The Union Society and Bethesda

As a charitable organization, Saint George's Club was founded in Bethesda in 1750. This club was later renamed as "The Union Society" before 1765 and was active through the American Revolution. After the discontinuation of Bethesda in 1805, the Union Society continued their benevolent work which included educating orphan children within the community. In 1855, the Society bought the old "House of Mercy" site and rebuilt the orphanage.