A Celebration to Remember – The 1-3-5: 2026 Summer Member Summit Recap

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, members from across the country came together, in person and online, to celebrate 135 years of faith, service, and community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, hosted a watch party, or tuned in from home. Here’s a look back at the day.

Member Summit Highlights

The day began in prayer and gratitude as we came together to pray the Holy Rosary, led by our Member Engagement Coordinator Margaret Krupp, followed by Sunday Mass celebrated by Fr. Timothy Anastos with Deacon Lawrence Schmitt.

It was a meaningful way to begin our 135th Anniversary Member Summit, grounding the day in faith before celebrating our members and our shared mission. We celebrated the leadership that has guided our organization by recognizing our outgoing Board of Directors and welcoming our newly elected board. In-person attendees had the opportunity to meet them, while members proudly wore their special 135th Anniversary T-shirts. It was also wonderful to see so many members and Impact Teams join us in person to celebrate this milestone together. Click Here to Meet Our Leadership The celebration continued as members from near and far gathered virtually for the afternoon program. They heard inspiring remarks from past Board Chair Margaret "Peggy" Schmitt, CEO Lisa Bickus, and our special guest speaker Fr. Timothy Anastos, whose message resonated deeply with members and reflected the values that have shaped 1891 Financial Life for 135 years. Click Here to View the Virtual Tour After the presentations, members stepped back in time with a tour of our Home Office historical memorabilia, exploring artifacts and milestones from our 135-year history. Virtual attendees joined the experience through a live virtual tour, allowing everyone to celebrate the legacy we've built together. Distance was no obstacle to celebrating together!

Members joined virtually from across the country—including Texas, Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa—with many gathering at watch parties. Seeing so many smiling faces on screen was a wonderful reminder that the 1891 Financial Life family extends far beyond one location.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

This year’s theme, The 1-3-5 of 1891 Financial Life, reflects our journey and the values that continue to guide us.

1 Act of Kindness That Started It All

In 1891, one simple act changed everything. Women came together to ensure that a mother of six could receive a dignified funeral. That moment of compassion planted the seed that would grow into the fraternal mission we carry forward today.

3 Pillars That Guide Us Today

Throughout the Summit, you’ll see how our three pillars continue to shape our work: Protection, Service, Partnership

5 Commitments That Shape Our Future

Putting our members and their families first, Giving back through service, grants, scholarships, and volunteer days, Growing our markets through innovation and access, Honoring the heritage of those who built 1891, Planting seeds today so future generations can flourish

About Our Guest Speaker & Mass Celebrant

Fr. Timothy Anastos is a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and the director and chaplain at the St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois–Chicago. He serves as a eucharistic preacher for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He is also the host of Reel Homilies — short, engaging reflections that unpack the Sunday Gospel through the lens of Church tradition, pop culture, and personal growth. Available on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, Reel Homilies are designed to spark personal reflection, deepen connection to Christ, and bring a genuine sense of joy to viewers. Fr. Tim is the author of the new book, JESUS MAKE ME FULLY ALIVE, which won first place in the 2025 Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP) Excellence in Publishing Awards for the “General Prayer” category.

Thank you to every member who joined from home, at a watch party, or in Schaumburg, IL. You are proof that every member is part of something bigger: a 135-year legacy of faith in action and service that continues to grow stronger every year.