In 1930 Guy W. Ballard, hiking in northern California, met the Ascended Master Saint Germain on the side of Mount Shasta. His remarkable experiences are recorded in the books, Unveiled Mysteries and The Magic Presence (written under the pen name of Godfre Ray King). First published in 1934, the books have never been out of print.

The initial instruction was followed by more than 3000 Discourses by the Ascended masters. Out of this dynamic and practical instruction the "I AM" Activity was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Ballard. Today this religious and educational activity is directed by Saint Germain Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation, with worldwide headquarters located in Schaumburg, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

There are around 300 "I AM" Sanctuaries and Temples in most principal cities of the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and locations in Latin America and Africa. Members attend regular local services and national conferences on their respective continents. The perspective is positive, benevolent and also patriotic, but takes no political stance in any nation. No leader receives personal adulation and Saint Germain Foundation is not a cult.

Active members refer to themselves not as disciples or adherents, but "I AM" students. This underscores the continuous program of study and application. It commences with reading three basic books, and for those prepared, it continues with beginning classes, for which there is no fee. Meetings of the "I AM" Activity, therefore, are not available to the casual visitor.

The Instruction as published by Saint Germain Press stands in its original form and simple language. It remains untouched by later interpretations and has not been revised to suit changing fashions of thought.

Since 1950 a summer program for members and their children has been conducted at Shasta Springs near Mt. Shasta, California. The forested grounds are the location for daily classes and religious services, and provide several footpaths with sites for quiet contemplation. Shasta Springs is not open to the public.

For more than forty years in Mt. Shasta City a mid-summer event is the performance of a pageant on the life of Jesus Christ, "I AM" COME! sponsored by Saint Germain Foundation. Three hundred members from many countries participate as directors, actors, musicians and stagehands at the G.W. Ballard Amphitheater on McCloud Avenue. An "Angel Pageant" and a choir complete the schedule during the second weekend of August. These events are open to the public without charge.