Membership in the Order of the Southern Cross is by invitation only and is open to all male descendants(direct or collateral) of any honorably serving Confederate soldier, sailor, marine, or member of the civil government. Proof of descent is required, however, membership in the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, Sons of Confederate Veterans, or any other recognized Confederate heritage association is accepted as proof of ancestry.

    Each applicant is required to submit a check for $1,000.00 (one thousand dollars) with their membership application. This money is invested in our Endowment Account and not one penny of it is ever spent. The annual interest realized from the investment of the Endowment Account provides the funds which enable us to make yearly financial grants to Confederate preservation projects. The Order is a recognized IRS 501(c)(3) organization and the $1000.00 is considered a contribution and is deductible to the extent allowed by the law.

    Each applicant is voted on at the annual meeting of the Order of the Southern Cross. Full membership is bestowed when the inductee is sworn in at an annual meeting and he is presented with his membership medallion and ribbon, lapel pin, and certificate. Should a potential member be voted down by the membership, his $1000.00 donation will be returned to him by the Order.

    After the first year of membership, annual dues of $35 are required to keep the membership in the active category. These dues are used to print and mail newsletters (typically quarterly) and to handle administrative matters such as the preparation of Internal Revenue Service annual forms and reports required by law.

    The Order has two meetings each year. A “Mid-Year” meeting is held usually in the late winter or early spring and an “Annual” meeting is usually in late summer or early fall. These meetings are usually held in a town or city with strong ties to Confederate history and historic tours and social events a large part of the agenda. All necessary business is conducted succinctly as possible and “internal politics” is kept out of the Order. The emphasis is on fraternity and history at these meetings. Attendance at one annual meeting for the member’s induction into the Order is required, but after that, attendance is an individual choice. Spouse and guests are encouraged to attend these meetings.

    If you are interested in the preservation of Southern heritage and history, but want to avoid the politics and strife of other heritage organizations, the Society of the Order of the Southern Cross may be the group for you.