The California Fraternal Congress was chartered in 1929 with 16 societies as members.  The societies are declared charitable and benevolent institutions by law.  Fraternal benefit societies in California have a rich tradition of conducting programs to meet individual, community, and national needs.   Ben Jones of Ben Hur Life Association was the first President.  The first convention was held in Sacramento, California in November of 1929.   The Congress currently is comprised of 27 Benefit Society members that are licensed to do business in the state of California.  There are six Fraternal Societies domiciled in the state of California.   The California Fraternal Congress is an active affiliate of the National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA), a trade organization of 76 Fraternal Benefit Societies in North America.  Under the auspices of the NFCA, the California Fraternal Congress fulfills its mission to promote the general welfare of the Fraternal Benefit Industry and enhance and preserve the quality of life.