Raymond G. Bennett Council 7289 at 24 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 US - Annals of Raymond G. Bennett Council 7289

R. L. ACUFF. D. ASHDOWN C. R. BRENNAN Il J. J. BURKE J. M. CAPIN F. L. DRAKE L. C. DUNCAN C. A. GRANT, JR P. F. HOFFMANN A C. HOGGE F.. H. KELLEY R. P. KULZER R H. LANG D. J. MALANEY, SR L. C. MC ILVAINE J. F. MICHAUD T. H. MORGAN E. J. O'BRIEN III J. H. PALMER, JR F. H. PETERSON C. J. RUMSEY REV. D. J. SCHILLER C. B. SILLERY E. W. SPENGEMAN C. J. URATO H J.WILKINS J. S. WYSOCKI The first Grand Knight elected in 1979 was Joseph Capin who assumed the office.

GRAND KNIGHTS 1979-1986 1979-80 Joseph M. Capin 1980-81 Ralph P. Kulzer 1981-82 Robert L. Lacombe 1982-83 Edward W. Spengeman 1983-84 John J. Burke 1984-85 Fred M. Lemeister 1985-86 Fred A. Losinski During the period from 1979 to 1986 the council grew slowly. It was not until the middle of the above period that there was a more positive drive for new members. The number of social affairs increased including one on each St. Patrick's day. One mainstay for raising revenue of the council was the sponsorship of bingo. This was really a joint effort with the Ladies Guild. An electric bingo machine with display lights was purchased. The bingo season was scheduled in the summer for thirteen weeks. The revenues were shared with the Ladies Guild. The CYO received the revenue from the sale of soft drinks and candy. In the arrangement, the Ladies Guild was to supervise the sale of the bingo cards and the K of C was to operate the equipment and distribute extra cards. The income from bingo was very helpful in augmenting the charity funds of these organizations The bingo sessions were well attended by visitors and were family affairs. Offers were made periodically by professional fund raisers to take over the K of C license. These tempting offers were refused on moral grounds. The bingo games continued up to the time that Bishop Unterkoefler stated that it was unseemly for these games to held on church property. After the Diocesan ban several attempts were made by the K of C to continue bingo off church property. There were four dinner parties at local hotels where bingo was the attraction. Because of the expense of transporting and storing the equipment it was decided to discontinue the activity in March 1987. Eventually the equipment was donated to the Preston Health Center, a local nursing facility for the aged.

GRAND KNIGHTS 1986-1990 1986-87 James F. Collins 1987 88 Gregory W. Sams 1988-89 John B. Graham 1989-90 John J. Pfeiffer This was a period for reorganization. In 1985 the K of C sponsored several activities that were popularly received. Speakers on various topics were invited to the second meeting of the month i.e. to discuss golf with a professional, wills with an attorney etc. Several members stated that while these topics were interesting and informative, there was little time given to spiritual thought. As a result a committee was selected to discuss the possibility of a new format. Dr. Frank Murphy came up with the idea of having a religious speaker at a continental breakfast to be held on the morning of the first Saturday of the month. These spiritual meetings and discussions were to be held in October, November, February, March, April & May. When these meetings started they were alternately held at the Crazy Crab restaurant and Holy Family. In the beginning, a fund of $600 was established by a contribution from Holy Family Church. When St Francis was established the fund was shared between the two churches until the new council was established at St. Francis. This fund was necessary to help pay expenses of the speaker who often cane from another location. At the present time, the K of C has been able to meet this expense on it's own. Another development was to set up a schedule for events to be held during the year and the need to assign responsibility This was forcefully brought to the forefront when some time before, the council lost over $700 on one social affair. Grand Knight Greg Sams and Dr. Frank Murphy led the council in addressing the Beaufort School Board concerning their stance on SEX education. An address was prepared and presented to the School Board together with publicity for the Island Packet. Many Knights made their own individual statements to the Board including our new