes, to formally organize the Annual Festa in honor of the Holy Spirit which had been informally celebrated for the previous three years. 

          On July 7, 1889, the “Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Spirit” (I.D.E.S.) was born.

         One proposal adopted that day was that a benefit system be instituted, whereas each member would contribute One Dollar to the widow of each deceased member.  This proposal thus became the basis for family protection programs, revised many times over, which became an important part of our Brotherhood today.

          With the success of this organization, and perpetuation of the devotion to the Holy Spirit, in the form of the traditional “Festa do Espirito Santo” (which was so important to these immigrants in their homeland), petitions for additional subordinate Councils were received.

      The Brotherhood was officially incorporated on July 9, 1891 as the Irmandade do Divino Espirito Santo de Mission San Jose, California.  It was referred to by the members as the “Irmandade da Missao” or simply the “I.D.E.S.”

          The first Annual Session in Mission San Jose, took place in September of 1893, with 12 representatives in attendance.  Manuel Silveira Peixoto was elected the First Supreme President.  During his tenure, he organized 16 new Subordinate Councils,, admitting more than 1,000 members - a major accomplishment in those days of limited communication and transportation.

     Since the formation of the Original Council, the I.D.E.S. has instituted over 150 new Councils, from Crescent City in the North to Point Loma in the South; throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys; and the Coastal regions of our great State.   However ,   with   the  advent  of  the horseless carriage, and improved highways and transportation,, many of the Councils consolidated or merged with neighboring Councils forming larger and stronger Councils.

   The I.D.E.S. Benefit Programs have evolved over a period, to the extent that today the I.D.E.S. offers the very best portfolio of up to date insurance plans for the protection of its members and their families.

         In addition to the insurance aspects, the I.D.E.S. maintains a very responsive Charity Fund; a Scholarship Fund (today offering 5 Scholarships)  to aid college bound students; a student grant program called the Youth Memorial Fund; and a number of social and fraternal programs aimed at promoting love and respect for the traditions of the Portuguese Culture.

         On May 8, 1982 the Grand Opening of our I.D.E.S. Museum was held, which was attended by the Consul General of Portugal in San Francisco; as well as local dignitaries; representative of  various Portuguese Fraternal Societies; and members of the I.D.E.S.  The Museum houses many artifacts (Festa capes and crowns, banners, pictures, etc.).  You are cordially invited to visit the Museum.  To do so, please call the Home Office to set up an appointment.

         During the first seventy years, the Brotherhood limited its membership to male applicants only.  At the Annual Session, in 1964, legislation was adopted to admit female applicants.  During the last three decades the contributions by the female membership has had a tremendous impact on our Brotherhood. 

         Subsequent to our Centennial Celebration, in July of 1989, we cannot help but reflect upon our accomplishments and progress over the past One Hundred years, and are gratefully acknowledging the many dedicated and devoted members responsible for the progress of the I.D.E.S.

         Most Recently, we have worked closely with the Toys For Tot’s Collection, Make-A-Wish Foundation, & various other organizations in an effort to make a difference in  our communities.

         Being a member of a Fraternal Insurance Company has many advantages: You are not just a premium payment, but a real person and that is how you are treated.    We are a unique combination of Insurance Products, Retirement Programs and “Real People Networking”!

22237 Main Street