KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

ARE INTRODUCED INTO ALBERTA

The Territorial District of the Knights of Columbus on the prairies was established following the formation of the Winnipeg Council No. 1107 in 1906. The first Grand Knight of the Council. Thomas D. Deegan, became the Territorial Deputy, a post he held until the formation of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan State Jurisdiction in 1909. The split in the Western area came in 1907 when Alberta became part of the organization.

Mr. Deegan as Territorial Deputy carried the responsibilities of the Order throughout the region of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, having an area of 575,000 miles which is about one-fifth of the total of the 48 American States, or a little less that one-sixth the total area of the Dominion of Canada. During the period following the formation of the Winnipeg Council, the Territorial Deputy shouldered the responsibility in the development of Columbianism for this large area.

Alberta was the first target, and with the assistance of such outstanding stalwarts of Winnipeg Council as J.H. O'Connor, J.J. Callahan, F.W. Russel, J.K. Barrett, T.J. Murray, and others, Mr. Deegan was able to introduce Knighthood into Edmonton and Calgary during January 1907. Following the formation of the Alberta Councils a Territorial District was established in the province of Alberta. This left Mr. Deegan more time to expand his work with the Order in Winnipeg and Saskatchewan. Regina council No. 1247 instituted in June 17, 1907, along with the Winnipeg Council made up the Territorial District of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The second council in Manitoba was launched at Brandon on July 1, 1909 and qualified these Councils to form a State Jurisdiction.

The group from Winnipeg took their mission to the West in 1907. They met with many dignitaries in Edmonton the same Sunday and that same afternoon left for Calgary where the institution proceedings were commenced the following day. The proceedings were followed by a banquet where the Knights and the ladies were suitably entertained at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Nolan. Open house followed where many of the leading citizens of Calgary were present.

The two new Councils of Edmonton and Calgary started out under exceptionally auspicious conditions. The membership of each City was composed of representatives of professional and businessmen, and they were all delighted with the success of the initiation ceremonies.

The Edmonton Council elected N.D. Beck, a leading member of the bar, as their first Grand Knight. Patrick J. Nolan, a well known lawyer of Western Canada assumed the office of the first Grand Knight of the Calgary Knights. Mr. Nolan also was elected as the Territorial Deputy of Alberta for a period of two years. (1907-1909). He was followed by Edward F. Ryan, who remained in office until 1912.

It must be said that the great success which attended the excursion from Winnipeg in 1907 to the West proved that the affair had been splendidly organized, and this is mainly due to the organizing ability and the self sacrificing zeal of the Grand Knight of Winnipeg Council, Territorial Deputy T. J . Deegan. The preliminary arrangements involved tremendous correspondence, two trips to Edmonton and Calgary. So perfect were the arrangements that there was not one real hitch in the proceedings from the beginning to the end.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF 

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS IN ALBERTA

1907-1980

by Past Provincial Deputy Ron MacDonald, and other Past State and Provincial Deputies

With the turn of the twentieth century the West began to settle at a very rapid pace. The settlers who were taking up the land came from Eastern Canada, the United States and many countries of Europe.

It was not until 1905, that Alberta, along with Saskatchewan, became an autonomous province of Canada. Prior to that time, both were part of the Northwest Territories, with Regina the administrative capital.

The year 1906 saw the Order of the Knights of Columbus lay the foundations of organization in this province, with Edmonton Council No. 1184 being the first one formed, January 5, 1907, being the official date of its institution; followed two days later by Calgary Council No. 1186, instituted January 7, 1907. Over three years later it was Lethbridge Council No. 1490, instituted May 24, 1910, and some three or more years later on May 3, 1914, it was Medicine Hat Council No. 1732.

Then came the World War of 1914-1918, when our Order in Canada was asked by the Canadian Government to perform the great service of Knights of Columbus Army Huts throughout the training centres of Canada and overseas. With less than eight years' establishment in Alberta, the Knights of Columbus answered the call and manned huts at different centres and also gathered the necessary funds by public appeal for voluntary donations. The motto of our Order at all our huts was: "Everybody Welcome and Everything Free", and this motto prevailed throughout the First World War.