chaplain, Father Philip Hamilton. Raising charity funds was always a challenge for the council. This was an aside from the Tootsie Roll drive for disabled children. One successful effort was the selling of raffle tickets on a 50/50 basis. There was even a attempt to secure permission to set up a refreshment stand during Heritage. This never got off the ground. One other effort that required all hands was stuffing envelopes for the organizers of Heritage. It was a fun effort, enjoyable and rewarding financially. During the period since 1985 two golf tournaments were held and in each instance over $1000 was raised for the council's charities Both were well attended and one had a catered picnic and the other a sit down dinner at the Hilton Head Country Club. One successful fund raiser captained by Dr. Frank Ziehl was the selling of M & M's. This effort raised a little over $300 for the Knight's Charity coffers. Another enterprise was selling Heritage gold tickets over a two year period for which the Council received a 15% commission on each sale. To say the least the Council was active in raising the funds for charity as the need occurred. In 1987 with an assist from Dave Miller and Lamar Acuff a group of Knights manned phones and sold tickets for the Seniors International which netted over $800. Within the last three years, the collections outside church in conjunction with the annual drive for the national sponsored charity for the mental handicapped (Operation Hope) has been a great success and has become a fixed feature of the drive. For sometime, in the past, there were proposals to develop a newsletter. As the Council began to reflect the population growth on the island, it was felt necessary that there be a means of communicating the Council's aims and accomplishments. Finally, Jim Collins volunteered to undertake. this effort. Utilizing an old typewriter, the mimeograph machine, at the church, buying stamps, folding inserts, licking envelopes became chores for the editor and his wife Eileen attempting to meet monthly dead lines. At times assistance was provided to the poor editor by various Knights as Bob Eckert, Bob Porter John Graham, Don Smith, Bill Werner etc. The news letter held its format until the local computer whiz kids decided to lead us into the information highway. Herb Jarvis and Mel Thibault composed the newsletter and now are producing newsletters for the new age. Some of us still remember the mythical characters that found their way into the pages of the precomputer newsletter. Can anyone forget the memorologist Dr. Han Kluck who was retained by the Council for those Knights who forgot their assignment or dates for meetings? Once a Grand Knight, misreading a K of C booklet on how to hold a meeting, held the meeting with his back to the membership, facing his officers, Naturally Dr. Kluck was called immediately to escort our Grand Knight home. Then there was the elephant episode which started when Stan Ratomsky on his return from Saudi Arabia said he was bred of counting camels in his sleep and thought elephants would be more pleasant and less nasty. He was joined by Don Smith who fell in love with elephants when as a young man he fed peanuts to them at the Bronx Zoo. Don and John Pfeiffer were local supporters of the national organization, "Preserve the Elephants", as adjunct to the National Republican Party. Don and Stan had plans to sponsor a "Save the Elephant Week" after learning that 32,000 elephants are needed to produce 285 tons of raw ivory. The Republican party was rumored to be interested in this effort. Frank Murphy stated he would like to support this cause except for the political implications. John Graham was carried away by this so that he promised to print placards if any demonstration was to be held. Bob Porter stated that he would like to see more elephants on Hilton Head as we seem to have everything else. Many people believe that Don Smith came out of retirement from Exxon to go to Thailand so that he would be able to be closer to his favorite animals. There he met the beautiful Sheema whom he rode to the office each day. His great disappointment was in not being able to have her by his side on Hilton Head when he returned. In 1988 Bible studies became a part of the second meeting in the month. These studies eventually in 1989 became a part of a parish program.

