History of Council #1455
Origin of the Knights of Columbus in Elizabethtown, Kentucky ~ 1909-1959
It was dubbed by the Elizabethtown News as “Knights of Columbus Day in Elizabethtown”. The date was Sunday, Dec. 12, 1909.
Arriving at the local Louisville & Nashville and Illinois Central depots on every morning train, were the representatives of various Knights of Columbus Councils from throughout Kentucky. More than 200 strong, the guests found the little city of Elizabethtown with outstretched arms of welcome.
On that date, the Elizabethtown Council #1455 of The Knights of Columbus was formed and granted a charter by the National Council of the Knights of Columbus, headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut. This original document bears the signatures of Past Supreme Knight James A. Flaherty and Past Supreme Secretary William J. McGinley.
After being greeted at the train stations, the guests assembled at City Hall, where the organizing committee had been meeting for several months. The degrees of the order were conferred upon the class of 50 candidates in the auditorium of the old Stewart Opera House, located in the southeast corner of the town square, with a team from the Louisville delegation conducting the initiation.
Following the initiation ceremonies, the group again assembled at City Hall for an elegant banquet, which was set by the Ladies’ Sewing Circle of St. James Catholic Church. The crowd was entertained by a list of gifted speakers, with Dr. James W. O’Connor acting as toastmaster.
The days’ activities were the crowning results of many months of planning and organization by a group of distinguished citizens, consisting of the following men: Damon M. Cooper, George W. Rihn, Dr. James W. O’Connor, Dr. T.E. Flanigan, C. Claude Wiseman, Charles J. Lanz, James M. Rihn, Charles J. Richerson, Louis Richerson, L.J.
Dougherty, Gus Warren, Anthony C. Fowler, Merten A. Cooper, William H. Wiseman, Hilary B. Clark, William R. Gore, Rev. Hugh Daly.
Of this group of dedicated men, five would go on to hold the office of Grand Knight of Council #1455, and Rev. Hugh Daly would remain the Council’s chaplain until his death. However, because of his incomparable zeal and determination, Damon M. Cooper was elected by the charter members as their first Grand Knight.
Other elected officers were: Charles J. Lanz, Deputy Grand Knight J.W. O’Connor, Chancellor George W. Rihn, Financial Secretary
M.A. Cooper, Advocate Gus Warren, Warden Charles J. Richerson, Lecturer Louis Dougherty, Treasurer Rev. Hugh J. Daly, Chaplain C.C. Wiseman, Inside Guard William R. Gore, Outside Guard James M. Rihn, Trustee William H. Wiseman, Trustee Hilary B. Clark, Trustee
THE CHARTER MEMBERS OF ELIZABETHTOWN COUNCIL NO. 1455
Rev. John J. Abell (St. John)
Michael L. Abell
Rev. Delfin Authement (St. Ambrose)
Patrick H. Beeler
C. A. Brewer
Joseph Brewer
John C. Brown
H. B. Brown
John B. Bryan
Thomas B. Cecil
Hilary B. Clark
William D. Cole
Damon M. Cooper
James R. Cooper
A. C. Corbett
Rev. Hugh Daly (St. James)
L. T. Daugherty
Dr. H. E. Flannagan
A. C. Fowler
J. M. Fowler
William B. Fowler
Thomas O. Gatton
William R. Gore
Rev. John Gastaldi (St. Clare)
Frank L. Habich
G. S. Hagan
Rev. John S. Henry (St. Patrick)
Charles R. House
Ben Jenkins, Jr.
John Jenkins, Jr.
J. A. Lancaster
Charles J. Lanz
James O. Marrott
R. L. Marshall
Felix J. McMillen
Dr. J. W. O’Connor
J. A. Osborne
S. P. Peak
James H. Padgett
V. D. Pendleton
Martin Perry
William P. Ray
D. L. Richardson
Charles J. Richerson
George W. Rihn
James M. Rihn
D. E. Riney
J. L. Riney
S. J. Skees
C. R. Thomas
Hardin Thomas
A. E. Thompson
W. H. Thornberry
George M. Warren
Gus Warren
Zack G. Warren
Frank P. Wise
C. Claude Wiseman
C. V. Wiseman
Frank A. Wiseman
John R. Wiseman
S. L. Wiseman
William H. Wiseman
The charter members include the resident pastors of every Catholic Church in Hardin County.
