Grand Knight Eugene C. Baczenas (1947-1948)

Following the glittering ceremonies and series of special events Commemorating Washington Council's Golden Jubilee Anniversary, it fell to Grand Knight Eugene C. Baczenas to preside over its destinies at the start of its second half century.

Members of the Council were saddened by the passing of Right Reverend Monsignor Peter Guilday in the initial month of Brother Baczenas' term of office. Beloved past Chaplain of the Council, adviser and friend to all over many years, Monsignor Guilday laid down the burdens of a fruitful and dedicated life.

Brother Baczenas' term witnessed the rebirth of the "Washington Council Monthly." Its publication had been suspended in 1942 for the duration of the War. Published without interruption in one form or another since 1947 the Monthly has faithfully reported upon events and personalities connected with the Council's activities directed toward its religious and fraternal objectives. Among the items appearing in an early issue of the reestablished "Monthly" was a report to the effect that active membership in the Council had reached a record figure of more than two thousand knights. On the lighter side we find the "Monthly" reporting upon the first appearance of that electronic novelty -- Television in January 1948. A set was duly installed in the Council home on Sixteenth Street and its first trial enabled members to view the championship bout between Jersey Joe Walcott and Joe Louis.

The Council's annual Christmas party for the children was one of the most memorable events of its kind. PGK Barney Myers was chairman of the planning committee which arranged for the party to be held at the Apex Theater. It featured a concert by the Police Boys' Club band, a songfest led by (the late) Frank Govan and his accordion, a motion picture show, clowns, and a Punch and Judy performance.

An occasion of profound significance not only for Brother Knights but for the entire Catholic community was the installation of the Most Reverend Patrick A. O'Boyle as Archbishop of Washington at St. Matthews Cathedral on January 21, 1948, an event attended by Council members. Appointed by Pope Pius XII to be the first Archbishop in the newly created Archdiocese of Washington, he was consecrated at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City January 14, 1948.

When Grand Knight Baczenas laid down the Council gavel he could look back upon many solid accomplishments including the establishment of a Welfare- Sponsor committee to lend aid to and assist in the rehabilitation of convicted offenders who had been returned to society.

Grand Knight Charles E. McCusker (1948-1949)

Following the usual custom Brother Charles E. McCusker, Deputy Grand Knight in the previous administration, was duly elected and installed As Grand Knight for the 1948-49 term.

The Washington Council marked the first anniversary of Archbishop O'Boyle's installation as Archbishop of Washington by presenting him with a check for $1000. The presentation was made by Grand Knight McCusker January 21, 1949. Archbishop O'Boyle stated that the generous gift would be considered as the initial contribution to the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

A schedule of events during Brother McCusker's administration (for the month of October, 1948) testifies to his able leadership, the vigor of the organization and the dedication of its membership or perhaps we should have said, the "endurance" of its members. The schedule began with a dance at the Council Home at 1601 "R" Street, N. W., for members and their guests (Oct. 2nd); the Tuesday night business meeting including Exemplification of First and Second Degree and the election of a recording secretary (Oct. 5th); Exemplification of Third Degree, Washington and Potomac Councils at 918 Tenth Street, N.W.(Oct. 10); Current Affairs Committee, Washington General Assembly, Fourth Degree; the First Town Hall Meeting at the Gonzaga Auditorium (Oct. 11); Columbus Day, Joint Meeting of all councils at 918 Tenth Street (Oct. 12); Council dance at the Burgundy Room, Wardman Park Hotel for members and guests (Oct. 15); Regular meeting night, Washington General Assembly, Fourth Degree at the Sapphire Room, Mayflower Hotel (Oct. 18); Alhambra Run (PGK Jim Colliflower Run) at 918 Tenth Street (Oct. 24th); Regular Council Business Meeting (Oct. 26th); Dance at Council Home for members and their guests (Oct. 29th); Alhambra Banquet and Dance at the Washington Hotel (Oct. 30th). It is probably understandable that nothing was said about celebrating Hallowe'en! There would scarcely have been room for the monthly card parties that were later inaugurated during Brother McCusker's administration.

But there was time for a novel "Old Timers' Night" which was held by the Council October 26, 1948, on a regular meeting night. Under the Good of the Order Grand Knight McCusker introduced Past State Deputy Leo A. Rover who had held that position in 1917. Duplicating his duties of 30 years previously he proceeded to install the officers of the Council as of that date. Past Grand Knight James E. Colliflower was introduced and some of the highlights of his administration were recounted. Deputy Grand Knight Dr. Leo F. Stock was then installed, followed by William E. Leahy, Chancellor, and James Sullivan as Warden (Brother Sullivan substituted for Warden Willy Morris who was unable to attend). Lecturer Bernie Lavins was also introduced to the members. Other brothers of the oldest "old timers" present were Dr. Charles O'Connor son of a Union Army General and member of the Washington Council since its inception in 1897; Tom and Bill Griffin and John A. Eckert, all members since 1898.

Grand Knight John E. Lynch (1949-1950)

The wise and popular Chaplain, Father Xavier Butler, S.A., who had served Washington Council with ability and devotion relinquished his duties early in Brother Lynch's administration. Father Aedan Davis, S.A., succeeded to the chaplaincy and was the author of many inspiring messages to members during his year of service.

Members of the Council were particularly gratified to learn of the elevation in April, 1959 of one of their own number to become Bishop of Charleston. The Right Reverend Monsignor John J. Russell, pastor of the Church of the Nativity was so honored.

Among the customary events which were carried off with spirit and devotion during Grand Knight Lynch's term of office were the Columbus Day dance held at the Shoreham; the Christmas, New Years Eve and St. Patrick's Day parties; the Military Memorial Field Mass at Arlington; the Retreat at Manresa and the annual mass held at St. Paul's Church followed by communion breakfast at the Council Home. And, of course, first, second and third degree exemplification ceremonies were held, the third degree being exemplified in the early autumn for a class of 42 candidates. An added event was the Lenten Discussion Group conducted by Father Aguinas Thomas of the Friars of Atonement after the regular Tuesday Council meetings during the months of March and April.

The Council's Children's Christmas Party became established as an annual occasion with the celebration of the second such event at the Council Home December 17, 1949. The attendance of 380 children clearly demonstrated the popular acceptance (at least among the youngsters) of the custom and its institution as a permanent annual feature. The Council's thanks, along with those of many a happy child, went to Grand Knight Lynch and Chairman Joseph G. McGowan who originated the idea.

The sporting inclinations of Council members was evidenced in many ways including support of a basketball team, participation in a softball league and entry of a first class team in the Knights of Columbus Bowling League of the District of Columbia. The Bowling League opened its forty-first season in 1949 and was reputed to have been the oldest Bowling League in the Washington area. Ample evidence of the enthusiasm of Council members for the sport was indicated by the fact that the League's President, Joseph Pricei, and its Secretary Treasurer (and scorer) Silvius A. Poli for the 1949-50 season were Council brothers, the latter having held the same post for fourteen years. Brothers honored in other fields included PGK Al McGarraghy who was chairman of one of the discussion groups held during the 36th annual meeting of the National Conference of Catholic Charities and PGK Jim Colliflower who was elected to the Board of Directors of Pepco.

At the close of Brother Lynch's administration, the Council was awarded the first prize trophy for membership achievement by the Supreme Council. The trophy was formally presented to the Council at ceremonies held in the Council Home June 27, 1950, the highlight of which was the delivery of an inspiring address by Reverend Eugene Gallagher, S.J., chairman of the Department of Religion at Georgetown University.

Grand Knight William J. Fleming (1950-1951)

In his first message to Council members Grand Knight Fleming made particular reference to the distribution to brothers of a schedule of activities covering the whole of 1950, a useful innovation adopted by the Council at the outset of his term.

The Council's new Chaplain, the Reverend Lawrence P. Gatti was appointed to the first of five consecutive terms of devoted service. One of those unusual individuals, a native Washingtonian, Father Gatti had received the four degrees of Columbian Knighthood and had been a member of the Washington Council for nine years.

During Brother Fleming's administration an event of great significance to all Council members and indeed to all Catholics was the designation by Pope Pius XII of 1950 as a Holy Year. Father Gatti appropriately made pilgrimages during the Year to Fatima, Rome, Lourdes and to the Miraculous Medal Shrine on the Rue de Bacu in Paris. He recalled at the time that Monsignor Sheen had once told him that one visits Fatima in faith, Rome in hope and Lourdes in charity.

Another event, this time somber instead of happy, made 1950 noteworthy to Council Brothers. The outbreak of the Korean War in June of that year profoundly affected the lives of Council members. Among the activities of the Council in support of the war effort was a contribution made for relief work among Korean War victims voted by the Supreme Board of Directors and turned over to Ambassador John M. Chang, Korean Envoy to the United States and a member of our Council.

Members rejoiced with Grand Knight Fleming when one of its illustrious Brothers, the most Reverend Patrick Joseph McCormick, D.D., Rector of the Catholic University of America was consecrated Titular Bishop of Athenia and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington. The solemn ceremonies at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at Catholic University on September 21, 1950, were witnessed by many Council Brothers.

Early in 1951 the Washington Council took an initial step toward the acquisition of a new home. A Resolution was approved declaring that it favored in principle the acquisition of a building that would be adequate for all units of the Knights of Columbus in Washington. It was stipulated in the Resolution, however, that the interest of each Council in any property acquired would at all times be determined on the basis of membership of the individual Councils rather than on a unit basis and that management of the property should be conducted by a committee, the membership of which should represent each of the Councils on the basis of the number of members in good standing on their rolls on the first of July each year. Interest in a new home not only for our Council, but for others in the area as well, was reflected in the establishment in 1947 by State Deputy James C. Naughton of a General Quarters Committee. It was continued in existence by enabling resolutions adopted at succeeding annual conventions of the State Council.

