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1914

Based on memorials received from churches in Southern California and Ohio, the National Council of Congregational Churches incorporates the Annuity Fund for Congregational Ministers. At the same time, the Evangelical Synod of North America is completing implementation of the Minister’s Retirement Annuity Fund for their clergy.

1918

The first annuitant retires on November 1, 1918 at the age of 71. He continues to draw an annuity until after age 90. By the end of 2012 the number of annuitants will have grown to 10,139.

1920

In support of the Annuity Fund’s payments to retirees and to honor the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims, churches contribute to the Pilgrim Memorial Fund, which brings stability to the covenant that provides retirement income.

1931

To bring life to the Church’s commitment to fair and just compensation, the Retirement Fund for Lay Workers is implemented. The first two ministries to enroll their employees are the American Missionary Association and the Annuity Fund itself.  

1935

As the United States struggles through the Great Depression, the Trustees continue to invest in assets that support the dependable, steady flow of annuity payments to retirees. Through World War I, the Great Depression and all subsequent economic crises, Annuity Fund retirees have never missed a payment. Annual studies show that the Annuity Fund continues to be fully funded and actuarially sound.

1957

The Basis of Union for the United Church of Christ outlines with care the details for the merging of the Annuity Fund with the Pension Fund of the Evangelical Synod and the Sustentation Fund of the Reformed Church. All new members will come into the Annuity Fund and the full merger of all funds’ operations under the administration of the Pension Boards will come in 1988.

1966

Clergy become eligible for participation in the federal Social Security program, but may choose not to be covered. General Synod 6 encourages clergy to participate and churches respond with supporting contributions to both the Annuity Fund and Social Security.

1970

The Executive Council of the General Synod receives the report “Investing Church Funds for Maximum Social Impact.” The report is prepared with the support of the Annuity Fund and favors using stock ownership to improve corporate actions and behavior. The Pension Boards continues its leadership position in the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, working to improve corporate citizenship.

1977

Improvements to the design of the Annuity Fund are implemented to offer members and retirees choices in how their retirement accounts are invested. Later, in 2010, members will have an even wider range of investment options that can be used to create a personal risk profile. Looking forward, Trustees continually review possible improvements for members. 

1980

Through the Church Benefits Association, the Pension Boards joins with 26 other denominations and religious organizations to successfully preserve proper recognition of church benefits within the new federal regulations of ERISA. Still today, the ecumenical relationship continues, providing shared ideas for benefit design and shared savings through group purchasing negotiations.

1995

Together with the retirement benefits of the Annuity Fund, plans of life, disability, health and dental coverages are made available to all UCC-related employers. Administrative efficiencies and the zero-profit premiums, still available today, help ministries shift benefit expenses to program support.

2014

Celebration of 100 years of partnership in ministry and a renewed covenant for the support of all ministries of the United Church of Christ!