After 16 years of the Council not owning their own property, on Dec. 24, 1953, under the leadership of Grand Knight R. Dennis Skrees, Council #1455 purchased an old store building belonging to W. L. Elliott and wife for $3,400.
The building was located on a small lot measuring 100 ft. x 51 ft. and situated between the L & N Railroad tracks and the old Leitchfield Road (Highway 62 west), just across the road from the present-day Southern States building.
After extensive repairs and remodeling, the building was made suitable for Council activities. It was here that the membership of the Council began to increase dramatically under the leadership of Grand Knights; R. Dennis Skrees, Bob McNamara, Ben Mouret, John Spalding and Charles Ouellette. While at the old Leitchfield Road location in 1959, Council #1455 hosted its fourth State Convention under the direction of Grand Knight John W. Spalding. The Knights also hosted the annual E-Town Catholic High School basketball banquets here from 1954-1959.
By 1960 the membership of Council #1455 had outgrown the old hall on Highway 62 West, so on Sept. 9, 1960, shortly after Bob Lanz became Grand Knight, the Trustees of Council #1455 sold the old Council building and its 51′ x 100′ lot to Harold Caswell and wife for $8000. In turn, on Sept. 12, 1960, the Council purchased the Ashlock Lumber Co. building for $16,000, from Garland, Albert and R.G. Ashlock and their wives. The property was consisted of lots 7-11 in Block “A” of the Golden Acres Subdivision. The new Hall was also located on south side of Highway 62, about a mile west of the old hall location. This building has been the home of Council #1455 for the past 49 years.
The old Ashlock Bros. Lumber Co. building was purchased by the Council in 1960 and is still in use today.
Shortly after the present Hall was purchased, the members remodeled the structure and made a small expansion. Other additions to the building came in 1966 and 1980. In 1990, a 2368 square-foot addition was made the right side of the building, which included two much-needed restrooms. The parking lot was also enlarged and landscaped. The cost of the project was about $50,000, with much of the labor being provided by the membership. This new addition was dedicated in honor of past Past Grand Knight Joseph B. Pawley, in recognition of his outstanding dedication and services to the Elizabethtown Knights of Columbus. In 1989, a flagpole was erected in the front of the building.
The E-Town K of C’s began having Lenten fish fries in 1996. Since that time, nearly $50,000 has been raised from this function to pay Council expenses and help us meet our charitable obligations.
On Dec. 8, 1975, the Jacopus Circle #2551 of the Columbian Squires was established within the Elizabethtown Council. Taking their name from the Latin form of our parish patron saint, St. James, the Elizabethtown chapter of the Columbian Squires was organized on Dec. 8, 1975. This organization, which is the youth program of the Knights of Columbus, is designed for Catholic youth between 13 and 17 years of age. The Columbian Squires have been in existence since 1925. The goal of the Squires is to develop the talent and leadership ability of Catholic young men through spiritual, civic-cultural, social-athletic activities.
CARL A. ANDERSON
SUPREME KNIGHT
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
1 COLUMBUS PLAZA
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06510-3326
TEL.: 203-752-4350
FAX: 203-752-4118
Worthy Grand Knight and dear Brother Berger:
On behalf of my fellow Supreme Officers and Supreme Directors, I am very pleased to extend congratulations and best wishes to you and to all the Knights and family members of Elizabethtown Council 1455 on the joyous occasion of the council’s centennial.
For 100 years, Elizabethtown Council has been a beacon of Columbianism in Kentucky, fulfilling the vision of our founder, the Venerable Servant of God Father Michael J. McGivney, through service to the Church and to its community. Indeed, there is much to celebrate as you reflect upon the council’s rich history.
Additionally, let us recognize that this anniversary also provides an opportunity for council members to rededicate themselves to the Order’s principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism, to assure that these same principles will continue to animate the council in the coming years.
While I regret that I am unable to join you for this celebration, please know that I am with you in spirit as I extend these best wishes.