A distinguished Washington attorney and Past Grand Knight, Leo Rover, was appointed by the court to defend one of the men who had attempted to assassinate President Truman

A sad note was struck by the passing of PGK Joseph A. Sullivan in September 1950. He had joined the Council in 1914 and held the post of Grand Knight (1922-1923) and was State Deputy (1924-1926). His contributions to the progress of Washington Council and Columbian knighthood were many and substantial and he was sorely missed by his numerous friends within and without the Council.

Grand Knight Lester E. Moss (1951-1952)

The gavel passed to Lester F. Moss in 1951. He was installed as Grand Knight at the Council's first meeting in July. Evidence of the fact that Brother Moss' administration got off to a very good start was found in the national list of Councils which showed that Washington Council stood seventeenth in the entire nation in terms of the size of membership as of July 1, 1951.

A grim reminder that the Korean War was still being fought was indicated in an item in the Council Monthly reporting Council action in granting non- commissioned officers and those in the ranks of the Armed Forces a suspension of dues until June 30, 1952. Another sign of the conflict was the Council's continuing effort to increase the number of blood donors to the Red Cross among the membership. Some of them had already contributed the permissible maximum for the entire year 1952 as early as the month of March.

Not far along in Brother Moss' administration, brothers, were saddened by the death September 22, 1951 of one of the Council's charter members - John P. O'Brien. Brother O'Brien, a graduate of Holy Cross College and Georgetown Law School, took all three degrees in 1897. He later moved to New York City and became Mayor of New York January 1, 1933, to serve out the unfinished term of James J. Walker.

The annual boat ride on the Potomac was the first event in Brother Moss' term. It fell on August sixth and was reported to have been unusually enjoyable despite cool and damp weather. The presence of large numbers of servicemen on board from Walter Reed Annex and Bolling Air Force Base doubtless contributed to its success. Their presence was made possible through the generosity of members who made their tickets available to veterans and servicemen.

The annual Charity Ball was among the most significant dates on the Council's social calendar. It was held April 17th at the Mayflower Hotel for the benefit of the "Most Reverend Archbishop Patrick A. O'Boyle Fund" and was the first occasion of its kind to combine the efforts of all the councilsin the Archdiocese of Washington which in those days included those in nearby Maryland. The substantial proceeds (over 400 were in attendance) went to the Archbishop's School Fund including support for the new Archbishop John Carroll High School. Other events of special significnce was a Third Degree Exemplification held a the Knights of Columbus Hall on Tenth Street as part of the ceremonies that marked our fifty-fifth anniversary and a party and dance held April 29th in the Terrace Room at Washington National Airport.

The Council's international character was again in evidence when Brother Jose S. Roldan, PGK of the Iloilo City Council in the Philippines presendte Grand Knight Moss with a handsome palque formed as a shield with our emblem in the center. It was hand-carved from indigenous wood and now hangs in the Council Home on Wisconsin Avenue. Later, Brother George Gringras shaped a gavel of wood preserved in the renovation of the White House and forwarded it to Iloilo Council

Grand Knight Joseph G. McGowan (1952 - 1953)

Chosen unanimously by the membership, Brother Joseph G. McGowan was installed as Grand Knight in July 1952. The customary boat ride on the Potomac, which took place August fourth, furnished tha occasion for many members to continue the admirable practice of purchasing tickets and returning them for distribution to servicemen and veterans at Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital. This successful event helped promote the "Get Acquainted" theme adopted at the outset of Grand Knight McGowan's administration for all social functions during the year.

The interest and enthusiasm of the membership was abundantly demonstrated two weeks later when some five hundred brothers, their wives and children enjoyed the family basket picnic held at O'Donnell's farm. Other social meetings of a more formal kind that were both profitable and well-attended included Ladies Night dances at the Prince Georges Golf and Country Club and the Mayflower Hotel. The Columbus Day dance at the Presidential Ballroom of the Statler Hotel raised funds for the benefit of Archbishop O'Boyle's Educational Fund. Saturday night dances were initiated at the "R" Street Home.

On a more sober note the passing of Dr. H. J. Crosson September 17, 1952, marked the end of an era. Dr. Crosson was the last surviving charter member of Washington Council and served twice as Grand Knight (1899 and 1903). He also served a District and State Deputy and State Treasurer. His friendship and wise counsel were greatly missed.

The Council's annual memorial Communion Mass and breakfast was held on the first Sunday of Advent (November 30, 1952) at St. Steven's Church on Pennsylvania Avenue whose Pastor, Father Denges, was a member of Washington Council and a former Chaplain. Mass was offered by our Chaplain, Father Gatti. It was decided by the Spiritual Affairs Committee chaired by Jack Pflieger to make the occasion a Father and Son Communion Mass. The Communion Mass was followed by a breakfast at the Council Home. One hundred and thirty persons attended. Indeed, most functions, meetings and ceremonies were so very well attended that Grand Knight McGowan made special mention of this happy circumstance in one of his messages to the membership.

The 1952 Thanksgiving Party, held at the Shoreham Hotel merits special mention, not only for the fellowship and good will which obtained at the function, but because it was the occasion of a rare if not unique mathematical phenomenon. In defiance of the law of probabilities, five lucky brothers won two turkeys each (fifty turkey in all were raffled). Perhaps even a better bargain than the fortunate winners received at the Thanksgiving Party was obtainable in Maryland automobile license tags for 1953. Arrangements were made to have the series beginning with the letters "KC" reserved exclusively for members under the jurisdiction of the State Council. The tags could be ordered for the sum of twenty-five cents (yes, you read it correctly, but it is still very hard to believe) plus the cost of the tags. The twenty-five cents was designated to cover the cost of preparation of a directory listing the holders of the tags.

Grand Knight Michael A. Klodzen (1953-1954)

Grand Knight Michael A. Klodzen's term began with the substitution of the Monthly News for the Council's monthly magazine. The Washington Council Monthly was suspended and was supplanted by a mimeograph newsletter containing essentially the same information. The simpler letter form was adopted in order to inform fellow Knights more promptly of the Council's planned activities.

Following the usual summer and autumn meetings and functions, including the family picnic (at Ft. Washington, Md.) and the Saturday night dances at the Council Home, the celebration of Columbus Day was accomplished with special elan. On Sunday, October 11, 1953, Washington Council joined our neighbor councils to honor our patron at wreath laying ceremonies at the Columbus Statue in Union Station Plaza. The next day a gala five council celebration under the jurisdiction of the State Council was held at the classical Pan American Union Building.

The fifty-seventh anniversary of the foundation of the Washington Council was celebrated by an Anniversary Banquet and Dance on April 20 and Third Degree Exemplification on April 25th at 918 Tenth Street. The Anniversary Third Degree class was named in honor of Tom and Bill Griffin, who were initiated in the Order in February and April, 1898, respectively. A remarkable brotherly team, they were faithful and active members for a total of 112 years. The Banquet and Dance were held at the Prince Georges Country Club where members heard a talk by PGK Alfred McGarraghy, Past Vice Supreme Master of the Fourth Degree.

In regret and sadness brothers of Washington Council learned of the death of Past Grand Knight Leo Francis Stock (1917-18). A professor and author of many works relating to the history of the Catholic Church, he left a legacy of his veneration for the Church and love of his fellow man. Washington Council is particularly indebted to Leo Stock for the time and energy he devoted to the preparation of the fiftieth anniversary historical review of the Council titled "The First Fifty Years - A Review," published in 1947.

It fell to Brother Klodzen to be the last Grand Knight to preside over Washington Council 224 in the Council Home at 1601 R Street, N. W. The building was sold after lengthy and exhaustive deliberations to the National Association of Colored Women for $72,000 of which $57,000 was received in cash. The Council vacated the premises which had housed its varied activities for over eleven years, on the eleventh day of June 1954. Of the many reasons advanced for the sale of the building the chief ones appeared to be the inordinately high cost of maintenance, the lack of adequate parking facilities and the general deterioration of the neighborhood. A special committee was appointed to consider the purchase of new quarters. Meetings of the Council in the interim were to be held in the "air-cooled" Williamsburg Room of the Mayflower Hotel.

Grand Knight George J. McNamara (1954-1955)

Brother George J. McNamara headed the slate of Council officers for the 1955-56 term and was elevated to the post of Grand Knight by the unanimous vote of members at the June 2, 1955, meeting. He was installed as Grand Knight at a Joint Installation ceremony for all District of Columbia Councils held at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 918 Tenth Street, July 6th.

A special meeting of Washington Council was held August 4, 1955, at the Tenth Street Hall to consider the purchase of a parcel of land for the building of a new Council Home. The property comprised 58,000 square feet (1.378 acres) located on the south side of Van Ness Street, N.W., just west of Wisconsin Avenue. The Building Company was authorized to enter into a contract for the purchase of this tract, but negotiations were never finalized. The search for a suitable site for a Council Home was accordingly continued for some years more. Regular meetings were held in the main auditorium of the Tenth Street building.

The Council meeting September 15, 1955, was designated by Grand Knight McNamara as "Old Timers' Night" and twenty-five veterans of the Knights of Columbus, many of whom were also long time members of Washington Council were present. Brother McNamara presented emblems conferring honorary memberships or honorary life memberships upon all Brothers in attendance with a record of more than twenty-five years in the Order. Selected for especial honor were seven Brothers of the Council, all of whom had reached or surpassed three score and ten years. Oldest of the Brothers was Bennet Jones,, 88 years, who had been a Knight for 57 of those years. Others were Frank Ready, 71 (50 years membership); Edward Miller, 71 (50 years); William Maylan, 75 (53 years); George Hernon, 80 (60 years); Bill Griffin, 80 (58 years) and Tom Griffin, 78 (57 years). Also honored were the following, with the length of membership indicated after each name: Mike Holloran 25; W. Otto 25, Dick Field 41; Edward Hogan 43; Horace Shiner 47; Thomas H. Flint 28; Harry Kirk 46; J. P. Moriarty 39; Joe May 42; 0. F. Horn 40; John F. McKnight 49; F. T. Beckert 28; William Pike 41; and Carmine Garofalo 46. This impressive demonstration of the loyalty and attachment of these Brothers to the principles of Knighthood furnished inspiration to the entire Council membership and continues to stand as proof of the vitality of the Order.