It was in 1917 that the Catholic Army Hut project was successfully launched. The funds were derived from contributions and campaigns under the Canadian Knights of Columbus. They undertook and financing of the project. In 1918 the Supreme Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus approved the formation by the Canadian Knights of a governing board for their army hut work. The personnel of the Board consisted of the Canadian State Deputies. J.J. Leddy, State Deputy for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, became the chairman of the Board. He carried on until 1919. At that time he was elected to the Supreme Board of Directors. The Alberta representative on the Board was L.A. Giroux, Edmonton, who was the State Deputy for Alberta from 1918-1920. Almost every area in the province instituted fund drives for the war hut support. The intensive drive plan proved itself to be a most successful fund producer both in the United States and in al the provinces in Canada. Alberta was a major contributor both in supplying funds and personnel for the war hut project.

Public appeal for funds throughout the Province was well received and on November 22, 1918, a cheque as a result of this last appeal, in the sum of $64,889.86, was made payable to the Catholic Army Hut Association and signed by the State Deputy.

Everything we stocked in our huts was given free, as per our motto, and thus it took a lot to finance our army huts in this Province; and it was the same elsewhere, wherever we had such huts. The many thousands of letters of appreciation our Order received during and after the First World War more than compensated all the members for whatever effort and sacrifice had been made by them; but, it was an honour, too, for our Order to be asked to render this service to our country in time of need when so many gave so much, and sometimes their very lives, so that we might be free in this country of ours, Canada.

After the War, the fifth Council to be formed in Alberta was La Verendrye Council No. 1938 in Edmonton. Then followed Pincher Creek, St. Paul and Bow Island, which brings us to the years of the depression in Canada and no new Council was formed until 1946 when Rockyford Council No. 3004 was established. With only eight Councils instituted up to the year 1934, we now have 57 Councils in Alberta after 60 years since the first Council was formed, and 7,000 members. And let us not forget that in the years of the depression (1930-1938) our membership was reduced close to 800 members, associate as well as insurance.

INSURANCE

When our Order was inaugurated in Alberta in 1906, no insurance was sold to members for the first few years. Then, the necessary arrangements having been made with the Provincial Government and the required deposit placed with the Insurance Superintendent to guarantee all contracts sold our members, the first contracts were sold on the five-year renewable term plan, with the premium increasing with the age of the Assured. Thus this type of contract of insurance was the only one available and a General Agent was appointed in the person of Brother James E. Enright. At the end of 1966 a total of $1,500,000,000.00 was in force for insured members and their dependents.

1920 LEADERSHIP COURSE

At its convention in 1920, Supreme Council realized the great value of Leaders, especially for the training of youth in all countries, so a course in Leadership was instituted at Notre Dame University with a degree after one year of study. Al State Councils were allowed to propose at least one among their members to take the course and Alberta chose the late Brother Cyril Burchell, a teacher with the Edmonton Separate School System who came back to Alberta and worked here in the Province organizing the Columbian Squires, whose members could in turn train others as Leaders in the Community as we have it today.

Except for the operation of the Catholic Army Huts during the First World War of 1914 to 1918, the Knights of Columbus in Alberta from the inception of its first Councils, conducted all its activities more or less on a parochial or district level until the years after World War Il which ended in 1945. However, in that War the Knights of Columbus were again asked to operate Army Huts in Canada wherever there were training camps; but no financial help was required since all supplies came directly from the Canadian Government. However, nothing was sold to the men in the Service who visited the huts.

About the year 1950 when men from the Forces were being demobilized, it was felt that the Knights of Columbus could probably help with the cost of higher education and provide a sufficient fund for scholarships or bursaries for our young people who could take advantage of advance studies at universities. At its annual convention in 1950, the Knights of Columbus were authorized to invest our surplus then amounting to $2,500.00 in Canadian Government Bonds, which was done and in succeeding years similar surpluses were so invested.

