History of ...
Nativity of Our Savior Council, No. 9114
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My name is Ron Benson; I am the current Grand Knight of Nativity of Our Savior Knights of Columbus organization. I will give you a brief history of our coming to be what we are today. Our organization was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney. He was curate at St. Mary's parish in New Haven, Connecticut. The Knights were chartered on March 28th 1882 in the state of Connecticut. You can see a picture of him on the wall outside of our sacristy. The founders chose the name Knights of Columbus, because they felt that, as a Catholic group, it should relate to Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer of America. This would emphasize that it was Catholics who discovered America, explored, and colonized the North continent. At the same time Knights would signify that the membership embodied knightly ideas of spiritually and service to church, country, and fellow man. |
The membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the HOLY SEE, who shall not be less than 18 years of age on their last birthday. Induction into the Knights is a three stage program: 1st. degree is CHARITY, 2nd degree is, UNITY, 3rd degree is, FRATERNITY. A fourth degree, PATROTISUM, was added on February 22, 1900 to the original principals of the order. The fourth degree Knights are the ones who wear the cape, sword, and feather hat at church events as an honor guard.
Our council was founded on October 27th, 1985. Our goal as a council is to support our church, Priests, community, and our brother Knights and there families.
The Knights are an organization of dedicated men that is over 1.8 million strong. There are over 15,000 councils, nation and worldwide.
We are the Knights of Columbus. Believing that a man is defined by his actions as a follower of GOD and as a leader in his community. Believing that man is more than simply a man, when he bears the title Knight.
The Knights have raised over a Billion Dollars for charitable causes. And our hopes and dreams for tomorrow are greater, because the need is too.
Today we are looking for the next generation of Knights. Men of character and conviction who are driven by both faith and conscience to do truly meaningful works. And the tangible rewards for members are numerous, from scholarships for our sons and daughters, to being able to participate in one of the leading insurance programs in the country.
The Venerable Michael J. McGivney, Apostle to the young, protector of Christian family life and founder of the Knights of Columbus, who is up for canonization and could be a Saint of the Knights, and the only Insurance company to have a Saint as its founder.
Our organization here at Nativity, has a Columbian Squire circle for young men under age 18. There are more than 20,000 young men who have fun and share their Catholic faith, help people in need, and enjoy the company in social, family, cultural, civic and spiritual activities. Every circle is sponsored by a Knights council, and Knights serve as adult counselors to the group. If you are a young man age 10 thru 18 years old, you should be a member of the Columbian Squires.
Our council here at Nativity is comprised of about 121 plus members, not counting the Squires. We have a number of programs and fundraisers going on to which you can be a part of. Fundraisers are an important part for raising money for our charities, the church, community, our food pantry and other works.
If you would be interested in becoming a Knights of Columbus member, Talk to a Knight, or contact the church office for information on who to call.
We at the Knights congratulate you on taking a step in the right direction.
THANK YOU.
The First Grand Knight and supporting Officers were:
Grand Knight - Earl St. Germain
This narrative barely scratches the surface of the history of Nativity Council. The true history perhaps cannot be written for it lies in the hearts and spirit of the dedicated members who have fed the growth of brotherhood, fraternalism and charity. It lies in those new and lasting friendships fostered by the activities of the Council. In looking back at over fifteen years of Council history, we find much to honor and a firm basis on which to shape our future. |
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