The annual New Year's Eve Dance held at the Knights of Columbus Club produced needed revenues for the building fund of the Washington Archdiocesan Retreat House, Loyola-on-the-Potomac, which received the entire proceeds of the affair.

A dramatic instance of the value of the Council's Blood Bank occurred in May, 1956 when twelve pints of blood were made available in Texas to the sister of Father Joseph B. Coyne of St. Gabriel's Church. The transfer was made through an exchange arrangement so that there was no actual shipment of plasma involved. Father Coyne's sister regained her strength sufficiently after the transfusions so that she could leave the hospital.

Grand Knight William F. Malone (1955-1956)

Brother William F. Malone assumed the leadership of Council 224 July 1, 1956, with Valentine Matelis as DGK and Nicolaus Bruns, Chancellor. Each of these brother officers were shortly to head the Council themselves.

At the outset of Grand Knight Malone's administration the Monthly Bulletin again reverted to a letter style format which was confined largely to conveying factual information to the membership about forthcoming meetings, social events and charitable projects. Meetings were held in the Main Auditorium at 918 Tenth Street, N. W., throughout the administration of Brother Malone.

A full week of activities was planned by the State Council for the commemoration of Columbus Day. Ceremonies began with Mass on Sunday, October seventh at Holy Rosary Church, Third and F Streets, N.W. The Mass was followed by an impressive Knights of Columbus parade led by the Metropolitan Police Band and the Fourth Degree Honor Guard which proceeded to Columbus Plaza for wreath-laying ceremonies. On October 12th a special Columbus Day luncheon was held at the University Club on sixteenth street.

The State Council officers made their annual visit to Washington Council November twenty-seventh. Since Council 224 was meeting on the same night as Spaulding Council, the State officers made a joint visit to both Councils.

The Washington Council again enjoyed the distinction of having one of its members appointed General Chairman of the Knights of Columbus Scholastic Invitational Basketball Tournament. Deputy Grand Knight Val Matelis was selected for the post and carried out his duties with his customary vigor and thoroughness. Proceeds from the Tournament went to Archbishop O'Boyle's Educational Fund.

In accordance with the By-Laws of Washington Council Home, Inc., the nomination and election of members of the Board of Trustees was held at the first regular business meeting in December. Brothers George Gingras, Earl Droessler and PGK John Fallon were elected to three-year terms in these important posts.

Changes of necessity had to be made in mid-term for the replacement of Brothers Bill Rielly and Tom Loftus as Treasurer and Recording Secretary, respectively. These officers were unable to afford the requisite time for their official duties because of changes in their employment. They were replaced by Jim Gatens, Recorder and PGK Lester Moss, Treasurer, by the unanimous vote of members in January 1957.

The Annual Communion Mass and Breakfast was held March 31 under the sponsorship of the District of Columbia Chapter for all the Councils in its jurisdiction. Mass was celebrated at the Franciscan Monastery at 14th and Quincy Streets, N. E., and breakfast was served at the Pilgrimage Hall opposite the Monastery following the Mass. The speaker was PGK Leo Rover.

The Council's sixtieth anniversary was celebrated by a dance at the National Airport Terrace Room April 26, 1957, (doubtless before car parking became so difficult there) The Past Grand Knights were guests of honor at the dance Interfaith Day was recognized by a game between the Senators (remember when we had a team of our own?) and the White Sox at Griffith Stadium. The contest was jointly sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Almas Temple Shriners and B'nai B'rith who divided the proceeds equally for their respective charities.

Grand Knight John H. Fallon (1956-1957)

At the outset of Brother John H. Fallon's term he announced that Council meetings would continue to be held in the Williamsburg Room of the Mayflower Hotel. Grand Knight Fallon explained to the membership that it had been found necessary to turn down an offer of accommodations made by the Knights of Columbus Building Company at 918 Tenth Street, N. W. because of the necessity of changing the established Tuesday meeting nights and the lack of sufficient time for the Council to act upon the offer. However, after six months of meeting at hotels, the Council arranged in January for meetings to be held at the K of C Hall at Tenth Street despite the necessity of shifting the meeting periods from Tuesday to Thursday evenings.

Brother Fallon appointed a committee headed by Brother Knight Earl G. Droessler to examine and report on suggested sites for a new Council Home. Early in his term the committee purposely proceeded without a deadline so that all suggestions could be weighed carefully and to afford all members the opportunity of offering ideas. The New Home Committee was formed by PGK Joseph M. McKenna, PGK Carmine Garofalo, PGK Michael A. Klodzen, and Brothers Rutherford Dooley, Francis Heigle, and Val Matelis, in addition to the chairman.

Apart from efforts to seek a new home, the calendar for October was a formidable one with activity centering around Columbus Day. Officers of the State Council local councils and the Order of Alhambra together with members participated in the customary wreath laying ceremonies at the statue of Christopher Columbus in Union Station Plaza on Sunday October 11, 1954. The Metropolitan Police Department Band furnished music for the occasion. Our Council joined with other local councils of the District of Columbia in cooperation with the State Council in holding a dance October 12th to celebrate the occasion. The affair was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 918 Tenth Street. Three days later the Washington Council gave its fall dance in the Chantilly Room of the Hamilton Hotel at 14th and K Streets, N.W. Other October events included the annual picnic for the children of St. Joseph's and St. Vincent's Home and School, a Marian Year Rally held on the Monument Grounds October 24th at which Bishop Sheen delivered a memorable sermon, and of course the usual regular business meetings.

A welcome improvement in council communications came with the publication in October of the first issue of the Monthly Bulletin which supplanted the less formal Monthly Newsletter. The Bulletin was distinguished by a wide Navy blue band at the masthead with the superimposed emblem of the K of C at the left.

For the first time in many years Washington Council did not plan a New Year's Eve party, because of the lack of a Council home. Members were urged to see the New Year in at the gala party and dance held by the now defunct District of Columbia Chapter at the Home on Tenth Street. Brother Jack Lynch announced that the net proceeds derived from the affair would be turned over To the League of Retreatants for the building fund of the new Retreat House, Loyola-on-the-Potomac.

A newly organized Council basketball team took the floor for the first time at McKinley High School in December. The team became a part of the District Recreation Association's 'B' League. Brother Marty Ryan served as coach and Brother Hansen was manager. Other members of Washington Council were singled out for distinction in a very different field. Brother Frank Higgins was elected President of the newly formed Guild for the Franciscan Nuns of the Most Blessed Sacrament at its first meeting which was held December 10, 1954. Brothers Walter Chalmers and PGK Lester Moss were elected members of the Guild's Board of Directors. After receiving the approval of Archbishop O'Boyle in September, the Guild succeeded in pledging more than 300 persons who signified their desire to support the Monastery. It is located at 13th and Quincy Streets, N.E., not far from the Franciscan Monastery.

Grand Knight Valentine Matelis (1957-1958)

Brother Valentine Matelis began his administration with several innovations. Among them was the decision to hold Council meetings at various Parish halls in the District rather than at the Knights of Columbus building on Tenth Street. The move was made primarily to facilitate the attendance of members who lived in the suburbs. It was later decided by the Council that meetings for August and thereafter should be held in St. Ann's Parish Hall at Tenley Circle. The Monthly Bulletin under the editorship of Brother Joseph O'Malley was reinstituted with the publication of the issue of July, 1957 in order to keep members more fully informed of the activities of their Council. It was also decided to revive the practice of having a Family Picnic in August and an Orphan's Party in the Fall.

Father Eugene B. Gallaher, S.J. graciously accepted Grand Knight Matelis' request to serve as Chaplain of the Washington Council.

The continuing search for a site for a Council Home by a Joint Committee (Executive and Building Trustees brought to light a plot of land at Connecticut Avenue and Huntington Street. Possible acquisition of the 24,000 square-foot plot was considered at a Special Meeting July 17, 1957. The site was, however, rejected because of zoning problems. A Committee was reappointed to continue the search and it later recommended consideration of a building located at 4323 Wisconsin Avenue, the first floor of which was occupied by the Friendship Restaurant and several small shops. The Committee was given authority to negotiate a conditional sales contract with the owner subject to the approval of the Council. Definitive disposition of the matter was to have been made at the regular business meeting November 12, 1957, but the proposal came to naught when the owner decided not to sell the property.

The By-Laws of Washington Council were codified by a committee composed of PGK Garofalo, PGK Jack Lynch and Advocate Frank Creamer, Jr. The codification, which involved extensive and painstaking work, was presented to the Council and was approved November twelfth.

Council members were assessed a modest sum to help finance the campanile of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception scheduled to be completed in 1959. The local assessment formed part of a levy voted by the Supreme Board of Directors on all members of the Order.

The Anniversary Dance (the sixty-first) was held at the Kenwood Country Club and was a considerable social and financial success. More than two hundred Brothers and their friends attended. The prize for the most senior member present went to William Griffin who had joined the Council in 1897! The senior PGK-prize was awarded to P. Mike Cook (1929-1931).

The Family Communion Breakfast under the Chairmanship of PGK Richard Mahar was exceedingly well attended with over one hundred fifty communicants present, excluding the hostesses and their Girl Scouts.

Chairman Joseph O'Malley and members of his Citizenship Committee (including PGK John Fallon, DGK Nic Bruns, PGK John E. Lynch and Grand Knight Matelis) presided as judges of the Washington Catholic Forensic League Extempore contest December 14, 1957. Trophies (two of which were provided by Washington Council) were presented to the winners of the contest who represented Catholic high and prep schools. Other very useful efforts by the Citizenship Committee were the provision of speakers to address Catholic high school students on the Papal Encyclicals Rerum Novarum, Quadragesimo Anno, Atheistic Communism and upon the structure of the American government.

