Incorporation of Theosophical Society in America

QUESTION: How did the incorporation of Theosophical Society in America happen?

ANSWER:

The incorporation of Theosophical Society in America began in 1875 in New York City by a Russian immigrant named Madam Helena Blavatsky who was a long time student of mystical religions. With the help of two loyalist, Colonel H.S. Olcott and W.Q. Judge, the Society divided into different branches to further promote Theosophy. After Blavatsky’s death, a women by the name of Annie Besant, a native of London, eventually became a key leader of the Society and in 1925 claimed that her adopted son from India was the new “Messianic Leader and Reincarnation of the World Teacher” (co-equal to Jesus). In 1931, the new so called messiah resigned his title refusing to be recognized as such and then denounced his affiliation with Theosophical Society as well as his belief in their god.

Betty Bland is the current national president of the Society in America having been a member since 1970. The Theosophical Society headquarters is located in Wheaton, Illinois. The society reports that there are approximately 130 local branches in major cities across country promoting and teaching Theosophy. In 1997, they claimed to have an international membership of approximately 30,000 students from 50 countries.