Hale v. Equitable Aid Union

Citations

• 168 Pa. 377
• 31 A. 1066
• 1895 Pa. LEXIS 806

Syllabus

<p>Beneficial associations — By-laws—Amendment—Contract.</p> <p>Where a benefit certificate in a beneficial association is accepted subject to the right of the association to amend its constitution and by-laws, the contract in so far as it consists of the constitution and by-laws may be changed by an amendment of the constitution and by-laws, but in so far .as it consists of something specifically agreed to between the parties at the time, and not necessarily a part of the constitution and by-laws, an amendment changing the contract is invalid.</p> <p>Plaintiff accepted a benefit certificate subject to the right of the association to amend its by-laws. The certificate provided that plaintiff should become entitled to receive one,-half the amount after twelve years “ if living, and in good standing.” An amendment of the by-laws provided for the payment of one-tenth of the amount specified in the beneficial certificate yearly, upon arrival at the period of expectation of life, and total physicial disability. Held, that plaintiff was not subject to the amendment.</p>