Knights of Columbus

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[/vcex_bullets][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Knights of Columbus News” title_align=”separator_align_left” align=”align_left”][vcex_spacing][vcex_blog_grid columns=”1″ posts_per_page=”-1″ include_categories=”71″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Knights of Columbus” title_align=”separator_align_left” align=”align_left”][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vc_column_text]Father Anthony O.M.I Council 4455 received its charter on August 11, 1957, when 50 members were invested in the order at Natal, BC. The Council showed great courage in establishing a group where Catholic men could gather and promote activities designed to assist in the work of the Church. The new Council activities followed the usual trend of activities that were sponsored by other councils throughout the Knights of Columbus jurisdiction.

The first Grand Knight was Harry Corrigan, first Deputy Grand Knight was Siro Cimolini, first Recorder was Paul Chala, and first (and only) Financial-Secretary is Silvio Fornasier. The first Chaplain of the Council when it was instituted was Father Leslie M. Trainor, who was the parish priest in Natal-Michel for twenty years. Father Trainor will always be remembered for participating in all Knights of Columbus functions, especially at picnics, playing ball and his hearty laugh.

In the later 1960’s and early 1970’s, when relocation of Natal/Michel to Sparwood took place, the Knights were fundamental in the involvement of the new church and hall being built in Sparwood, and thus, also relocating the Council to Sparwood. Council 4455 has been active in St. Michael’s Parish and the community for the past 52 years in numerous fund-raising events, helping and donating of money and items, and promoting unity in the parish and community.

The numerous donations have been possible by organizing many fund-raising activities. In years past, Bingos were a major source of revenue, always with a crew of Brother Knights working along side of each other. Since 2005, the annual Sparwood Knights of Columbus Soap Box Derby has been a very popular event, bringing together children, families and may others for a fun-filled day, and resulting in a new major source of revenue. Other events, for both fund-raising and unity, held by our Council have been monthly breakfasts, picnics, catering, bar tending, and holding dances.

Many contributions have been given to St. Michael’s Parish. A large amount was given towards the payment of the church debt from the building of the new church, hall, and houses for the priests and nuns. Other amounts went for upgrading the hall and extension, the hall roof and upgrading the kitchen. Other donations have been made to St. Michael’s Youth Group, community sports groups, and community projects such as the Sparwood Hospital, the Rehab Center, the Golf Course, the Ball Fields, the Food Bank and Kootenay Outreach Society. In addition, Council 4455 has sponsored Knights of Columbus yearly school scholarships, five 3rd World Families, assistance to Seminaries, funded to build a home in the Philippines, and supported the Wheel Chair Foundation, among many other donations to societies, groups or individuals needing or requesting help.

The Sparwood Knights are and always have been a very close group, working together as brother Knights in Jesus’ name, in the many and diverse efforts to better the church, community and world. With the help of all the brothers participating, this Council is able to achieve all its goals.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vc_column_text]

Click here to view the Knights of Columbus Breakfast Photo Gallery

[/vc_column_text][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vcex_spacing size=”15px”][vc_text_separator title=”Grand Knights since Aug 11, 1957″ title_align=”separator_align_left” align=”align_left”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]1. Harry Corrigan
2. Siro Cimolini
3. Joseph Katrichak
4. Frank Schmaltz
5. Orlando Ungaro
6. Andy Latka
7. John L. Desjardins
8. Bruno Bevilaqua
9. Albert Desjardins
10. Raymond Rousseau
11. Henry Gauthier
12. Clifford Hrdlicka
13. Paul Chala
14. Roman Perron
15. Edmond Frenette[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]16. Santo Rocca
17. Luc Goulet
18. Alphonse Albert
19. John Hynes
20. Frank Luketic
21. Dennis Feltham
22. Silver Aragones
23. Dave Elliott
24. Peter Templin
25. Don Keays
26. Jim Bertoia
27. Allan Barrass
28. Gene von Matt
29. Allan Barrass[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]