In 1960, a state raffle was authorized to be held in Alberta and a net profit of $7,000.00 was realized to be added to our Reserve Account. Savings continued to be made in the course of State Council operation and by the end of 1963 a fund of $25,000.00 had thus been created for the purpose of scholarships or other worthwhile projects.

When a request was made in 1962 by the Catholic Charities in Edmonton for educational aid to young people desiring to pursue higher studies, a Committee was formed and studied the request from all angles and recommended to the State Convention that a scholarship to the maximum amount of $1,500.00 be awarded to a Catholic for a course at the University; and once the degree is obtained, that he or she come back to Alberta to work with the Catholic Charities Association or either Calgary or Edmonton dioceses if they have such an organization in operation. The Committee also recommended that this scholarship fund be taken from the interest only received from investments now in our

Reserve Fund which, as noted above, had by this time reached the sum of $25,000.00. This practically amounts to a scholarship in perpetuity, for present needs or future requests that may be made to the Alberta State Council.

Another provincial project that the Knights of Columbus in Alberta may take great pride in is that of the Columbian Library at St. Joseph's College on the University of Alberta campus in Edmonton. This meant a contribution of $30,000.00 for the purchase of a new library when the Basilian Fathers took over the management of the College after the Christian Brothers had to withdraw for lack of staff, as they also like many religious Orders suffer from lack of vocations to fill the vacancies in their ranks.

In order to take advantage of the Canada Council's offer of help to St. Joseph's College in Edmonton at that time, they matched dollar for dollar with the gift of the Knights of Columbus up to $20,000.00 for the Canada Council's share; hence, it made for a happy partnership, out funds had to be raised in a hurry, so again it was the Bond in our Reserve Account that was given to the bank as security for the required loan and thus the library was furnished with up-to-date books for both staff and students alike. This College Library gift meant a contribution of $5.00 each from some 6,000 members in this

jurisdiction of Alberta at the time of the purchase of these books.

All good causes in Alberta since the first Council was formed in this Province have received support from the Knights of Columbus. This is their record in the past and the same will be guaranteed in the future. Good causes are numerous at all times but labourers are sometimes found wanting.

In these first 60 years of operation in Alberta many, many more names could also have been given, but we feel sure that the earlier workers in this field who have already left this earthly residence are now enjoying their just reward from the Creator Who knows everything and forgets not the smallest of good deeds.

We think before closing this short history of our Order in Alberta and as we enter the second century of Confederation in Canada this year (1967), it might be well to think of the future of this country and the part that Catholics must play.

The Catholics in Canada recorded in the census of 1961 formed 49% of the total population. In the Province of Alberta, those of the Catholic Faith formed some 30% of our 1,250,000 population.

Are we doing enough public service for our country on the local level, or in the provincial or federal field of administration? Our members must work even harder and our voices must be heard in much greater numbers. 

Our Church has through the Second Vatican Council adopted a very diversified renewal program for the Faithful and as laymen we are asked to give full support to this endeavour. Our Order of the Knights of Columbus in Canada should accept this challenge and should be able to give its full support both to Mother Church and to our country.

1967-1979

Up until the 1960's, the Knights have been more occupied with looking after the Order from within. In other words, they have primarily directed their endeavours towards themselves and to the Church. Certainly they have been community minded as well. However, starting in the sixties, emphasis has been placed more and more on community activities. This was aided to a great degree by Vatican I. With Vatican I we took a new impetus in line with the responsibilities outlined in Vatican II towards lay people. Previously we have 'turned in' and now we commenced more than ever to 'look out'. The library project, as outlined earlier was started in 1963. In 1967 the library project was fulfilled. At the annual meeting in 1968 it was felt that the library project in Edmonton was one of our greatest projects. And because the University of Calgary had reached maturity to the point where State Council resolved a similar commitment for Calgary.

In 1967 concern was being expressed at State Conventions for a national identity. This crops up every year. Also feelings were expressed about a lack of communication between the Councils and the State. It was at this time that the State Board started to think of indoctrination programs such as seminars for the members. In 1967 changes were also announced in degree work and ceremonials.

