Industry Information about Places of WorshipSome of the most well-known religious, civic, social, and fraternal organizations in the United States met with controversy in the late 1990s. Nevertheless, membership in such organizations grew nearly 20 percent between 1994 and 1999. This industrial classification covers almost 50,000 local, national, and international nonprofit organizations, most of which are centered on the idea of altruism. Church associations remain a high priority in America, and more information can be found at the National Council of Churches. Almost 50 percent of all adults are members of civic clubs, with the percentage of women slightly outnumbering that of men. Still, males belong to fraternal associations at a rate of virtually twice that of women.Recent Trends in Church & Religious Associations & OrganizationsAlthough the industry is mainly made up of community groups, some of the leading organizations stand out as key American institutions. These include the Boy Scouts, Freemasons, American Legion, the YMCA, and the United Way. Church & Religious Associations & Organizations in New York City is prominent; the city hosts the largest YMCA in the United States. Church & Religious Associations & Organizations in Philadelphia date far back, with the Freemasonry’s first formal lodge in America created during 1730 in Philadelphia.Businesses in This CategoryThis category involves membership organizations engaged in civic, social, religious or fraternal activities, excluding homeowner groups primarily associated with property management and membership sports.