GRAND KNIGHTS 1990-1992 1990 91 Robert J. Eckert 1991 92 Donald E. Smith These Grand Knights underwent the test of office regarding the survival of the Council. When St. Francis by the Sea was established in 1984. The Raymond G. Bennett council became the sole council for both parishes. In several discussions it was accepted that only one council would be needed. Many felt that in that way social contacts would be maintained and that it offered an opportunity to continue old friendships. Before long rumors started to surface that St. Francis was to have a council of its own. A number of factors contributed to this situation. The State Deputy was anxious to see more councils established during his term of office. The decision for a new council was made without any consultation or prior advice to the Bennett Council. Supreme had as its. aim that a council be established in each parish. This is of course was an ideal objective. The aim was distorted when it was claimed that it was the wish of the Bishop for his diocese, which, of course, was untrue. This sandbag approach shocked not only the Council, but the Holy Family parish as well. The brunt of the initial action fell on the shoulders of Bob Eckert. In meetings extending to the term of Don Smith the topic was whether or not to terminate the Bennett Council and, join the new Reilley council This was seriously considered, but never voted on. One consideration that had an effect was that the majority of the Council elected to stay with the Bennett Council, including some living on Hilton Head Plantation. With this show of strength, the Council rolled up its sleeves to meet the challenges of the future. It was most unfortunate that those responsible for the decision did not realize or care about the condition of the social structure on the island. Perhaps something can be learned from this experience. Through 1994 and on relations with the Reilley Council have improved as indicated by joint social affairs and a more conciliatory attitude by the officers of both Councils on the island. Evidence of this harmony is seen in sharing the cost of advertising the presence of the Knights of Columbus on the Hilton Head community club billboard.

GRAND KNIGHTS 1992-1996 1992-93 C. Richard Walter 1993-94 Robert P. Porter 1994-95 William F. Werner 1995-96 Robert D. Bayne This was and continued to be a period of new beginnings. The task was to reforge the character of the Council. With great patience the Council widened its influence by genuinely becoming a definite part of the parish structure. The spiritual objectives of the Council became more definable. There was a steady appreciation of the Council's efforts in its first Saturday devotions. Many experiments were undertaken. For a while business meetings were luncheons preceded by a Benediction service. In 1992 due to the support of the Knights and their wives, the Holy Family float wan the Grand Marshal's award in the St. Patrick's Day parade. Also, at this time, it was final I y decided after several years of discussion, to create the "Growth and Income Fund". Originally the fund was designed to help purchase a hall or clubhouse. Circumstance dictated that this was a dream. The fear was that the fund would be spent frivolously. The "Growth and Income Fund" is dedicated to accumulating enough money so that in a decade the return from the fund would help support the charity fund. From the short history of the Council it is evident that any fund can be depleted without considering the purpose and the ability of the fund to recoup. This was the concept included in the revision of the by laws. The concern of the Knights for widows of deceased Knights was broaden to include their receiving the newsletter as well as being invited to social affairs. The Youth Program for post confirmation youngsters was initiated to keep contact with them at a most formative part of their lives, The initial effort was not as productive as hoped. A new approach must be considered if the Youth Program is to continue as part of the Knight's agenda. A special outdoor mass was held on May 26 for Memorial Day in conjunction with the 4th Degree. A guest speaker was selected. The event was a reminder to all of the sacrifices of veterans in past wars. Joe Hagan in 1995 came up with an innovative recruiting idea of holding an open house for parishioners. This was wen attended and well worth the effort. It could be said that by 1995 the Council had matured and was now an effective organization for the men of the parish. Hopefully this will become a way to recruit new members. In some respects it reminds the Council that this could be a prelude to the new comers party which the Council has traditionally held to make the new Knights feel at home.

