Knights of Columbus
# 9689

                Knights History

The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Today, more than a century later, the Knights of Columbus has become the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church.

The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. As recently as 1992, Mother Teresa of Calcutta praised the Knights in a speech on the occasion of her reception of the first Knights of Columbus Gaudium et Spes Award.

Thanks to the inspired work of Father McGivney - as well as that of millions of other Knights over the past century - the Knights of Columbus now stands at its pinnacle of membership, benefits and service. Currently, there are over 1.6 million Knights of Columbus - more than ever before in our Order's history. Together with their families, the Knights are nearly 6 million strong. In addition, from the first local council in New Haven, the Order has grown to more than 12,000 councils in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Panama, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. Each year, the Order continues this strong growth.

Knights Emblem

The Emblem of the Order dates from the Second Supreme meeting, May 12, 1883, when it was designed by James T. Mullen, who was then the first Supreme Knight. A quick glance at the Emblem indicates a shield mounted upon a cross similar to a Maltese cross, turned 45 degrees sideways. The shield is that associated with a medieval Knight. The cross of Malta, represents the Cross of Christ. Through the Cross of Christ all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This Cross and Shield represents the Catholic Spirit and Commitment of the Knights of Columbus.

Mounted to the shield's lower field are three objects; a medieval ax standing, and an anchor and a sword crossed under it. The ax represents strong leadership, authority and an efficiently operating organization. The anchor is the symbol for Christopher Columbus, the patron of our Order, while the sword is the weapon of the Knight.

On the top field of the Shield are the letters "K of C", meaning Knighs of Columbus, representing the Knighthood of a Catholic man in our organization. Knights lived by a code of chivalry. They were merciful in action, just in deed, fearless in battle and committed to serving God.

The red, white, and blue in the shield and cross, are the colors of our beloved country.   Red is the color of stout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity and a full measure of devotion. Blue is the symbol of hope, of calm tranquility under God, and of confidence in the protection of our country, established under God. White is the symbol of nobility of purpose, of purity of aim, and of crucible tried ideals to be carried out.

Faith, Hope, Charity

But there is another symbolism of color in red, white, and blue. This is the ecclesiastical symbolism in which; Red becomes the reflection of the drops of Christ's redemptive blood, shed upon Calvary, and of the Martyr's blood shed in defense of the faith. Red, then, is the symbol of Faith, of belief in Christ, in the Redemption, and in the mission of every man to spread the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. White is the color of the Eucharistic Host, pledge of God's Eucharistic presence among men, of the infinite love God had for man, and of the overwhelming affection which the God man had for each individual. White then is the symbol of Christ like Charity. Blue is the color of Our Lady's mantle, in which she draped her beloved Son, through whom salvation came to a sinful world. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.

So ALWAYS wear the emblem of the Order with deep Religious Conviction, Honor and Pride. Remember what it stands for and who it stands for! This emblem represents all that the knights have been and all that the knights will be. Be proud to call yourself a "Knight of Columbus"! .

Grayslake Precious Blood Council #9689

KofC Star Council award 2002
District Deputy Richard Pignato (R) presents award to Grand Knight 2002/03 John Boos (L)
 

Past Grand Knights:
2007/08        Bob Wilbat
2006/07        William Homa
2005/06        Dennis Moffat
2003/04        Tom Griffin
2004/05        Tom Griffin
2001/02        John Boos
2002/03        John Boos
2000/01        David Jacks
1999/00        Leo Delaney
1998/99        Leo Delaney
1997/98        Kevin Rupprecht
1996/97        Eugene Kempa, PFN
1995/96        John Delaney
1994/95        Bob Warmouth  (deceased during his term) / Kevin Rupprecht
1993/94        Ray Kukuk
1992/93        Kevin Rupprecht
1991/92        Jim Steiner
1990/91        Larry Janak (deceased during his term) / Jim Steiner
1989/90
1988/89
1988             Norman Kleber (possibly a member of Gurnee IL council 2/2008)

# 9689 CHARTER MEMBERS of January 6, 1988

Alexander Bitto
Michael Brya
Kenneth Camans
Thomas Carnick
Douglas Chapman
Dr. Robert Corek
Michael Cullen
Edmund Demith
Frank Dvorak
David Froelich
Philip Hauck
Lawrence Janak
Thomas Kafter
David Kamka
Eugene Kamka
Michael Karrigan
John Kleber
John P. Kleber
Norman Kleber, Grand Knight
William Koch
James Kohnke Jr.
William Mangione
Ronald Mathews
Dennis Montgomery
Martin Murphy Jr.
Dean Pesare
Dr. N.A. Pesare
Christopher Reynolds
Mark Sandahl
Paul Steffan
Joseph Steiner
John Stuart
Donald Sukack
James Twit
Terrence Vanughan
Kurt VonMedig
Rev. Harold Voss, Chaplain
Geoffrey Warmouth
Robert Warmouth III
Robert E. Warmouth, Deputy Grand Knight
Robert Wegge
Thomas Wirtannen