Grand Knight Nicolaus Bruns, Jr. (1958-1959)

Shortly after accepting the "Grand Knight's gavel, Nicolaus Bruns, Jr. told the membership in his initial message that his goals for the Council during his administration were a greater prestige and influence of our Council in the community and the purchase of a new home.

Although fulfillment of the last goal was not to occur during Grand Knight Bruns' term, he could point with pride to the Council's involvement in community affairs during his term in office. The Citizenship Committee, chaired by Joe O'Malley, arranged lectures by council members on good citizenship at local high schools as well as student forensic contests, and Grand Knight Bruns addressed the Catholic Club of Chevy Chase on Columbianism. Two Interfaith Day celebrations occurred during the 1958-59 Council year. The first game on August 19, 1958, was preceded by a luncheon at the Willard Hotel followed by a parade at the ballpark with units of the Almas Temple, American Legion and Alhambra bands. The day's celebration was topped off with that rarest of delights in those days a victory by the Senators over the Detroit Tigers. Over 10,000 fans attended the Interfaith game, producing a gift from the Knights of $1,130 to the Archbishop for his educational fund. At the second Interfaith game on June 9, 1959, brother Francis J. Kane was honored as the area resident who had contributed most towards interfaith.

On October 9, 1958, the Catholic world mourned the death of His Holiness Pope Pius XII. His successor to the Chair of Peter, John XXIII, announced soon after his coronation that he would convene a Vatican Council, the first such Council to be held in centuries. Little did the world realize the impact that announcement would have. In December His Holiness increased to 75 the number of the College of Cardinals, the first increase in 400 years, to reflect the increase in Catholic population throughout the world. A new Apostolic Delegate to the United States, the Most Rev. Egidio Vagnozzi, arrived on May 9, 1959, to assume his post, succeeding Amleto Giovanni Cardinal Cicognani who had served for 25 years as the delegate.

The Council rejoiced at the announcement on January 2, of the bestowal of Papal Honors on 16 Council members. Elevated to Domestic Prelate were Past Chaplain Rt. Rev. Msgr. Lawrence P. Gatti, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Henry D. Collins, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas B. Dade and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Russell A. Phelan. The rank of Papal Chamberlain was bestowed on Very Rev. Joseph B. Coyne and Very Rev. Thomas W. Lyons. Recipients of the Order of the Knights of St. Gregory, third in rank among Papal Orders, included brothers Harry J. Kirk, Charles P. Malone and PGK Leo F. Stock. The fourth in rank of Papal Orders, Knights of St. Sylvester, was conferred on Past Grand Knights Alfred A. McGarraghy and James E. Colliflower and brothers Francis J. Kane, Walter F. McArdle, Evan A. Sholl, and Frederick A. Thuee. Brother Paul May received the Pro Eclesia et Pontifice Medal

Although reappointed chaplain, Rev. Eugene Gallagher, S.J., was understandably absent from meetings early in the year because of an extended and well-earned vacation. Fr. Gallagher's monthly messages to his brother Knights were date- lined from such diverse locations as Boys Town, Nebraska; Aboard the S.S. United States; Dublin, Ireland; and Loyola, Spain. Upon his return to the United States, Fr. Gallagher spoke to the Council about a paper he had delivered at Lourdes on "The United States: Land of the Immaculate Conception."

Entertainment at Council meetings included talks by Shane McCarthy, Executive Director of the President's Council on Youth Fitness and Mr. Donald E. Hanning, Special Agent of the FBI. Mr. Hanning's talk was heard by only 40 members, a situation which prompted a stinging rebuke by our usually unflappable chaplain who took note of the lethargy of the membership and our slavish adherence to Robert's Rules of Order. Meetings in March and April were better attended and enlivened with singing by the Georgetown Chimes and the Buckley Club.

Grand Knight Bruns provided an active social calendar beginning with the Family Picnic in September at Fort Washington and concluding with the Anniversary Ball in April at the Willard Hotel. In between, Lecturer Joe O'Malley arranged an Autumn Dance and a Mardi Gras Dance, both at the Manger Hamilton Hotel. The homeless boys and girls of St. Joseph's and St. Vincent's were the special focal point of the Youth Activities committee chaired by Charles McAllister. Sixty boys were treated to a sightseeing tour and luncheon at Andrews Air Force Base, while 50 girls from St. Vincent's went on a South Seas Adventure in Cinerama at a local theater and lunch at Sholl's cafeteria.

At the mid-point of Grand Knight Bruns' term the Washington Council Monthly made its debut in its present magazine format under the editorship of Lew Ottaviani. One of the many featured articles in the "new" Monthly was a report that GK Bruns had activated a committee of council members experienced in banking, law, business and real estate with the objective of advising the Council in its quest for a suitable home. Earlier in the council year the membership had rejected two sites as potential homes, one at Connecticut and R Streets at a price of $300,000, and a 33,995 square foot property at 4300 Harrison Street, N.W. The latter property was appraised at $70,000 and a conditional contract to purchase at $100,000 was rejected by the narrow margin of three votes at a special meeting on September 30, 1958, after prolonged and spirited debate.

The disagreements which had existed off and on throughout the fifties between the D. C. State Council and some of the subordinate councils was temporarily abated in April 1959 by adoption of the so-called but short-lived Declaration of Unity which provided that each D.C. Council would be represented in an elected office on the-State Council. This agreement later was ruled invalid by the Supreme Council because of the provision which provided that the office of State Deputy would be rotated among the six councils.

Grand Knight Martin J. Ryan (1959-1960)

Over 100 members assembled in the Hotel Hamilton's Silver Room to elect Martin J. Ryan as the 47th Grand Knight. Thirteen days later on June 29th, Pope John XXIII issued his first encyclical on Peace and Unity - "Ad Petri Cathedram" (Near the Chair of Peter).

Throughout his term Grand Knight Ryan was confronted with two problems which seemed to evade solution. The first, which he shared with five preceding Grand Knights, was the search for a suitable Council home. Reports were made to the Council membership on four sites, but three of these were rejected as unsuitable by the committee. This prompted the Council's finance committee to present a resolution which was adopted stipulating that not more than 75% of the available funds of Washington Council Home Inc., be spent as a down payment on a home. The fourth site was located on Cathedral Avenue (the old Swiss Embassy) and was rejected by the general membership at its meeting on November 24th.

At the Christmas meeting on December 22nd the Council decided to explore with Byrne Council and the Tenth Street Councils the possibility of jointly buying or erecting a K. of C. building which would serve as a home for all the D.C. councils. Chancellor Joe O'Malley was appointed chairman of a committee to explore this possibility. The committee's negotiations extended throughout much of the Council year and culminated in approval by Washington Council on April 10, 1960, of a tentative agreement on a joint building venture. This agreement then was presented to each of the other Councils involved, but the proposal failed due to lack of action by them.

The other problem which confronted the Council was the frequent disagreement between the D.C. State Council and some of the subordinate councils. This presented a paradoxical situation. Despite these personalities clashes, Grand Knight Ryan stated on several occasions that the Council must prevent our personal squabbles from hindering the success of the various fund raising activities because the beneficiaries of these efforts were the homeless and disadvantaged children for whom Archbishop O'Boyle sought the Knights' assistance. Thus, despite differences of opinion with the State Council leadership, Washington Council participated completely and enthusiastically in all the fund raising programs sponsored by the D.C. State Council. These included the program to raise funds for the Kennedy Institute, the 7th Annual K. of C. Basketball Tournament which netted $5,000 for the Archbishop's educational fund, the CYO Track Meet, and the Interfaith Baseball Game the honorary chairman being then Vice President Richard M. Nixon. Moreover, all the Knights in the jurisdiction set aside their differences to join together in the dedications of the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Memorial Institute for Exceptional Children on November 14th and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on November 20th.

Social life in the Council started as customary with the Family Picnic held in August at a new location - the Rockville Civic Centre. Other social highlights of the year included the Archbishop's Charity Ball, a New Year's Eve Dance under the auspices of the D. C. Chapter which produced a $1,000 profit for the Archbishop's educational fund, and the Council's Anniversary Ball at the Shoreham Hotel, The Youth Activities Committee treated the boys from St. Joseph's Home to a North Carolina-Maryland basketball game on December 8th and 16 girls from St. Vincent's Home enjoyed the graceful artistry of the Ice Capades.

A year which had witnessed cooperation by area Knights in raising much needed funds for children entrusted to the Archbishop's care ended on a discordant note. At the State Convention on May 26, 1960, the delegates from Washington, Potomac and Bryne Councils walked out of the convention over a dispute relating to the proper handling of resolutions by the presiding officer. Three councils thereafter contended the convention lacked a quorum to conduct further business and refused to recognize the State Council officers who were elected after their departure.

Grand Knight Frank D. Law, Jr. (1960-1961)

>"Either we are granted representation by having our chosen delegate elected to a State office and then extended the courtesy of being allowed to discharge the duties of that office or we will not be represented at all." In these words, Grand Knight Frank D. Law, jr. expressed the attitude of the majority of the 1,021 members of Washington Council regarding the dispute between the State Council and Washington Council. On July 26th the Council adopted a motion to send a representative to the Supreme Convention to present our objections regarding the recent State convention. On November 11th the Supreme Board of Directors advised Washington Council that it would have thirty minutes to present its case.