1996-1997 EMILE THIBALT For some time there was friction between the District Deputy and the Grand knight over the conduct of business. On several occasions, the district Deputy took over discussions concerning the Council's internal affairs. He indicated that the certain Knights were not giving him proper respect.. His displeasure was reported to the State Deputy without any reporting of it to the Council. At an Exemplifacation Ceremony when eight new candidates were being processed, the State Deputy arrived unannounced with the District Deputy. The ceremony was conducted in a normal fashion with some slight delays. Following the end of the rite, the State Deputy stated that the council was not to hold any more Exemplification Ceremonies until the State Deputy was satisfied that the Exemplification Team earned certificates of approval. Specifically, he stated that more roles had to be memorialized and the our script was out of date. These were factors that the District Deputy never brought to our attention. Ironically this occurred when the Council had the largest class of candidates to date.The Council was now directed to send all future candidates for exemplification to the Reilley Council and also to send observers to see how such a rite should be performed. Many in the Council were distraught and wanted to resign and form a church men's club in its place. Fortunately, cooler heads began to take over. On three different occasions, Knights visited the Reilley Council to observe their procedures. Each observer reported back disappointed and upset at the spectacles they saw; no memorization, no separation of candidates from the meeting room before the ceremony, confusion on whom was to play in the various roles .. This, of course, did not make the Council happy about the poor relationship with both the State Deputy and the District Deputy. Before the end of the Grand Knight's term, the District Deputy was replaced and a new State Deputy apologized and promised to promote a better atmosphere ..At the last meeting before the end of Grand Knight Thilbault's term of office, the Council became eligible for the "Star Council" award. A fitting gesture after a year of trial. The October Fest Party continued to be a prime source of fund raising. In 1997, the October Fest was held at St. Francis due to repairs being made at Holy Family Church. Tickets were limited to 200 persons at $30.00 per person. The affair moved smoothly, with many of the Knights and their wives assisting in selling raffle tickets and serving the food. Raffle tickets were printed and mailed to each Knight's home. The October Fest netted $6,047, including the raffle income of $2,208. The Council determined to allot 15% to the operating fund and the rest to the Charity Account. . A financial study of Council sponsored affairs from 1992 1996 indicated that the average receipts to be $1,931 and the average expenses to be $2,683, with a shortfall of $1,752. This emphasized the need of planning for any affair to be a success. From Operation Hope $6,000 was distributed to Programs for Exceptional Children and and $1,790 to the McCracken Special Education Classes . These funds were distributed at the Saturday breakfast meeting with the program managers of each organization present.

1997-1998 JOSEPH HAGAN The administration started with a "Night for all Knights" party at Hinchey's cafe for 42 guests. The first order of business was to hold meetings during July and August. This included the First Saturday meeting. To mend the problems with the Exemplification Team, an intensive training program was inaugurated to provide a duly certified team. The District Deputy tested the team and issued the proper credentials. For several years there were discussions on the disbursement of monies for charitable purposes. The Grand Knight initiated a reform by suggesting the formation of a Charity Fund Committee of five members that would recommend the selection and disbursement of charity funds for the needy, as well as educational grants. This resolution was to reduce argument on requests made by individual Knights that did not meet the criteria of a charitable contribution. After requests are made that required further study rather than an immediate approval. Time has proven that the Charity Committee lessened the pressure on the Grand Knight and provided better service to the Council. In the first year of operation, many requests were turned down, such as underwriting a dinner for the choir. Appointments to the committee were to be made by the Grand Knight. The Charity Committee, since it was in place, approved the following: (1) Purchase of a statue of the Blessed Virgin for each classroom at St. Francis school. The funds were not to exceed $2,000. (2) Proposal to underwrite the cost of sending a seminarian on a Pilgrimage of Fatima. (3) A give of $250 to the Crisis Pregnancy Center. (4) Establish a scholarship fund of $250 each to a Holy Family student attending college and to a student entering St. Francis school. (5) $200 to Holy Family Church in Kenya, Africa. The Council approved $305 for a stone marker dedicated to the unborn children who suffered as the result of abortion. The dedication ceremony was on Saturday, March 29 with the 4th Degree as an honor guard. The Council renewed the Family of Month Award. The presentation was to be made at the First Saturday meeting. The selection was by the Grand Knight in consultation with the Pastor. The Council sponsored a Memorial Day observation with a Mass on the Piazza and a guest speaker. 'Me 4th Degree acted as honor guard with taps being played at the conclusion of the ceremony. The lawn was adorned with white crosses and flags. Attendance was about 70 people. The St. Patrick's Day affair was held at Hinchey's Cafe. Due to limited space, the dinner was confined to 42, including both present and past pastors. Needless to day, a good time was had by all. The Christmas Party was held at the Plantation Club with a fee of $25 per person. With 63 Knights and their wives, the dinner was a great success. As part of the national Knights of Columbus program, the icon of "Our Lady of the New Advent" was displayed in church during the week of May 23 30. The Free Throw Program held the contest for 39 boys and girls from 10 14 years of age. Several Knights purchased tickets for a table at the annual dinner for the Crisis Pregnancy Center. This indicated the support of the Council. Knight J.J. Collins purchased for the Council a printer for the computer that was used to publish the Knights Newsletter. Operation Hope was a success in raising $4,423 against a budget of $3,000. At the First Saturday Meeting, the Director for Exceptional People received a check for $3,505. This Council started to discuss the weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. While the groundwork was laid for future action, the Council was unable to settle on a possible date. However, an in house retreat was held on a Saturday from 8:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. with 43 men in attendance. The chaplain of the Parris Island Marine Base served as the retreat master. Lunch was also served. At the suggestion of one of our Knights, the concept of " Soup and Stations" was first made. This has become a tradition that has brought parishioners together in a spiritual atmosphere during Lent. Contributions go to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Council contributed $ 100 to subsidize a trip to San Diego by a Navy League ROTC cadet; also $200 to help defray expenses for an injured Knight in the Reilley Council.

