Draft:Improved Order of the Shepherds and Daughters of Bethlehem

Improved Order of the Shepherds and Daughters of Bethlehem was a African American fraternal organization in the United States open to men and women. It was founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1910 and provided insurance benefits. It's name invokes the Bethlehem shepherds from the Bible.

History
The organization was founded with help from Ora E. Brown Stokes, Virginian civic leader and social reformer, in 1910. She was elected President in 1924 and greatly expanded its reach and membership. By 1927, it had chapters in six states and the District of Columbia. By 1928, the membership was 10,000.

The organization was prominent in Virginia. The Walker family, of the famous Maggie L. Walker, were also involved with a charter for a new Fold appearing in the their collections at the National Park Service. Richmond attorney J. Thomas Hewin was involved as well as he was elected Grand Shepherd in 1917. A chapter met at the St. James Baptist Church in Bealeton, Virginia.

Organization
A local chapter was called a "fold" invoking the idea that all shepherds would watch the sheep within the sheep "fold." Each fold had a "Presiding Shepherd," a "Vice-Shepherd," and a "Financial Scribe" who were the local officers. At the state level, the top officer is the "Grand Shepherd."