Notwithstanding the fact that Washington Council refused to pay per capita tax to what it regarded as an illegally constituted State Council and was thereby suspended by the State Council, the Council continued its support of area-wide Knights' community activities. This support extended to the Interfaith Baseball Game and the Archbishop's Charity Ball. The latter event was held on May 1, 1961, at Indian Spring Country Club for the benefit of the Kennedy Institute. Washington Council and its members contributed $2,200 towards the $13,000 profit. The search for a new Council home continued but the record indicates only one report being made to the membership on a site located at Connecticut Avenue and Livingston Street. Lacking a Council home of our own, meetings were held at St. Ann's parish hall and social functions at a variety of sites. A Halloween Masquerade Ball lured the members to Edward Douglass White Council Hall in Arlington and a Pre-Lenten Dance was jointly sponsored with Byrne Council at Hedin House.

Entertainment at Council meetings featured a talk on November 22nd by Rev. Fernando Gomes about his work with young orphan boys in Brazil. Members present at that meeting donated $102 to help Fr. Gomes in his work. Later in the year, in February, color slides of the 1960 Passion Play and the German village of Oberammergau were shown by Dr. Frederick W. Schneider of Great Falls Council.

Youth Activities included a picnic for the children of St. Joseph's and St. Vincent's Homes, and a separate treat to a Georgetown University basketball game for the girls of St. Vincent's. On the feast of the Ascension, members assembled at Immaculate Conception Church for a rosary recitation which was broadcast over radio station WINX.

In July and November 1960 Washington Council mourned the deaths of two of its most distinguished Past Grand Knights. Although probably more widely noted as President of the University of Scranton, Rev. J. Eugene Gallery. S.J. was remembered most fondly among his brother Knights by his service as Grand Knight (1925-27) before being called to the service of God. Leo A. Rover, PGK 1914-15, was a prominent Washington attorney and former District Attorney for the District of Columbia. While engaged in private law practice in 1950, PGK Rover was appointed by the court to defend one of the Puerto Rican nationals who attempted to assassinate President Truman.

In the 185th year of its independence, the United States for the first time elected a Catholic to its highest public office. In January l961, brother Knight John Fitzgerald Kennedy took the oath of office as President of the United States. In a lighter vein, another momentous event occurred during this council year with the departure of the Washington Senators for Minnesota. That trip was to be duplicated a decade later with the destination this time being Texas.

Grand Knight Joseph J. O'Malley (1961-1962)

"We are embarked upon a new Council year. It poses a challenge. It is no longer enough for us to mark time until the mantle of greatness falls back on Washington Council." Thus, with these words, did Joseph J. O'Malley begin his year as the 49th Grand Knight of Washington Council. We believe it would be fair to characterize Joe O'Malley as one of the most creative and controversial men to occupy the Grand Knight's chair.

He quickly demonstrated his flair for innovation by changing the Council's meeting site from St. Ann's to the Presidential Arms on "G" Street. This move, however, was to be of short duration because the search for a permanent Council home intensified. On November 14, 1961, the membership was informed that the Home Trustees were considering as a possible home a building located at 5034 Wisconsin Avenue. On December 19th the Home Trustees were authorized to negotiate the purchase of this property and on January 23rd the Council approved its purchase for $550 000. After nearly a decade of being homeless, Washington Council had a new home and Grand Knight O'Malley moved quickly to celebrate this historic event. Although not yet remodeled or equipped with a bar, the new home was packed by over 600 members, wives and guests who visited the new Council Home on March 18, 196 for a cocktail party that left little room for moving about. Joe O'Malley presided over the first Council meeting in the home on March 27th and the first Major Degree in recent years was exemplified there, over the objection of a few older members, on April 1st Because of the suspension at the time by the State Council, this Major degree proved to be somewhat of a classic in suspense in the manner in which it was arranged. None of the candidates and few of the members realized that the new Home was to be the site because the "facility" needed to exemplify the major degree in those days was not available. Or,, did not seem to be available! Rumors were rampant that Washington Council Home was only an assembly point from which the candidates would be transported to the actual degree site. One such wild rumor had it that the candidates would be flown out of town from Andrews Air Force Base! The candidates were soon to learn that these rumors were fabricated by Grand Knight O'Malley and his fellow officers who were determined that the major degree would be exemplified in the new home.

Another innovation under Grand Knight O'Malley's leadership was the institution of the Washington Council Scholarship program which awards scholarship grants based on an essay contest to deserving Catholic students to enable them to begin their education in a Catholic high school of their choice.

The Council for many years had been the beneficiary on an informal basis of the cooperation and support of the members' wives. Grand Knight O'Malley proposed the organization of a Ladies' auxiliary which became a reality on May 1, 1962. Adopting the names "Reginas of Washington Council," the ladies auxiliary was founded on the concept of independent partnership.

The Council's social calendar during 1961-62 was replete with a number of events, beginning with the annual Family Picnic on August 12th at Meadowbrook and followed in September with an Officers' Reception and Open House in the Presidential Arms' Cameo Room. The Council's guests of honor at this Reception were the members of the CASEY Committee who had supported and contributed to our charitable activities over the years. The first annual Scholarship fund raising dance took place on November 18th at DeMatha High School, the locale for most of these dances. The first two winners of the Council's scholarship grants received their awards at a black-tie dinner-dance held at the Shoreham on January 20, 1962. That same day the Supreme Board of Directors adopted a resolution to provide bells for the Knights' Tower in order, in the words of then Supreme Knight Luke Hart, "to provide for this Shrine of Our Lady a voice that will proclaim the glory of God to all within hearing of its tones." Washington Council was gratified to hear this news because the Council had earlier proposed such a resolution to install bells in the Knights' Tower by assessing each Knight in the Order. Other social events included the Charity Ball on May 4th at the National Guard Armory which also served to raise funds as in past years for the Kennedy Institute, a stag shrimp feast on April 27th (which in G.K. O'Malley's words was a "real bomb"), and a more successful and enjoyable beer and crab feast on June 29th.

Entertainment at Council meetings featured a movie entitled "Japan in the Orient" shown compliments of Northwest Orient Airlines, and a talk on Notre Dame University's Educational and Football Program by James Brennan, United States Attorney. The Youth Activities committee arranged a tour of the F.B.I. building for 27 girls from St. Vincent's Home.

The Council was saddened by the death of Michael Klodzen, Past Grand Knight 1953-54. "Mickey" had been ill for several months and would be dearly missed by many.

Upon relinquishing the gavel to his successor, Grand Knight O'Malley, seldom at a loss for words, summarized the year 1961-62 in these words: "The past year has been a truly historic one for Washington Council. It has marked its resurgence from the doldrums of homelessness to the vigor of an organization that has a genuine vision of greatness." The Council indeed had risen from the doldrums and was certainly embarked on a new adventure.

Grand Knight Lewis J. Ottaviani (1962-1963)>/A>

Grand Knight John C. Moore (1963-1964)

>The keynote of John C. Moore's term as Grand Knight was a broad range of social and charitable programs. In an off-with-the-old on-with-the-new attitude the Council decided to divest itself of its old ceremonial robes and paraphernalia. The old equipment was donated to the youngest Council in the District, Shrine Council #4944, then in its fourth year. Under the chairmanship of brother Stanley Williamson, the Catholic Activities committee undertook a vigorous program of collecting used, but useable, toys and clothing which were donated to needy families through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The same committee sponsored a CARE drive and later in the year laid the groundwork for the Eyeglass Collection campaign which was to flourish in the next administration.

In a manner reminiscent of by-gone years, five Council meetings were highlighted by guest speakers who discussed a variety of topics. In August, Dr. Andrew J. Kress and Leo F. Stock, Jr. addressed the Council on the activities in the Archdiocese of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This was followed by two debates at the October 23rd and January 28th meetings. In October the debaters were Msgr. Leo J. Cody, Archdiocesan Director of Charities and Mr. John G. Theban, Executive Secretary, Family and Child Services of Washington. "Parents or Teenagers-Which is Our Greater Problem?" was the topic discussed in January by Rev. Patrick Kemp and Police Inspector John Ryan. Solo speakers at the April 28th and June 23rd meetings were Rev. John T. McCormick of the Catholic University Theological College and the Most Rev. Philip M. Hannan, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington. Both Bishop Hannan and Fr. McCormick discussed the Ecumenical Council. Two other meetings early in the year featured filmed highlights of Washington Redskins games and a showing of the film "Operation Abolition," an account of the riots in 1960 during the hearings of the House Un- American Activities Committee in San Francisco. Not intended as entertainment was the serial-style discussion at six meetings between August and December of a proposal to purchase a movie projector for $437. This ill-fated motion was tabled four times before finally being defeated by seven votes.

On a more pleasant note were the several social functions during the year beginning on September 15th with a rained-out family picnic scheduled for Meadow- brook which adjourned to the Council Home. Later that month the Council members and guests viewed the thundering hoofs of horse races (shown on a "rented" projector). This delightful social evening was repeated again on February 1st in combination with a Mardi Gras dinner and on May 16th with a spaghetti dinner. The third annual Scholarship Fund dance made a return engagement to DeMatha High School where 250 persons packed the cavernous Antler Room. Two weeks later the Council sponsored another dance at DeMatha for the Society of African Missions.

Although our sponsorship amounted to little more than lending our name to this event, it was reported to be a large financial success for the Missions. The social highlight of the year was the Anniversary Dinner-Dance at the Shoreham Hotel on April 25th. For the first time the Anniversary celebration was combined with the presentation of the Council's scholarship awards, a practice which continues today. Principal speaker at the Shoreham banquet was Past Chaplain Rev. Eugene Gallagher, S.J., who gave a memorable speech on and demonstration of isometric exercises which delighted the assembled brothers and their guests.

Two other events on the social calendar occurred in October 1963 but are most memorable because of their timing. On October 12, Washington Council members visited the White House Rose Garden for a Columbus Day Observance in collaboration with local Spanish and Italian roups. Those in attendance enjoyed a brief talk by President Kennedy and musical renditions by the Marine Corps band. The following week, on October 19, over 100 members and their families went on a tour of the White House which afforded the opportunity to watch the President take off in his helicopter from his "back yard." In the month following these two White House visits, President John P. Kennedy was dead, the victim of an assassin's rifle in Dallas. The Council expressed its sympathy to the Kennedy family by sending a spiritual bouquet of 800 Masses, Communions, and Rosaries.