1998-1999 ROBERT HOSKINS Knight Robert Durgett was elected as the Grand Knight and before presiding at his first monthly meeting, resigned for personal reasons. Robert Hoskins accepted the nomination for Grand Knight and was duly elected. He was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the youngest Grand Knight to be elected by the Council. The dinner after the induction of the new officers was held at the Swiss Cookery. The October Fest continued as a fund raiser with receipts of $2,378 and expenses of $1,182. The total income was $1,335. As agreed, 15% was placed in the operating Fund and 85% to the Charity Fund. The party was held in Schiller Hall on a Saturday evening. The ticket cost was $20 per person. One inconvenience was the clean up after the party in preparation for religious classed the next day. Operation Hope collections were severely limited to three stores, as the Reilley Council took over Wal Mart. Collections were made after one of the Sunday masses. A total of $4,200 was collected form all sources. Discussions continued to be held concerning the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On two occasions the Adoration's of the Blessed Sacrament was held. The pattern was usually on a Wednesday Friday from 8:30 a.m. noon with good parishioner attendance. The Charity Committee approved the following expenditures: (1) $400 Holy Family maintenance and grounds (2) $250 scholarships college (3) $500 two scholarships to St. Francis (4) $100 The "Run for You Lives" event for our sister parish in Narobi, Kenya (5) $100 Project Rachel (child care and abortion counseling) (6) $200 Citizens for Life A report by the Finance Secretary indicated that in the year beginning in 1998 January 1999, the Charity Account spent $3,809. The First Saturday meeting was fortunate in having a series of excellent speakers. One of the meetings was a joint one with the Ladies Guild. This was an attempt to heal many misunderstandings between the Ladies Guild and the Council. The Ladies Guild felt that in many instances in the past, the Knights took too much credit for various events, For several years, the Guild served the continental breakfast at the First Saturday Social Meeting Donations that were received at the breakfast were shared between the two parties. Each guest speaker received a honorarium in appreciation for their time and effort and for the distance many of them had to travel. Most lay speakers received a token gift usually a flashlight with the K of C monogram. A priest or a nun usually received an honorarium of $100 plus transportation expenses. When Father West talked, he used his honorarium as a contribution to the new church in Bluffton. The Council decided that the Outside Guard was responsible for the condition of the flag (4 x 6 nylon) over the stone dedicated to the "unborn". The flag pole is the property of the K of C. The Council also decided that any replacement of the flag is to be 5 x 8 in size and to be composed of nylon. The Christmas Party was a success despite a loss of $52. The Council established a Planning Committee with the senior trustee as chairman . The was to include all trustees and any other persons selected by the chairman. During the discussion it was believed that too much stress was placed on the Grand Knight and that a Planning Committee could be of service to the Grand Knight in discharging his duties On this basis it was approved that the Planning Committee assist the Grand Knight in laying out a program of activities , including fund raisers and social events . An Oyster Roast was held at the home of Bob Neil as a get together. Knights were again invited to the Sky Box for the Pro Am golf match during Heritage Week. There was a St. Patrick Day party at Hinchey's Cafe for 35 participants. Operation Hope generated $4200 Council approved a motion that the Knights of Columbus take over all "grilling' duties at picnics held in Holy Family Parish.

