JOHN BIRCH SOCIETY

private organization founded in the United States on Dec. 9, 1958, by Robert H.W. Welch, Jr. (18991985), a retired Boston candy manufacturer, for the purpose of combating Communism and promoting various ultraconservative causes. The name derives from John Birch, an American Baptist missionary and U.S. Army intelligence officer who was killed by Chinese Communists on Aug. 25, 1945, making him, in the society's view, the first hero of the Cold War. The society publishes the journal American Opinion, issued 11 times a year, and a monthly Bulletin for members. The Blue Book, written by Welch, outlines the nature and purposes of the society. Its headquarters is in Belmont, Mass.