The Theosophical Society (Pasadena) is a successor organization to the original Theosophical Society founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and others in 1875.
This successor organization, which after several name changes once again now titles itself simply the Theosophical Society, with the clarifying statement, "International Headquarters, Pasadena, California," traces its beginnings to 1895 when William Quan Judge was expelled by Annie Besant after Blavatsky's death because he was faithful to the teachings of the Mahatmas. The faction led by Henry Steel Olcott and Annie Besant, whose organization, based in India, is today known as the Theosophical Society - Adyar.
Judge led the American group for about a year until his death in 1896, when Katherine Tingley became manager. A group of roughly 200 members led by Ernest Temple Hargrove disputed Tingley's leadership, seceded, and formed a rival faction. Tingley later moved her Society's headquarters from New York City to Point Loma, California. Max Heindel was vice president during 1904 and 1905. Later managers include Gottfried de Purucker, 1929-42; Grace Knoche and currently Randell Grubb.
Famous quotes containing the word society:
“Though it is very important for man as an individual that his religion should be true, that is not the case for society. Society has nothing to fear or hope from another life; what is most important for it is not that all citizens profess the true religion but that they should profess religion.”
—Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859)