Two Past Grand Knights who had each contributed 50 years of their lives, their energies and their personalities to the advancement of Washington Council and Columbianism were honored by a testimonial dinner on January 23rd. More than 100 members and guests gathered at the Occidental Restaurant to express their gratitude to Past Grand Knights Carmine Garofalo and Joseph M. McKenna. Unhappily, Joe McKenna was unable to be present to hear the many accolades spoken of him, for at noon that day he unexpectedly entered the hospital for major surgery from which he never recovered. Joseph M. McKenna. Past Grand Knight of Washington Council 1940-42 , Past Faithful Navigator of Washington General Assembly Fourth Degree, ten years President of Washington Council Home, Inc. and Past Supreme Commander of the International Order of the Alhambra, was called to his eternal reward on April 18,1964.

Also called home by God during the Council year were Luke E. Hart, Supreme Knight (1953-64) and Joseph F. Lamb, Supreme Secretary, both of whom died in February 1964.

The year ended on a happy note with the news of the elevation to Domestic prelate of the Council's very dear friend, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Augustin Martinez.

Grand Knight Joseph J. Spigone (1964-1965)

It could be said of Joseph J. Spigone that a big man occupied the Grand Knight's chair during the 1964-65 year. That would be true not only as to his enormous size - he topped the scales at 300 in those days - but more importantly as to his desire that his year be an enjoyable one for his brother Knights. Joe set out to entertain and the record demonstrates he succeeded.

The year got off to a rapid start with a memorable Officers' Reception and Cocktail Party at the Council Home in July. Being a native Washingtonian, Grand Knight Spigone broke the trend of the annual picnic being held in the Maryland area of Rock Creek Park and moved it to the picnic area near 16th and Kennedy Streets. An unexpected feature of the picnic, which lasted until well beyond dusk, was the appearance of TV-personality Ranger Hal who was making an appearance in a neighboring picnic grove and signed his autograph for many of the Council children.

Dancing proved to be a major pastime for Council members this year beginning in October with the Scholarship Fund dance. The Shoreham Hotel was the site for this dance as well as the Anniversary and Scholarship Awards Dinner dance in April. St. Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day were moved to February 13th and March 20th, respectively, for dances to celebrate these events. The final dance was a more informal but nevertheless delightful Spring Dance in May at the Council Home. Another kind of "dancing" social involved the dancing of horses across a silver screen on Derby Night held in early October in combination with a spaghetti dinner. This Italian feast was prepared by none other than Grand Knight Spigone who doubled as chef for the evening.

Grand Knight Spigone arranged for a variety of entertainment at Council meetings. A relatively small summertime group attended the July 14th meeting and listened to a talk by Rev. Joseph Schmutz, S.S.J. about the Senior Members Club of Bishop Odin Council #2917, Houston, Texas. The August 25th meeting featured a film and talk on inhumane treatment to animals in the name of scientific research. The speaker was Miss Helen Jones, Executive Director of the National Catholic Society for Animal Welfare. A very timely discussion followed in September featuring Rev. John L. Ryan, S.J., Professor of Theology at Georgetown University and Dr. Franklin T. Brayer of the Georgetown Medical Center. Their topic was "Birth Control, Rythmn and the Pill."

Dr. William B. Walsh, Founder and President of Project HOPE, visited the February 23rd Council meeting to discuss the humanitarian work of this people-to- people program which brings advanced U.S. medical care to peoples of other lands. The last guest speaker at a Council meeting had to be the most unusual - Jeff Davis, the "King of the Hobos." Mr. Davis kept his audience spellbound for several hours with stories of his world travels and recitation of his poems.

During Grand Knight Spigone's year the Council undertook a campaign to collect Christmas cards for overseas missions which proved to be staggering in its success. Although a one-time venture not to be repeated, every nook of the Council home was filled with some 40,000 cards. At about the same time, the Council promoted its first (and last) Hootennany - a Country Music Festival performed at the Lisner Auditorium. This promotion netted the Council $2,000 for its building and charity fund and enabled the Council later in the year to donate $500 to the Newman Center at Maryland University.

The Washington Council Toastmasters Club was organized on September 8th by sixteen members desiring to improve their speaking abilities, and preliminary negotiations were initiated about establishing a federal credit union.

During the year honors came to three Past Grand Knights. PGK Alfred A. McGarraghy received the 1965 Vercelli Medal, the highest honor of the national Holy Name Society. PGK McGarraghy participated in another testimonial affair as the speaker at a dinner at the Occidental to honor Past Grand Knights Richard A. Mahar and Lester F. Moss for their many years of service to the Council. At the mid-point of the current Council year, Dick Mahar had resigned as Financial Secretary after thirteen years service in that post. He was succeeded by his long time associate in the Council's financial affairs, Lester Moss.

Thomas J. Fitzgerald (PGK 1923-25) died on December 9th. A member of the Council for almost fifty years, PGK Fitzgerald's name had been synonymous in earlier years with successful campaigns to increase the Council's membership.

Aside from the Council's scholarship program, the most enduring and wide- reaching program undertaken by the Council got its start during the administration of Grand Knight Spigone. This was the Discarded Eyeglass Collection campaign which commenced with a modest goal of 2,500 eyeglasses. The launching of this program was held on July 28, 1964, as a local endeavor, but, under the stimulating leadership of chairman Stanley Williamson, was expanded to a national goal of 25,000 eyeglasses during the second collection campaign held in March 1965. This activity grew in succeeding years beyond all expectations and was embraced by several Councils throughout the Order.

Grand Knight Harry J. Montgomery (1965-1966)

>Harry J. Montgomery brought to the Grand Knight's office principles of sound business financial management during a year when the Washington Council desperately needed that kind of leadership. Throughout Grand Knight Montgomery's term, Washington Council Home was in dire need of additional operating capital due to the loss of revenue caused by the extended vacancy of the entire first floor of the Council Home. This situation was always foremost in Harry's planning and execution of Council affairs, even from the first month of his term when he announced his administration would operate under a predetermined budget for all activities. The Grand Knight's objective was to conduct all programs on a self-sustaining basis to the fullest extent possible in order to conserve the Council's treasury as a reserve for the needs of the building trustees. In a sense the Grand Knight was ahead of his time since the requirement that the Grand Knight operate under a budget approved in advance by the Council was not incorporated in the by-laws until two years later. During the course of the year, the Council was able to turn over about $8,000 to the Home Trustees to offset the loss of revenue from the first floor vacancy.

Nothwithstanding the constant threat of losing the Council Home, the Council provided a variety of social events for its membership. Undaunted by rainy weather members assembled at the Council Home for an indoor family picnic originally planned to be held at Meadowbrook. The Scholarship Dance returned to a familiar locale at DeMatha, and in mid-November the members enjoyed a novel three day Carnival in the Council Home arranged and produced by PGK Al Neff. The first New Year's Eve party to be sponsored by the Council in several years was attended by a fair number of members and guests. The Presidential Arms on "G" Street, N.W. was the site of the annual Anniversary and Scholarship Awards Dinner-Dance. Grand Knight Montgomery decided to forego the customary and costly venture to one of the major hotels for the Anniversary event since the first floor problem was still unresolved.

Catholics throughout the world and especially in the U.S. were thrilled to the sight of a Pope leaving Vatican City to journey to a remote land. The visit to the U.S. in October of His Holiness Pope Paul VI received full coverage treatment by the major television networks. As head of state of Vatican City, Pope Paul addressed the United Nations General Assembly on October 4th.

In August the Supreme Board of Directors voted that the Order's Commemorative Service for deceased members and the Installation of Officers' ceremony would both be opened to the public, thereby rolling back some of the secrecy surrounding the Order in the eyes of non-members. In March, the very popular Knights of Columbus Invitational Scholastic Basketball Tournament was resumed, after a lapse of two years, under the General Chairmanship of PGK John C. Moore, then serving the first of his two terms as State Deputy for the District of Columbia.

Entertainment at Council meetings took the form of a demonstration by the Metropolitan Police Canine Corps and a talk by Rev. William J. Kane, Chaplain of the Maryland University Newman Club. His topic was "The Catholic Student on the Secular Campus." Complimenting Fr. Kane was a performance by the D.C. Keys Barbershop Quartette.

Twenty-five year service awards were presented by Grand Knight Montgomery to 105 members on April 26th as part of a program which also honored the Council's PGKs. A Past Grand Knight separately honored for all his work for the Council over many years was Alfred A. McGarraghy. Grand Knight Montgomery presented a sterling silver cup to Al at the testimonial dinner in his honor at the Occidental Restaurant.

Charitable endeavors undertaken by the Council during the year included a collection of toys at Christmas for needy children of St. Joseph's parish, and the rehabilitation by Council members of the home of the Missionary Sisters of our Lady of Africa. The first of many Children's Movies was initiated with the help of brother Glenn Feeney. These promotions enabled the Council to provide an afternoon at the movies for underprivileged children while simultaneously increasing the Council's charity and building funds.

As the year drew to a close, the financial condition of the Council Home was still of paramount concern. The Grand Knight's program of thrift and effective management had definitely aided the home trustees to weather the storm during the year. A program to retire the $75,000 second trust by issuing $100 notes to members had been initiated in March but fell far short of its goal. Only $7,900 was raised by this note issuance. At a meeting on May 24th the Council, troubled about the 18 month first floor vacancy which had depleted the building company's treasury, authorized the home trustees to sell the building if they received an offer of not less than $600,000. At the same meeting, Home Trustees President Carmine Garofalo announced that a member of the Council had purchased the second trust note and suspended payments for a two year period. This action, together with adoption of a proposal by brother Vincent Spigone to levy on the members, on a voluntary basis, a temporary fixed charge of $10 for each year of three years, relieved the pressure on the Home Trustees.

