knights

By Sam M. Lucero
Catholic Herald

Superior Knights celebrate 100 years

Superior -- Even after 100 years of service to the local church and community, Knights of Columbus Council 499 continues its mission of good works. This message was continually repeated by dignitaries attending the 100th jubilee of Council 499 held June 25 at UW-Superior's Rothwell Student Center.

The jubilee celebration included a Mass with Bishop Raphael M. Fliss presiding. A dinner, program and dance followed.

In his homily, Fliss said it is mind boggling to think of all the volunteer hours KC Council 499 members have donated over the last century.

He offered a historic sketch of the Knights, noting that the Catholic fraternal organization was founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael McGivney. "What he wanted to promote was a Catholic faith among laymen," said Fliss. "He also wanted to provide aid. He was concerned about the possibility of children and widows going without, so a proper insurance program was created for that purpose. Today, the Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family and fraternal service organization. There are now over 1.6 million members in some 12 countries. The insurance program is one of the most successful insurance enterprises in North America. Some 12,000 councils promote the concepts of charity, fraternity, unity and patriotism. They carry on the dream of Fr. McGivney."

Locally, Council 499 has contributed to a plethora of causes, said Fliss, offering as examples Catholic schools and religious education programs, seminary training, projects benefiting the developmentally disabled and aid to missionaries. "There are probably so many more things that most of us know nothing about," he added.

"As bishop I appreciate greatly all that you have done -- all of you who celebrate this centennial, each and every one who has gone before us," he said. "I gladly say 'ad multos annos.' In Polish we say 'stolat' -- at least another 100 years, please."

Approximately 130 people were on hand for the Mass, which was followed by a dinner and presentation of numerous commendations.

Douglas Finn, chairman of the Douglas County Board of Supervisors, read a commendation that the county board issued on behalf of the KC celebration. A framed copy of the commendation was presented to Council 499 Grand Knight James Amundson.

Another local leader, State Sen. Robert Jauch of Poplar, presented two plaques to Council 499: one from the Wisconsin State Senate and one from Gov. Tommy Thompson.

Jauch told the gathering that celebrating 100 years is not only a time to look back at past achievements, "it's also a time to renew our commitment to what we will do in the next 100 years." He added that Council 499's "commitment and dedication to the Catholic community is admirable."

State Deputy Wenzel Felber, whose term as the Wisconsin's top Knight expired June 30, presented Council 499 with the coveted Star Council Award. In order for a council to receive the award, it must meet several requirements, including an increase in membership and participation in the KC insurance program.

According to grand knight Amundson, it was the first time in 25 years that Council 499 has received the Star Council Award. Felber also read a commendation issued by the KC Supreme Council on behalf of the Superior council's 100th anniversary.

In addition to the many tributes, a plea was made by Frank Christopherson to fellow Knights who were present. He stated that the year 2000 was also the 100th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly. Members of this patriotic assembly are recognized by their regalia worn at special church and civic functions.

Christopherson said that because of poor record keeping, the history of Superior's Fourth Degree Assembly, known as the Bishop Joseph Annabring Assembly 1208, was sketchy.

According to Christopherson, the assembly's records only date back to 1977. Missing is the date when the Annabring assembly was established. While published records show Council 499 charter members joining an assembly in 1902, there is no indication what assembly they joined or when local Knights officially formed the Annabring assembly.

Several longtime members of Council 499 were recognized during the evening. Four men, Jim Soderlund, Phillip Millroy, Robert Mansky and Thomas Flaherty were given plaques for 40 years of service. Mark Gainy received an award for 50 years, and Jean Lindsay, who joined the Knights in 1940, received a plaque for 60 years of membership.

Fr. James Jackson, who just completed a two-year stint as Wisconsin Knights of Columbus chaplain, was keynote speaker at the KC gathering. His message to the Knights, their wives and guests was about spiritual development and growth.

"We get caught up doing the same thing over and over again," stated Jackson, who was Council 499 chaplain in 1976. " We're creatures of habit... I think sometimes we need to wake up and change. Isn't that the Gospel message? Reform yourself? Reshape yourself?"

He told the group that "we have to take time to look at ourselves. On that spiritual journey we have to keep looking at ourselves, looking to find where God is in each one of us."

Reflecting on the good works accomplished by the Knights of Columbus, Jackson said he has witnessed these efforts. "As a pastor, when I needed something done, the Knights of Columbus were there."

Looking toward the future, he said the Knights must be people of faith and share their faith.

"Look at TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) and Koinania and all the people involved who are turned on by God," said Jackson. "It's fantastic to see that happen. The Knights have to do the same thing because we certainly have the same thing to offer: an offer to be a Christian. "

He concluded his address by urging members to pray to God "to give each of us the strength to continue to live our faith and to make the next 100 years as good as the past 100 years."