La Société Saint Jean-Baptiste de Bienfaisance was organized in Biddeford on July 15, 1867, at the close of the Civil War, by Alphonse Dion, who started the movement, Alphonse Paré, Henri Lord, its first president, and Joseph Parent. In 1895, the fraternal society built its quarters at the corner of Main and Elm Streets. The large brick building contained stores on the ground floor, offices on the second floor, and a hall and stage on the third floor. In April 1907, Biddeford's first moving picture was shown in National Hall in this building, with shows running continuously from noon to 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. The society also drew entertainers from Canada who offered French plays and musicals, sponsored a rifleman marching group called the Fusiliers Laurier, and decorated the building for national celebrations.