Grand Knight William A. Donahoe (1966-1968)

Grand Knight William A. Donahoe set as the objectives of his two-term administration the continuance of the prudent financial policy of his predecessor in tandem with increased activity. The burden which had plagued his predecessor was lifted from Grand Knight Donahoe's shoulders with the announcement, two weeks after taking office, that a lease had been signed with a new tenant for the first floor office suites. During Grand Knight Donahoe's two years in office, the Council treasury increased from slightly under $1,000 to over $6,000 six weeks before his administration ended. In the final month, the Council transferred $3,000 to the Home Trustees to meet their second trust interest obligations.

The social calendar for the next two years was crammed with activity including eight horse racing events, two in combination with dances, two in combination with Savings Bond raffles, another with a buffet supper, and three of them solo affairs. Both Scholarship Fund Dances were held at DeMatha, while both Anniversary and Scholarship Awards Dinner-Dances took place at the popular Shoreham Hotel. Outstanding speakers were chosen for the Anniversary banquets, the first being Rev. Sebastian Miklas of the Capuchin Monastery, followed a year later by Msgr. Edward O'Malley, Editor of the Catholic Register of the Altoona- Johnstown diocese and brother of PGK Joe O'Malley. As an added feature of the Anniversary Banquet in 1968 Grand Knight Donahoe announced the recipient of the first Knight-of-the-Year Award was PGK Val Matelis for his outstanding work as Sick Committee chairman.

Ladies' Night the first year left a great deal to be desired with only sixteen persons attending. The following year, however, the correct combination of cocktails, corsages and dancing produced a full house of 150 members and their ladies. The Carnival initiated during the previous administration was repeated with PGK Al Neff serving again as chairman. The first Las Vegas Night occurred early in Grand Knight Donahoe's second year and was repeated in February 1968 together with another bond raffle.

Lengthy service by a large number of brother Knights was recognized during Grand Knight Donahoe's term. Fifty men received fifty year service awards and another twenty-three who had completed twenty-five years' service were recognized. The testimonial dinners, to honor brothers who had served the Council long and well, continued. Past Grand Knights Robert F. Handley (1939-40) and Harold F. Jones (1934-35) were honored at the first testimonial dinner to be held in the Council Home. This affair, and a similar one the next year to honor brothers Joseph A. Cenau and Paul W. McGovern, were both catered by the well-known Bish Thompson's restaurant.

Administrative action taken by Grand Knight Donahoe included the complete revision of the Council's by-laws which were adopted on June 27, 1967. One of the provisions of these new by-laws stipulated that the Grand Knight must submit a detailed budget to the Council for its approval not later than the first meeting in September. Because of a discrepancy of 66 between the Council's membership count and the Supreme Council's records, the Financial Secretary's membership records were exhaustively audited by the council trustees. The results of this audit were reported to New Haven which cooperated fully in checking questionable membership entries and in adjusting their records.

Changes instituted by the Supreme Council during this administration included the abolition of the password as the means to gain entry to a Council meeting and elimination of the requirement that applications be read twice.

Entertainment at meetings included a film about Ireland at the 1967 St. Patrick's Day meeting. Guest speakers included Mr. John Hinkle who discussed the subject of local smut peddlers, and Rev. John Kuhm, Assistant Rector of St. Matthew's Cathedral whose topic was "What the Church Is Doing for the Mentally Ill." Another form of "entertainment" was Grand Knight Donahoe being initiated in the intricacies of parliamentary procedure at his first two meetings by a few Past Grand Knights. The business on the floor which provoked this lesson in Robert's Rules of Order was a motion to buy bowling shirts for Council bowlers. If John Moore met his waterloo a few years earlier over a movie projector, Grand Knight Donahoe lost his shirts but not his composure after learning that not too many members realized an out-of-order ruling by the chair could be appealed.

Noteworthy news from other local Councils included the dedication of Byrne Manor, the new home constructed by Byrne Council, and the sale of the well-known K. of C. Club House on Tenth Street. Area Knights joined together in supporting the revived CYO Track Meet with Washington Council also sponsoring the pole vault event. Grand Knight Donahoe was one of the local Grand Knights who, together with the State Council officers, were installed in office on October 1, 1966, in a public ceremony aboard the replica of the Santa Maria docked at the Maine Avenue wharf.

Grand Knight Donahoe was unable to stem the tide of declining membership despite a membership recruitment campaign conducted at Blessed Sacrament and St. Ann's Churches. Fifty brother Knights were called to their eternal reward during the 1966-68 period. An era ended on June 27, 1967, with the death of Carmine Garofalo, Past Grand Knight (1937-38) and Past State Deputy (1957-58)

As the 1966-1968 period came to an end, the Council learned that the holder of the second trust note on the Council Home was expecting payment of interest accumulated during the two year moratorium on trust payments. At the regular meeting on May 28th the Council transferred $3,000 from its treasury to enable the Home Trustees to pay this interest obligation. A special meeting was convened on June 13th at which the announcement was made that the second trust note had been given to a lay women's organization. At the same meeting the members rescinded the authority given to the Home Trustees two years previously to sell the building for $600,000.

Grand Knight Vincent P. Spigone (1968-1969)

With the election of Vincent P. Spigone as Grand Knight the Council for the first time in its history had chosen two brothers to lead it. During Grand Knight Spigone's term, the Order underwent some changes, both nationally and on the local scene. New ceremonials were introduced and went in effect on March 29, 1969, but the "old-timers" indicated preference for the "old degrees The requirement that candidates under the age of 26 must apply as insurance members was dropped, and a new, Simplified form was introduced by the Supreme Council to be used for every kind of action involving a member. On the local scene, Spalding and Potomac Councils merged with Spalding the successor Council. In Washington Council, members' dues were raised from $20 to $25 per year effective July 1, 1969.

Social life in Washington Council flourished under Grand Knight Spigone's leadership who began his term with an innovation by holding the popular annual Family Picnic at Camp St. Charles in Southern Maryland. Although more distant from Washington than sites previously used for the picnic, the trip was well worth-while because of the expanded facilities, not the least of which was a shelter in event of rain, and the splendid cooperation and hospitality of the Brothers who ran the Camp. The Grand Knight and other officers were installed at Washington Council Home on September 22nd, the ceremony being followed by a buffet. September was rounded out with the first of four Las Vegas Nights held during the year, two of which also featured the drawing for a $500 savings bond. Another innovation introduced by Grand Knight Spigone was the decision to hold the Scholarship Fund Dance at the Council Home rather than at DeMatha or other outside halls. Any decline in attendance because of the smaller accommodations was hardly noticeable and was offset by the savings accruing to the Council's scholarship fund by avoiding the rental charge at outside halls.

The annual children's Christmas party at the Council Home was well attended as usual, and the special entertainment arranged by Grand Knight Spigone was a clown act, com posed of four brothers from St. Pius X Council. These brother Knights had learned the art of makeup from retired clowns of the famous Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey circus, and delighted the Council children with their antics. Ladies' Night in January was well attended and in addition to dancing, corsages and cocktails, featured entertainment by a ventriloquist and his dummy, "Ikey."

The social highlight of this, and every Council year in recent memory, was the Anniversary and Scholarship Awards Dinner-Dance, held in the Forum Room of the Shoreham Hotel. The principal speaker was the Rev. James H. Donahoe, S.J., a teacher at St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia and brother of PGK Bill Donahoe. Fr. Donahoe spoke on "Law and Order." At the Anniversary Banquet, Grand Knight Spigone presented an Outstanding Knight-of-the-Year award to PGK Joseph Spigone, a Knight-of-the-Year Award to brother Donald Wilhelm, and outstanding service awards to Warden Charles Taylor and Advocate Lester Krute.

Grand Knight Spigone's choice of brothers to be honored at the testimonial dinner in May were brother Knights William H. Brown, Jr. and Daniel W. Keller, both of whom had served the Council in many capacities over many years. The last entry on the social calendar was an Open House and Cocktail Party on June 22nd, attended by nine Past Grand Knights and a host of other members, which was properly billed as "a fitting finish for a fine Council year."

Two major degrees were exemplified during the year, the first held at Byrne Council as the last exemplification under the "old" ceremonial. Among the ten Washington Council candidates receiving this degree was Joseph J. Spigone, Jr., nephew of the Grand Knight and son of PGK Joe Spigone. Both Father and Uncle were active participants in the degree to ensure that Joe, Jr. received a "proper" Third Degree. The second major degree was the first held in the D.C. jurisdiction under the new ceremonials, and was held at Washington Council Home for eight candidates.

The second half of Grand Knight Spigone's term in office included three special Council meetings, all convened at the request of the trustees of Washington Council Home, to consider an offer to sell the Council Home for $650,000. The first meeting, on December 28th resulted in the Council sending the proposal back to the home trustees to locate replacement property for a home which would be considered jointly with any proposal to sell the present home. The matter was finally resolved on April 12th when the Council rejected the $650,000 offer as well as a proposal to purchase a funeral home located not far from the Council Home.

During the current Council year, the Council was saddened by the deaths of two of its distinguished Past Grand Knights, P. Michael Cook (1929-1931) and Eugene C. Baczenas (1947-1948).

Grand Knight Francis X. Jordan (1969-1970)

>In the same month Francis X. Jordan commenced his term as Grand Knight, three American Astronauts --Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins-- were sailing through outer space to explore a new world as did Christopher Columbus 477 years earlier. The Flight of Apollo 11 recorded another page in the history of man's conquest of the unknown when Neil Armstrong became the first of God's handiwork to set foot on the surface of the Moon.