During the course of this year numerous joint gatherings of Masons, Shriners and Knights were held throughout the province promoting brotherhood. These same projects have been on a continuing basis since that time. Also this year, 1968, the Knights in Edmonton, who operate minor hockey, received the North American National Recreation and Park Association Citation for voluntary services to hockey over the previous ten years. 

Generally speaking, the Alberta Jurisdiction made many changes in objectives generated by the desire of Vatican Il to make the church more relevant to the modern world.

In 1970, in an effort to generate more monies for Charitable organizations, the State Council proposed a State Charities Raffle for Alberta and had it approved by the Provincial Council in Convention. Profits from this raffle, started out slowly but by 1978 reached $100,000.00. Half this amount went to the local Councils that participated in the raffle. The other half went to the Provincial Council for Charities in a Province wide level.

Drug abuse became an issue and a priority in 1970 and funds were allocated to promote and advertise the evils of this problem.

Along the lines of Provincial Sporting events, the provincial Golf Tournament got underway and has continued since that time. This was also the year that favoured son, PPD Mike Collins was elected as a Supreme Director, the first time we were so honored.

The year 1972 saw the institution of the new Surge Program. This program seemed at the outset, to give more flexibility and a closer relationship with the family and the Church, than did the old 6 point program. It is even more evident today.

This year also saw the inauguration of our Training Seminars and the establishment of an Advisory Board. The training seminars have proved invaluable in training new Grand Knights especially - but also to the benefit of the Councils. In fact, Councils that participated in the Seminars seem to get along on their own and never get into difficulty. The few that don't participate are the ones that have more problems.

The Knights of Columbus International Golf Tournament was held in Red Deer in 1972 and we are looking forward to hosting this Order wide event again in the future.

The Advisory Board, mentioned earlier, is made up of Past State Deputies and serves, as its name implies, as an advisor to the State Council.

In 1973, Dr. Heather Morris, the president of Alliance for Life was the guest at our Annual Convention. In her remarks, she stressed the fact that life begins at conception and should be given the opportunity to grow and develop in a natural way. She commended the Knights of Columbus of Alberta for their efforts in the educational program that we were conducting at that time and suggested that much more needs to be done to keep our governments aware of our position. Since that time abortion has been one of our major priorities in the Alberta jurisdiction.

1973 also saw the year when Alberta started its first Squirette Circle to complement the Squires' Program. Both programs are successful in Alberta and both are growing to the satisfaction of all.

In 1974, Alberta started its program of Vocations. Since that time it has developed into a major program. And when Supreme started their program in 1978, the two programs have dovetailed nicely and much progress is being made. Also this year, the State Council started to hold annual Chaplains programs. The program has done much to help the priests in knowing what we are doing and in getting their co-operation in our programs. It has worked both ways in that much more is being done for the clergy now that we realize their needs.

Other activities that have been started in the last few years include: New program to aid the mentally handicapped, Sponsoring the Alberta Bishops' Proclamation on Pro-Life, the Alberta Bishops statement on Canadian Unity, the Basketball Free Throw Program for our youth.

In the last two years, in line with the programs outlined by Supreme Council we have stressed to our Councils the need to be more family oriented in our programs and in this we are succeeding beyond our fondest expectations. Looking after our widows has also become a prime concern. Provincial family camp-outs have been organized and the wives of our deceased brothers are invited to participate in these programs.

Because organizations that stop growing, die, we have become even more involved in recruiting new members and activating more councils. In this too we are seeing the fruits of our labours and it has become evident that we have only scratched the surface in new members.

Our insurance program is also growing and there is now some $20,000,000.00 of insurance in force in Alberta.

It is evident to all in our first 100 years in Alberta, The Knights of Columbus has indeed prospered. As a result we are al better Knights, better citizens and better Catholics. However, we will not rest on our laurels but will continue to invite every Catholic gentleman to join the order, continue to serve the best interest of the leader, our Church and our communities.

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