1999-2000 Robin Neil The inaugural dinner for the new officers and their wives was held at Fitzgerald's Restaurant With 88 enrolled members the Council was beginning to experience a drop in membership.Due to some confusion there was an inability to put together on time a committee to run the October Fest . No chairman would volunteer, even though the Grand Knight offered to be co chairman . In the course of discussions a St. Valentine dance was suggested . Bob Hinchey volunteered to chair the event . The committee organized an entertaining evening with good food and a Disc jockey for the dancing. This affair was limited to 150 parishioners in Schiller Hall . About 25% were Knights and their wives. The gross was $303 7 with a net of $1300 The raffle earned $787. The Council underwrote a modest amount for attendance at a Sand Gnats Baseball game for I I adults and 7 children. The Council together with four area Councils particaped in a dinner dance held by the Reilley Council. A total of 86 knights and their wives attended. The Council on the Sunday before Palm Sunday sponsored a breakfast with an Easter Bunny for the children. In addition to the Breakfast there was an Easter Egg Hunt. Ticket sales amounted to $850, with $127 from the raffle. The Christmas Party was held at Stellini's . Guests included the clergy, the District Deputy and his wife and the widows of past member Knights There were 75 in attendance. The raffle paid for the wine . Again, it was reported that there were more visitors than Knights present . Discussions on communications surfaced again. The new communications chairman redesigned the telephone tree to include 8 captains with 8 on each team. It was to be used for each meeting, including the Saturday meeting. The Council decided that it was the responsibility of the Outer Guard to inspect and determine the need to replace the American Flag on the Knights of Columbus flagpole. The flag was to be made of nylon and was to measure 5'x8' ;.the last replacement required the services of the local Fire Department . When the flag was replaced the sensors and lighting sequence were checked for night lighting. . The Council also decided that the Inner Guard would be responsible for reporting the attendance number to the Secretary and the editor of the Knight's newsletter. The jewels of the Council were replaced. The Council authorized the establishment of a web site. All Knights were encouraged to submit their web sites for future communications . A Free Throw contest was sponsored . Due to poor attendance at meetings a survey was sent to all Knights to determine their suggestions for improving the programs and activities of the Council . The response was so small that no conclusion could be arrived at. The council was greatly disturbed when the District Deputy stated that it was being criticized by the State Deputy and New Haven for poor reporting with financial reports that were late or missing. He provided the Grand Knight with a list of the delinquent reports The Council was also reminded that the District Deputy must be present at the First Degree ceremony for it to be valid . This was the first time that the Council was advised on this protocol , After en internal investigation it was determined that there was a mix up in the State Deputy's office .The culmination of this fiasco was a visit by the new State Deputy who apologized for the misunderstanding and the actions of his predecessor and he wanted the council "back in the family" The Operation Hope Chairman Bob Kelly sent letters to the Packet thanking the public and businesses for their support. Bob also advised the State Council on the negative aspects in the use of the word "retarded ". The receipts from Operation Hope were $4240 for which the Council earned the 11 Golden Achievement Award 1. Sixteen Knights and their wives and their quests enjoyed the use of the Sky Box at the Wednesday Pro Am Heritage Golf Tournament. A Steering Committee was formed to oversee the transfer of duties between administrations . The nucleus of the committee was to be the Trustees . The Council approved three scholarships for Holy Family Church students attending St. Francis School and one entering College. Each student received $200 .