Shortly after taking office, Grand Knight Jordan, also a member of the Home Trustees, participated in negotiations which led to the signing of a five year lease of the first floor office area with Shannon & Luchs Realtors. With its option for a second five-year term, this lease effectively ended the perennial "first floor problem" which had caused so much financial problems since the Council purchased the building in 1962. In a classic bit of understatement the Recorder noted in the minutes book that "some remodeling was needed" to get the first floor in shape for the new tenant. Several weeks and countless hours later the members had completed the job with their voluntary labor which saved the Council several thousands of dollars.

The family picnic at Camp St. Charles in September continued as the traditional beginning of the Council year, and was followed in the same month by a combination of fun and charity - a Book Donation Dance - orchestrated entirely by a small group of our newer, younger members. October saw the first of three Las Vegas nights to occur during the year at each of which Grand Knight Jordan dealt a smooth professional hand of blackjack. During two of these Las Vegas nights savings bond raffles were an extra added attraction. A most enjoyable and different kind of social adventure, arranged by Grand Knight Jordan, were two barge trips up and down the C & 0 Canal in October and June. On both occasions the barge was amply supplied with liquid refreshments and comradery.

The Scholarship Fund Dance found itself in new surroundings at Prince Georges Council's Columbian Hall in College Park, Md. Other noteworthy events on the Grand Knight's social schedule were a Mardi Gras dance in February and Ladies Night in March. In addition to the usual dancing the ladies were treated to vocal renditions by the Georgetown Chimes.

The Anniversary Banquet at the Shoreham capped the social calendar and featured Msgr. William Curlin, Archdiocesan Director of Vocations, as the guest speaker and the presentation of the scholarship awards to two students who had triumphed in the Council's essay contest. The Knight-of-the-Year award was presented to PGK Bill Donahoe for his work as President of the Home Trustees. Grand Knight Jordan instituted a New Member Award which he presented to brother David Hillyard, who in less than two years had become very active in several aspects of Council activity.

Honors came to several brother Knights during this year. Three members of Washington Council - Cyril "Legs" Cavanaugh, Bob Handley, and Bernie Moffett - were honored by Alcantara Caravan of the Alhambra in a testimonial attended by many of their friends in the Council. The Council's testimonial dinner honorees selected by Grand Knight Jordan were Past Grand Knights Francis "Barney" Myers and Stafford L. Jones, both of whom had accumulated many years of service to the Council.

The Council meeting on March 24th featured a guest speaker, Mr. George Borkow, Research Fellow in Sociology at Georgetown University. Mr. Borkow's talk on "Civil Disobedience" provoked a heated discussion period.

Grand Knight Jordan's term ended with a Past Grand Knight Open House Party on June 28th.

Grand Knight Harry C. Taylor (1970-1971)

Grand Knight Harry C. Taylor and his fellow officers were installed in office at an Open House meeting on September 27th, with the ceremony being conducted by the Grand Knight's brother, Charles E. Taylor, one of the District Deputies of the D. C. jurisdiction.

The Saturday evening before the Installation Ceremony, the first social function of the year in the Council home took place in the form of the first of two Las Vegas nights to entertain the members. Both of these events were in combination with a savings bond raffle. Grand Knight Taylor gave a new twist to some of the Council's social activities during his year in office. The Halloween Dance in October and the Mardi Gras Dance in February were both joint functions of the Council and the Reginas.

The Scholarship Fund Dance again was held in the Council Home in November. The second half of the Council year commenced with Ladies Night on January 23rd, which featured cocktails, dancing and a floor show. A new location for the Anniversary and Scholarship Awards Dinner-Dance was at St. Ambrose Church Hall in Cheverly, Md., at which the guest speaker was the Rev. Msgr. E. Melville Taylor, brother of the Grand Knight and the Warden. Msgr. Taylor's talk was on the "Modern Day Church." The Anniversary function was Msgr. Taylor's third visit to Washington Council, having acted as the Chaplain during the Installation Ceremony in September and celebrated the Memorial Mass which was attended by 120 members and their families in the Council Home.

Grand Knight Taylor chose to honor, at the Anniversary Banquet, PGK Vincent Spigone as the Outstanding Knight-of-the-Year and PGK Frank Law as the Knight-of- the-Year, and to present certificates of service awards to Deputy Grand Knight Lester Krute and brother Donald Nevin. The following month, in May, the testimonial dinner honorees were PGK Joseph J. Spigone and Warden Charles E. Taylor.

Because of the extended vacancy of suites 10 and 11 during the year, the Home Trustees proposed that it lease the Council's quarters, which admittedly was the more desirable office space, and move the Council into the two suites on the lower level. The Council was very reluctant to go along with this proposal and rejected it as a desirable alternative. Instead, the Council transferred $2,800 from its treasury to the Home Trustees to tide them over the temporary financial crisis. This latest in a long line of financial crises created by vacancies in the tenants' area of the building was abated not long afterwards by the rental of the two suites.

Two more distinguished Past Grand Knights passed away during the year. They were Richard A. Mahar who had served as Grand Knight in 1945-46 and for thirteen years thereafter as Financial Secretary, and Anthony J. Scullen whose terms as Grand Knight occurred in 1927-29.

Grand Knight Taylor's term concluded with a Past Grand Knight open house party on June 13th and a Major Degree, the second of the year, in honor of PGK Lester F. Moss who had submitted his resignation after six years as Financial Secretary of Washington Council.

Grand Knight Lester W. Krute (1971-1972)

The honor of presiding as Grand Knight of Washington Council during its Diamond Anniversary year was given to Lester W. Krute.

Grand Knight Krute let it be known in his first message to his brother Knights that he intended to implement a special series of events to commemorate the Council's 75th Anniversary. The year is not yet over as this publication goes to press, so we will report what has happened and speculate on what is to follow in the next few months.

Grand Knight Krute and his Jubilee Year officers were installed on September 19th in an open house ceremony at the Council Home. This followed by a week the annual family picnic which played its fourth engagement at Camp St. Charles. That same month witnessed the beginning of a series of articles in the Washington Council Monthly entitled "Down Memory Lane" which appeared in eight issues throughout the year. The trip down memory lane was designed to take the members back to events which had occurred over the past twenty-five years and included some gentle "leg-pulling."

Cinema Races, revived in October after a three year absence, were enjoyed by the members as much as the agonizing suspense of awaiting the drawing of the name of the lucky savings bond winner that same evening. The Ladies of the Council were treated to a night in January complete with cocktails, dancing and gifts.

Two special Masses were celebrated during the current Council year. The first was the customary Memorial Mass in memory of brother Knights who had died during the past year. It was celebrated in the Council Home and was followed by brunch. The second Mass was the 75th Anniversary Mass, celebrated in the main church of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by His Excellency John S. Spence, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington and Vicar of Lay Organizations in the Archdiocese. Concelebrants were the following past chaplains of Washington Council: Msgr. James Magner, Msgr. Henry Yannone, Rev. Eugene Gallagher, S.J., and Rev. Ralph Torsiello. Bishop Spence delivered a memorable homily. Following the Mass, a reception held at the 'Council Home was attended by some 300 persons.

The eleventh annual Scholarship Fund Dance again was held at the Council Home. As this publication goes to press, the Citizenship Committee is engaged in the final judging of the essay contest which will determine the two winners of the Council's scholarship grants. As has been the Council's practice since 1964, these two winners will receive their awards at the Washington Council 75th Anniversary Dinner-Dance. Appropriately, a new location was chosen this year to celebrate this anniversary event - the Ramanda Inn in Lanham, Md. The Archdiocesan Charity Ball was held there in February and both the dance and the accommodations were described as outstanding. Incidentally, the topic for the essay contest this year is simply "MARY", and was chosen by Citizenship Chairman PGK Joe O'Malley to determine how much today's eighth graders know about the Blessed Virgin.

After devoting their time and energies during the past two years to painting, cleaning and otherwise remodeling the tenants' areas of our building, Council members turned their attention to some long overdue remodeling of the Council's quarters. Under the working leadership of PGK Vince Spigone, the Council meeting room and one area of the cocktail lounge has been beautifully paneled, the area has been painted and new covers installed on the lighting fixtures.

During this jubilee year, another Past Grand Knight, who served during the 1936-37 term, died. A former assistant general counsel for the Post Office Department, Julian Cromelin was a faithful and beloved member of the Council and will be missed by his many friends.

We are happy to report that during this anniversary year, our always faithful chaplain, Fr. Henry Yannone, received the rank of Monsignor.

Entertainment at meetings during the year included a talk by Dean Price, Director of Planning & Design, Georgetown University who narrated a color slide presentation on "Georgetown's Master Plan" and answered questions from the floor, and another talk by Mr. Arthur Ciervo Director of Public Relations, Georgetown University, who discussed the topic "What's Wrong With the Press." Through the complements of the Department of the Navy the film "Wheels Down - Hook Down" was shown at a meeting in March.

Seldom mentioned in this historical account has been the annual Christmas parties for the Children and grandchildren of the members. Their format generally has been similar from year to year, but the turnout in this anniversary year was exceptional due, in part, to the individual invitations extended to the youngsters and to the games galore which were planned so that several games were played simultaneously.

The Knight-of-the-Year and the Testimonial Dinner honorees are as yet unidentified as this history goes to the printer. They, and the rest of the Council, will learn their names after the Anniversary Banquet. The testimonial dinner is scheduled for May 11th and the Knight-of-the-Year awards will be presented in June during the Past Grand Knight's party which will conclude Grand Knight Krute's term.

We can think of no more appropriate manner to close this account of the current year, and the past twenty-five years, than to quote from Grand Knight Krute's July 1971 message to the members in the Washington Council Monthly: "Time waits for no man. And so during this Council year we reach another historic milestone: Washington Councils's 75th Anniversary ... This is your anniversary your fleeting moment in the spotlight of history." Indeed it was, Worthy Grand Knight!