Fraternally,
Carl A. Anderson
Supreme Knight
Knights of Columbus
KENTUCKY STATE COUNCIL
Year of the Volunteer
December 12, 2009
To the Officers, Members, and Families of
Elizabethtown Council 1455:
It is my pleasure, on behalf of the State Officers, our nearly 10,600 Brother Knights throughout the Jurisdiction, and in a personal way, to extend greetings and best wishes of the State Council to Elizabethtown Council 1455 as you celebrate your 100th anniversary.
One hundred years ago your charter members launched the dream of Father Michael J. McGivney in the Elizabethtown area. From these humble beginnings we have, over this century of service, witnessed the efforts of many outstanding Knights to advance the growth and development of the Order.
As it was one hundred years ago the present is also an exciting time to be a Knight. The many programs you conduct locally provide ample opportunity to apply your members talents, energy and initiatives. I commend each of you for all you do to assist the Church, your community and your fellowman in the greater Elizabethtown area and the State.
Anniversaries are a time for looking to the past, contemplating the future and recalling the many accomplishments of the Elizabethtown Council. You have much to be proud of throughout the past one hundred years. This Council is well grounded in Columbianism and the precepts of our Order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
With my personal best wishes and regards to the officers, members and families of Elizabethtown Council 1455 I am Fraternally and sincerely,
Billy R. Hancock
State Deputy
Dear Knights of Columbus members,
What a great anniversary to be celebrating! Congratulations on your 100th birthday!
When I look around St. James Parish I see the evidence of how good the Knights of Columbus has been for our church. You are leaders in our parish and school. It seems that every ministry, every committee, and every organization has Knights in the forefront of its leadership. When I look at the businessmen of Elizabethtown and Hardin County, you men are again everywhere. Besides being the leaders of our local businesses, as Knights you lead our community in reaching out to folks who have needs here. Your works of charity are unmatched. I also see Knights of Columbus taking on various civic and political roles here. Thanks for taking the responsibility of being in the Knights of Columbus seriously, and becoming involved in making a positive difference in our Church and our community.
It is now an honor for me to be a member of your group. I am proud yet humbled to say that I am also a Knight. To be part of an hundred year tradition ought to be enough to make me proud. But when I see that so many men before us from E-town and Hardin County have worked so hard to gain this wonderful reputation of service, faithfulness, holiness, and involvement it makes me doubly honored, proud, and humbled.
I look forward to being here with you at the start of your next century of living the Catholic Faith as only the Knights of Columbus can do so well. Thanks for your service so far. God bless on this Centennial Anniversary. Go with God in your future.
Peace,Rev. Charles D. Walker
Pastor, St. James Parish
307 W. DIXIE AVE., ELIZABETHTOWN KY 42701-1701
October 20, 2009
Dear Brother Knights,
I am very proud to serve as your Chaplain on this your 100th Anniversary. I want to congratulate Council #1455 on the many ways you bless not only the St. James parish, but also the greater faith community here in Hardin County. Your charitable works raise funds that make a real difference in people’s lives: from the Kosair Children’s Hospital to the Tootsie Roll sales to raise money for the mentally handicapped.
The Knights have been a part of my life from the time I received one of the booklets introducing me to the Catholic Faith from the Catholic Information Service almost 40 years ago. Your support throughout the years, of this vital ministry, has helped bring about many conversions and have blessed many more in their efforts to grow in the faith.
As you begin your second century of service I pray that God will richly bless each member of Council #1455 and that you will continue to serve and be a blessing to God’s people here at St. James and the greater Church.
In His Service,
Fr. Jeffrey G. Hopp
Chaplain, Council #1455
Knights of Columbus 100 Year Anniversary Council 1455
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS
Knights of Columbus was established in Elizabethtown on
December 12, 1909;
WHEREAS
Council 1455 has been a leader in supporting local causes and was
represented locally in State Knights of Columbus offices by State Deputies, D.M. Cooper, R. E. McNamara & Charles P. Doyle who enriched the history of the Elizabethtown Council;
WHEREAS
the establishment of the annual Brotherhood Banquet which started in 1965 when Grand Knight Tom Clark, Sr. and Shriner’s President Bill Harris joined hands to help young people with medical needs and raised money for Kosair Charities to help in this effort;
WHEREAS
in 1977, Kentucky Knights started the Tootsie Roll Drive to collect money for the special people in their communities. On one weekend, Council 1455 has collected thousands of dollars which has supported the local Association for Retarded and Handicapped of Hardin County and the Tri-County Very Special Arts Festival in Elizabethtown; and
WHEREAS
the Council has also helped many other organization thru time and talent resources. The Knights Council 1455 enters the next 100 years with the dedication to continue helping those who need special help.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Willmoth, Jr., Mayor, City of Elizabethtown, Kentucky do hereby proclaim that December 12, 2009 be declared as
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DAY
E’TOWN COUNCIL #1455
A CENTURY OF SERVICE
in Elizabethtown, Kentucky and encourage all citizens to recognize the important role the Knights of Columbus play in our community.