2000-2001 John Biancheri The new officers and their wives , with the Deputy Knight and his wife , attended the inaugural dinner at the Port Royal Club House . The cost was $20 per person The Grand Knight Jim Collins after the first meeting resigned due to health reasons . John Biancheri graciously accepted the nomination for the Grand Knight office . Upon accepting the office the Grand Knight selected candidates for the vacant Deputy Grand Knight office . The Trustees acting as the nominating committee recommended two candidates (Rich Rochelle & Peter Zych), who had volunteered. Some Knights opposed the nominations as being divisive. However they were over ruled by the Grand Knight who felt the opposite and that it was a sign of interest Rich Rochelle was elected Deputy Grand Knight As the first business the Council got off to a good start by forming committees for the Christmas Party, the St. Patrick Day Affair, The Membership Committee The Charity Committee, and a Telephone Tree Committee with a full compliment of Captains. The Membership Committee of five members was activated and by Feb. had 5 candidates for the First Degree . For the past three years Bob Kelly chaired Operation Hope . Unfortunately for the Council Bob Kelly and Mel Thibault announced their plans to move to Florida. In appreciation for their efforts in behalf of the Knights a "going away party" was held in their honor. Peter Zych volunteered to take over Operation Hope He introduced several innovations that were successful in raising funds . Revenue sources Direct Mail $1995 Super Marts $2483 Mass $1343 Misc. $288 Only 9% of parishioners responded 20% of Knights contributed 21 % of Knights volunteered Gross $6109 Net $5671 Expenses $538 The Program for exceptional children received $4536 The Charity Committee assisted in the sale of 56 books of Raffle tickets for the States charity drive . As a result the Council received a return of $170. Last year the return was $154. The St. Valentine's Dance was a great success despite the fact that only I I Knights and their ladies attended. Ray Cummins supplied the music for the dancing and Bob Hinchey provided a repast that was delightful . The general lack of interest by the Knights in many affairs in the last few years has become a source for discussion Proceeds from the St, Valentine's was $1624.. The Family Honor Program received a donation of $100. The Council still continued discussions on programs related to the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. On Mother's Day the Knights sold carnations after each Mass to raise money for the Citizens Right to Life Program. An embarrassment for the Council.was its inability to cover the expenses of a seminarian to participate in the Lady of Fatima pilgrimage The Charity Account could not afford it due to insufficent funds. Eventually , Father McCaftrey stated that the fimds were raised elsewhere. The Growth Fund was reported to earn less than 2% and there was a discussion on other types of investments other than a bank. The by laws limit such investments to Government Securities. The Treasurer has the authority to change banks in consultation with the Financial Secretary . Through out the year the Grand Knight met with the officers and Trustees to discuss the Council's objectives and problems . These meetings gave the Grand Knight items for discussion at the regular business meeting. A Fish Fry was held at Schiller Hall on the Friday before Lent.

2001-2002 Richard Rochelle The Grand Knight endeavored to attain a more spiritual atmosphere in introducing a Corporate Mass where the Knights and their wives could pray together as a group. The Knights participated in a three day retreat at the House of the Legionaires of Christ in Atlanta Georgia. Nine Knights signed up for the retreat at a cost of $165 per person. A meeting was held to discuss the formation of a Columbiette Auxiliary Council with speakers from Columbia, South Carolina. The Telephone Tree was expanded to include E Mail. Operation Hope was again led by Peter Zych. Volunteers were difficult to recruit necessitating the need to ask help from sources outside the Church organizations The funds collected were; Super Marts $2092 Mailings $2141 Church $1883 Expenses $348 Gross $6136 Net $5688 This collection was the highest in the State on a per capita basis . The Charity Committee was revised and approved $200 to the Crisis Pregnancy Center A gift of $200 was contributed to the St. Francis School for Trophies to be given at their Golf tournament . A donation of $150 was given to the South Carolina Citizens for Life. For the State raffle 20 booklets were sold of the 200 received. A copy of the new By Laws was reviewed, approved and published. On Mother's Day the Council sold carnations for the Citizens for Life. The Christmas Party was held at the Sea Pines Club at$30 per person. It was a great affair with plenty of singing of the carols . An announcement was made that the Parish would charge for the use of its facilities by nonchurch organizations . As the Knights of Columbus is a independent organization it is to be included with the non church organizations . New wardroom facilities were approved for the storage of the exemplification robes and a plan was made to replace them periodically . . The Grand Knight continued to meet periodically with his officers for advise and council. On his advise a transition committee of the three last Grand Knights was notified, prior to the election of new officers , to be prepared the next turnover

2002-2002 Peter Zych The Grand Knight opened his first meeting by stating that good works draw good men and that the Knights should do meaningful good works and give generously. The first proposal of the Grand Knight was to contribute $750 as a supporting sponsor to the Crisis Pregnancy Center and Clinic's Golf Tournament . After much discussion it was resolved to follow the By laws by notifying all members in writing on the proposal and that a vote would take place at the next meeting . In the notification of the members the Grand Knight inserted an attachment stating that he felt that the Growth Fund should be transferred to the Charity Committee and made available for good works by the Council . He stated that attendance at meetings were declining , volunteers for charitable works were scarce, and new members are hard to find . He urged that unless we are prepared to do works of greater significance we will find our selves with a 'disinterested membership " . The Council assembled on Oct. 12 to vote on the measures recommended by the Grand Knight. The proposal to contribute $750 to the Crisis Pregnancy Center and Clinic's Golf Tournament was approved. The Grand Knight indicated again the need to make the Growth Fund more flexible for charitable purposes . After a heated debate the proposition of the Grand Knight was defeated The Grand Knight immediately resigned and walked out of the meeting, followed by a few of his supporters. The District Deputy made a number of consolatory comments and stated that he believed that the Council was unfair to the Grand Knight. He then departed from the scene The Lecturer endeavored to introduce some calm by delivering a mini lecture on the early crusades The meeting was adjourned with Joe Capin offering the prayers of the Council for guidance to reorganize and move on Joe Capin was selected to serve as temporary Grand Knight until an election was held.

