John Paul the Great Council 486 - Middletown, NY at 149 Cottage Street, Middletown, NY 10940 US - History of Our Council
| History of Our Council |
On Sunday, February 25, 1900, in the presence of seven hundred Knights of Columbus from New York City, Yonkers, Poughkeepsie, and other towns as far north as Rome, N.Y., Middletown Council #486 was instituted in Red Men’s Hall (now the Times Press Building) on King Street, with fifty-four Charter Members. The Council met in rented quarters for a number of years, and it was not until November, 1910, that a three story brick building, with a store on the street floor, was purchased. The upper floors were remodeled and this was the Council’s home until 1921, when it was sold. In 1922 a building on South Street was purchased, but in 1928 the Paramount Theater desired the location and they purchased it for a handsome profit. Neither of the buildings the Council had occupied were entirely suitable for use as clubhouses, and it was the dream of many members to build one exclusively for their use. Bazaars and Boxing Bouts were sources of revenue, but throughout its history the Council’s finances have been conservatively handled, and it was not until 1941, that the Council entered again into a venture of this kind. Our Council has always taken an active interest in the affairs of local parishes, and when its members hear the tolling of the Mount Carmel Church bell they are reminded that it is a gift of the Council. A stained glass window in Saint Joseph’s Church, and a gift of $500.00 to Saint Theresa’s Guest Home are evidence of the spirit of the members. Twelve members of the Council were called to the colors in the first World War, while forty-seven members are listed on the Council’s Honor Roll for service in this war. One has died in service, and one is listed missing in action. In 1937, James McDonough was responsible for replacing the Catholic Encyclopedia previously given to Thrall Public Library. James McDonough will be long remembered in our Council as a layman who knew Catholicism without apology. An annual Communion and Breakfast has always been one of the most important events on the Council’s program since its charter, and have been very successful ever since. Annually, an anniversary formal dance is held, and a memorial Mass is said for the deceased members of the Council, as well as a Blue Mass for our emergency services personnel. The Council’s Cheese Club provided a week’s vacation for a number of needy boys at a Boys’ Camp in Monroe, NY, and for several years the Council sponsored Middletown Circle #231 of the Columbian Squires. The Squires carried on an interesting lively program until 1941, when they became inactive for the duration of the war. Presently, our Council is the sponsor to Columbian Squires Circle #4825. A Blood Donors Group was organized in 1940, and since its organization many transfusions have been given. This is in addition to donations made by individual members to the Red Cross Mobile Unit when it called at Middletown. Eight Past Grand Knights of the Council have served with distinction in the office of District Deputy. Middletown Council #486 continued its efforts throughout the years to further the program of the Knights of Columbus and Holy Mother Church. Among the notable accomplishments of this Council since 1945 was the address by James E. Farley, attended by over 600. This was the largest function ever held by the Council and is notable for the fact that it was held in a Masonic Temple, prepared and served by both members of the Knights of Columbus and members of the Hoffman Lodge. This Council was also instrumental in instituting the Masonic-Knights of Columbus Pinochle Tournament – thus showing ecumenical spirit long before it was announced to the world. During the past century, many changes have taken place to both the Order, and to the Council. We are proud of our deep roots in the community, and are involved in many activities to bolster the physical, as well as spiritual needs of Middletown and the surrounding area. Although our Council has recently celebrated it's centennial birthday in 2000, we are still young and vibrant, boasting a growing membership of about 210 members. In April of 2005, our Council applied for a name change to honor our late Pontiff, Pope John Paul II, and that request was approved by the State Deputy and Supreme Council. We are now proudly known as John Paul the Great Council no. 486 Our Council is justifiably proud of its Brother, Past State Deputy Herman P. Wolkenberg, whose great interest in Columbianism has made great strides in Knights of Columbus History throughout the State. In addition, we have been recognized by previous State Deputies with appointments of several District Deputies, Auxiliary Chairmen, Chairmen, and Chapter and Conference Officers all who have contributed their efforts in assisting the State Program of the Knights of Columbus. Taken in part and adapted from The Knights of Columbus in the State of New York 1891-1968 by James E. Foley, K.H.S. State Deputy 