DAVID WILLMOTH, JR., MAYOR
OFFICE of the ARCHBISHOP
October 12, 2009
Archdiocese of Louisville
212 EAST COLLEGE STREET • P.O. BOX 1073 • LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 40201-1073
(502) 585-3291
FAX (502) 585-2466
Knights of Columbus Council #1455
c/o Sir Knight Dan Pawley
702 Hackberry Road
Cecilia, KY 42724
Dear Dan:
May God bless you and all the Knights of Columbus of Saint James Church as you prepare to celebrate your 100th Anniversary. What a great gift your council has been to your parish and to the Church. I pray in gratitude for all of your active members and for your families. I also take this occasion to recall the generations who went before you. May God continue to bless us with the graces that flow from the presence and activity of the Knights of Columbus.
As you know, the Knights of Columbus embody so well the many virtues which are part and parcel of Catholic life. Your daily commitment to your faith and your family; your works of charity; your fraternity and spirit of patriotism; your commitment to the cause of human life from conception to natural death — all these gifts are ones that make the Knights of Columbus so valuable in this present day.
Know of my prayers for your continued prosperity. I look forward to being with you on December 13th.
Sincerely yours in our Lord,
Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville
Knights of Columbus 100 Year Anniversary Council 1455
Michael P. Schaefer
Grand Knight, Council #1455
1851 Leitchfield Rd.
Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701
Dear Council Members,
Congratulations to the Knights of Columbus, St. James Chapter, on your 100th anniversary. The Knights have made great contributions to the spirit and accomplishments of the parish, and have provided a way for personal fulfillment and spiritual advancement for so many of our men and women. The Knights are a very important part of the apostolic work of St. James, and of the community action of Elizabethtown and Hardin Co.
Keep up the good work,Rev. Stanley Osborne
114 North Miles Street
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701
(270) 765-7011
FAX (270) 769-5745
email: [email protected]
http://sjschoolonline.org
ST. JAMES CATHOLIC
REGIONAL SCHOOL
October 16, 2009
In Honor of the Knights of Columbus Centennial Anniversary:
In the name of St. James School faculty, staff and students, we want to congratulate you on the occasion of the centenary for the Knights of Columbus Council in Elizabethtown.
We congratulate and thank you on this special occasion for all the many programs and efforts that have benefitted St. James Catholic High School in the past and the present St. James Catholic Regional school.
The many years of bingo provided so very much in the area of technology, academics and athletics. Fish fries and special projects are all K.C. projects of support making Catholic Education a reality in this area.
Your support of Catholic Education and the families here at St. James School is wonderful. May your many efforts bear fruit and continue as you celebrate God’s goodness during the last one hundred years.
Sincerely,
Sister Michael Marie Friedman
St. James Catholic Regional School
Principal
Knights of Columbus 100 Year Anniversary Council 1455
Grand Knights of Columbus Council #1455
C/O Michael P. Shaefer
1851 Leitchfield Rd.
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
ARHHC, Inc.
P.O. Box 2013 225 College
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42702-2013
Phone: (270) 737-1140
FAX: (270) 234-9115
Tax Exemption # D1637
October 16, 2009
Grand Knights of Columbus Council #1455
ARHHC, Inc. (Association for Retarded and Handicapped of Hardin Co., Inc.) would like to congratulate the Knights of Columbus on their 100th year celebration. The Elizabethtown Knights of Columbus Council #1455 has been one of the main supporters for our organization, when we opened our day habilitation program due to the lack of services for Developmentally Disabled individuals. Project L.E.A.R.N. (Lengthening Education and Realistic Nurturing) was opened in 1983; we provide services for individuals with special needs in Hardin County.
