John Paul the Great Council 486 Past Grand Knights Association at, Middletown, NY 10940 US - Our History
| Our History |
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 (later the Times Press Building) on King Street, with fifty-four Charter Members. T. Frank Cullinan, our first Grand Knight, was chosen for his ability to build and lead a local Council in the Middletown area. As expected, our Council grew in size and popularity. Our members met in rented quarters for a number of years, and it was not until November, 1910, we purchased a three story brick building, with a store on the street floor. The upper floors were remodeled and this was our 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, donating a bell which rang for years in the old Mount Carmel Church on West Main Street. 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 generosity of our members. Today, we can count our membership from a range of Parishes in the area, and can boast of our ongoing presence in five area churches. Our priests know they can count on us for continuing support. Twelve members of our 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 and lived 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 our 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. In recognition of a holy and selfless man who was loved by many, we are now proudly known as John Paul the Great Council no. 486 We have been blessed with 63 Past Grand Knights who have willingly dedicated their time and talents for the advancement of the principles of Columbianism. In fact, many of them are still actively contributing to our Council, adding to its success. Several of them have served as Grand Knight for more than one term. We are proud of all those who have served us who have answered the call of Catholic service, both to our Fraternal Order, and to families and friends. We honor our Past Grand Knight and Past State Deputy Herman P. Wolkenberg, whose great interest in Columbianism has made great strides in Knights of Columbus History throughout New York State. In addition, we have been recognized by previous and current State Deputies with appointments of State Officers, District Deputies, Auxiliary Chairmen, Chairmen, and Chapter and Conference Officers all who have contributed their efforts in assisting the State and International Programs 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 