2002-2004 Herbert Wilkins Herbert Wilkins, a charter member of the Council , was the unanimous choice of the Knights to be their new leader. The new Grand Knight had the difficult job of reviving interest and enthusiasm. By March of 2002 the membership dropped from 75 to 66 members. The first open house held by the Council drew no new candidates. In 2001 the Ladies Guild withdrew their practice of providing the Continental Breakfast at the First Saturday social meeting. Breaking a tradition of over ten years the Council decided to have a pot luck supper meeting on the First Saturday of the month following the evening Mass This time was also selected for the monthly Corporate Mass of the Knights and their wives. An appropriate gift of $3,000 was approved for Father McCaffrey on his retirement from the parish . The Corporate Mass in November for the deceased Knights was well attended with 25 Knights attending . Father Martin Laughlin was appointed as the new chaplain The St. Valentine was to be in the future a dinner only affair. . The Telephone Tree was reduced to the Grand Knight and his wife There was now more dependence on e mail This has not been too reliable as not all members have computers. At times it has been difficult to get information from the computer if you have a different sender company. The Deputy Grand Knight chaired the Operation Hope Program This was a heavy burden because of the difficulty of securing volunteer support from the membership .However the Council achieved 175% of its goal. In the two mile walk fund raiser for Multiple Sclerosis seven Knights participated . On June 7,2003 The Grand Knight had a barbecue party at his home .This was a great success. No Charity Committee was functioning at this time , however the Council approved a transfer of $250 to the Charity Account to cover expenses from a prior commitment in 2001 . Supreme requested that the words "born or unborn" be discontinued at the end of the Pledge of Allegiance . The reason was that Supreme is fighting to keep "under God " in the Pledge and does not want to fight on two fronts . The Knights supplied punch and cookies to the children after the Christmas Pageant. The Council sponsored the Soup and Salad repast for the Fridays of Lent prior to the prayers for the Stations of the Cross . The Council provided bread , crackers , coffee and soft drinks . Participants brought the soup and salad . A basket for donations was provided for a free will offering to be given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Valentine Day affair was scaled down to an informal dinner at Fitzgerald's. Revised By laws were distributed. Christmas Party was continued to be held at the Sea Pines Club . The Pancake Breakfast was held on Palm Sunday together with an Easter Egg Hunt. With a six foot Bunny present the affairs were successful . Choose Life License Plate Holders were purchased. Joe Capin said that he would be willing to pay for the frames . Names for the Family of the Month were to be determined by the Chancellor, the Deputy Grand Knight and the Grand Knight. The Multiple Sclerosis thanked the Council for its participation in the 2003 MS Walk. The Council had eight members exemplified to 4th Degree Sir Knights..

2004 Gary Peal The installation of the officers was held in Holy Family Church followed by a catered dinner in Seitz Hall . The charge was $30 per person : this charge did not not apply to the clergy or the District officers. The Council in order to obtain a better bank interest rate merged the Operating and Charity Accounts . However, for internal use these accounts will be continued.