The support provided by the Elizabethtown Knights of Columbus Council #1455 over the past 26 years has been greatly appreciated, during times when other organizations stopped supporting us. Council #1455 was always there, to ensure that we could continue providing the services that were needed.
The exact amount of funds received from the Knights is not exactly known, however it falls somewhere in the amount of $80,000.00 or more since 1983. The continued support of the knights when collecting funds for ours and other organizations should be applauded. Therefore we would like to congratulate both the national and Elizabethtown Knights of Columbus Council for the service and dedication to not only our organization but other organizations within our community and nationally as well.
Sincerely,
Clara E. Harrison
President
Knights of Columbus 100 Year Anniversary Council 1455
“Celebrating a Century of Service
To Our Community”
1909 – 2009
Elizabethtown Council #1455
1851 Leitchfield Road, Elizabethtown, Ky. 42701
Dear Brother Knights & Families,
I am a blessed Knight to have the honor of being the Grand Knight of Council #1455 during this special time. Our 100th Year Centennial Jubilee is upon us, the end of the first one hundred years and the start of the next one hundred years. An era of generosity and giving, that will continue hopefully for another century.
Our Council for the last hundred years has been an intricate part of Saint James Church/School and this community, raising and donating thousands upon thousands of dollars to help those in need; not to mention the countless hours that have been volunteered to serve our community.
My hope for the future of this council is to continue this great tradition and to focus on being an even more charitable organization …not just giving more money but also by reaching out even more to our Church, School and Community.
As we begin a new century of service, may our Council continue to be a charitable beacon for the community that we serve. Let’s work together in brotherhood to make it happen.
Fraternally Yours,
Michael P. Schaefer
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus - Images of the Past
The Color Guard in formation for a photo during the Quincentennial Celebration on October 17, 1992. Pictured, left to right: Greg Pawley, John Pawley, Ted Nalley, Joe Pawley, Charles Doyle, David Willmoth, R. Dennis Skees, Bill Wiseman, Bob Barzee, Ralph Hager.
Nine “Wisemen” of Council 1455 – Six brothers, left to right: W.H., F.J., C.L., C.V., F.A., and J.R. Wiseman, and three sons of W.H. Wiseman, bottom row, left to right: C.C., S.L. and J.S. Wiseman. The Wiseman family are all enthusiastic Knights. C.C. Wiseman is the popular Financial Secretary.
Rev. Hugh J. Daly was the first chaplain of the Elizabethtown Council, 1909-1919
Knights of Columbus Squires (Youth Organization)
The charter group of eighteen young men consisted of the following elected officers:
Phil Singer, Chief Squire
W. Lynn Shagool, Deputy Chief Squire
Mark Thomas, Notary
David Edmonson, Bursar
Dan Pawley, David Marsce, Rod-ney Pierce, Auditors
David Clark, Marshall
John Pawley, Sentry
Rev. Ben J. Brown, Circle Prior
Bill Clark, Chief Counselor
John Hartlage, Counselor
The following were charter members of the Jacobus Circle #2551, of the Elizabethtown Council #1455.
Doug E. Alvey
Vincent E. Alvey
George F. Clark
David R. Edmonson
Ralph J. Hager
William David Marsce
J. Daniel Pawley
Rodney J. Pierce
Phil J. Singer
Joseph Alvey
David M. Clark
Michael J. Dwyer
John C. Geoghegan
Michael R. Hall
John W. Nusz
John D. Pawley
W. Lynn Shagool
Mark A. Thomas
Many of these young men have moved on to become vital participants in the leadership of Council #1455.
Quincentennial Celebration of Columbus’ Discovery
As part of the nation’s Quincentennial Celebration of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America, Council #1455 joined with other Knights of Columbus organizations throughout the country in locally celebrating this historic milestone.
Throughout 1992, the Council was involved in numerous events that recognized the celebrations of both the Columbus Quincentennial and the State of Kentucky’s Bicentennial. A special float depicting Christopher Columbus’s ship was entered in the local Heartland Festival, with Grand Knight David L. Willmoth, Jr. aboard, dressed as the famous explorer.
In 1992, G.K. David Willmoth donated a framed replica of the U.S. Flag to the Council that was designed to represent the way the flag appeared when Kentucky and Vermont were admitted to the Union in 1792.
