GCU History

Our roots run deep.

GCU was founded nearly a century-and-a-half ago specifically to support community members in need.

Built on a solid foundation more than 130 years ago

It began with a community in need.

In the mid-1800s, the Greek Catholic Church was comprised of Rusyn (ROO-sin) immigrants who had come to America from Eastern Europe. These Eastern Christian Slavic people of faith often supported their families by working hazardous jobs in industrialized America’s burgeoning coal mines, iron mills and steel mills. Regrettably, the high level of risk associated with their work led to commercial life insurance companies refusing to insure them.

A church steps in to serve its members

In response, church members came together to form “lodges” at multiple Greek Catholic Church parishes specifically to offer much needed security and protection. When a member was seriously injured or killed, the lodge would collect money from other members to help ease the burden on impacted families.

The GCU is formed for future generations

Building on the success of the effort, in 1891, the Greek Catholic clergy formed a plan to unite the independent lodges to further strengthen the support of Rusyn people across Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Illinois. With just 743 initial members and $600 in total assets, the new fraternal organization became the Greek Catholic Union (GCU) on February 14, 1892.

What that history means today

GCU has grown from humble beginnings to a multibillion-dollar organization. Still, our vision is the same as that of our immigrant founders: protect families by helping them safeguard their financial future. Today, GCU life insurance and annuity products are available to all people in a growing number of communities across the U.S.

The world has evolved since 1892, but our mission remains the same: to help members achieve long-term financial goals, while strengthening their communities through our culture of giving and serving with purpose.

Solutions for Modern Families

See how the GCU’s deep-rooted experience translates to contemporary financial products designed for today’s needs.