HISTORY OF COUNCIL 707 – KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
CLINTON, IOWA 1902--2002
Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, in 1881 met with a gathering of laymen at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut to explore the idea of a local fraternal insurance society. Father McGivney was interested in a fraternal benefit society for Catholic laymen, and he was concerned with the large number of Catholics who were either losing their faith or becoming extremely lukewarm to Catholicism.
Father McGivney felt the underlying causes were the great attraction of non-Catholic fraternal groups and secret societies. In order to counteract these influences, the solution seemed to be the formation of a Catholic layman’s society that would have local appeal and interests sufficiently broad to win nationwide acceptance. The ideas of Father McGivney and his small group were rejected by some and their motives questioned by others. The perseverance in their efforts and ideas laid a strong foundation for the birth of a strong and valiant defender of the Church, The Knights of Columbus.
Although the Knights began as an Irish-American organization in 1882, the unique blend of Catholic, fraternal, and insurance features would have widespread international appeal emphasizing not so much Old World ties as loyalty to the New Republic. Within twenty-five years of their founding the Knights of Columbus were located in every state, most of the provinces of Canada, in Mexico, and in the Philippines.
The first Council, San Salvador, in New Haven, expanded so much that twenty years later the Knights began their history in Clinton, Iowa, through the efforts of John E. Purcell, a charter member of Sterling, Illinois, Council 662, and Father P. J. Coffey, Assistant Pastor of St. Mary’s Church. A charter was granted by the National Council in New Haven, Connecticut, and a class of charter members was initiated on October l2, 1902. There were seventy-five Clinton gentlemen who took the degrees and were duly initiated as charter members of Council 707.
The initiation of Council 707 was on the eve of the feast day of St. Edward and the first chaplain of the council was Right Reverend Monsignor Edward J. McLaughlin; therefore, the Council’s official name was chosen to be St. Edward’s Council 707. Brother Knights from Dubuque, Sterling, Rock Island, Davenport, Des Moines, and other cities came together by train to celebrate the installation of St. Edward’s as the eighth oldest council in the state of Iowa.
The ceremonies began with a Mass at St. Mary’s Church and the initiation at the R. C. T. A. Hall (Roman Catholic Total Abstinence Society Library Association) on the corner of Ninth Avenue South and Third Street, where for several years the Knights held their meetings. A large banquet for about 400 people was held to celebrate at the Davis Opera House, with music by the Blocker orchestra and young ladies from St. Mary’s Church presiding over the tables.
Over the years the Knights have moved their meetings from the R. C. T. A. Hall, to a hall on South Fourth Street. From l912 to l926, the Knights moved to the third floor of the old Clinton National Bank on the corner of Sixth Avenue South and Second Street. The Knights then moved to Fifth Avenue South and Third Street, after having extensive renovations done to the third floor of the Jacobsen building from l926 until l956.
The next move was to the 2nd floor of the Warren Building, at 319 Fourth Street, until l963 when a disagreement developed with regard to the rental of the meeting hall. They then traveled to different places in town for their meetings for the next several years. Some of the places were the Odeon Club, the Elks Club, and the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. Then in l968 the Council purchased the Ex-Servicemen’s Club at Twenty-third Avenue North and McKinley Street. This was the first property purchased by the Knights, and they occupied the building until it was sold in l989 due to high maintenance costs and lack of use of the facilities. The meetings were then held in the Odeon Club on Twenty fifth Avenue North and Garfield, and then at St. Patrick’s Church on Fourth Avenue North and Third Street. In l991, the Knights began meeting in the Parish office building of what is now Prince of Peace Parish, on the corner of Ninth Avenue South and Fifth Street, just two blocks West from where they started in l902.
Over the past 100 years St. Edward’s Council 707 has held many and various projects and programs including raffles, fish fries, feather parties, the handicapped drive, parties for the children, help in civic and religious efforts, and participation in war fundraising activities.
Our Memorial Masses offered in remembrance of our past members and flowers planted at the War Memorial remind us to be thankful for those who have served us.
We cannot adequately thank those brothers who served as officers in our organization and those who have contributed to the growth and success of our council as well as the wives, mothers, daughters and sons who have helped in the many programs. We are especially grateful to the women belonging to the Ladies’ Auxiliary and to the Daughters of Isabella, for their devotion and service in making the ideals of the Knights of Columbus a reality.
1902---October 12, St. Edward’s Council 707 is initiated in Clinton, Iowa.
The Organization of St. Edward’s Council, 707 Knights of Columbus, the Clinton branch of the great international body of “Catholic American Gentlemen” took place in the building at the corner of Ninth Avenue S. and Third St. which was at that time occupied by the Roman Catholic Temperance Association on Landing Day, October 12, 1902, with 75 members in the Charter Class.
The evening of Saturday, October 11, a special train from Dubuque brought to Clinton State Deputy James McFadden of Dubuque with his staff officers of the third degree. The following morning a train from Des Moines brought a number of the members of the Knights of Columbus of Des Moines, who served during the day as staff officers in the First and Second Degrees.
The Ceremony of the day opened at the morning Mass at St. Mary’s Church at which all the candidates and officers assisted, the party then going to the temperance hall where the degrees were conferred.
At 2 0’clock in the afternoon there drew into Clinton two special trains, one from Sterling and vicinity and the other from Davenport and Rock Island. There were approximately 150 members on the former train and the latter carried 175. The council at Moline was not organized until the following Sunday or the latter train would have borne many more. The Clinton members, it may be said in passing, chartered a special train the following Sunday and witnessed the institution of the Moline Council.
(The Banquet Program): The opera house (Davis Opera House) presented a brilliant scene. Long tables had been arranged in the auditorium, with covers for nearly 400 persons. Seated on the stage was the Blocker Orchestra, which rendered delightful music during the progress of the banquet supper. The stage and hall were beautifully decorated in the national colors and with palms and plants and the tables were tastefully adorned with wines and flowers, a carnation being placed at each plate. A corps of young ladies from St. Mary’s Congregation presided over the tables. (Taken from the Clinton Herald Oct. 13, 1902.)
Clinton had one of the first Fourth Degree Assemblies in Iowa; J.A. Kelly first head was instituted in Des Moines, coincidentally with other assemblies – fifteen charter members initiated. St. Edward’s Assembly 707, Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree, was instituted in Des Moines. Thursday, February 22, 1906, when 15 members of St. Edward’s Council went to the Capitol city to become a part of the class of 215 members of the organization from four states which became members of the Fourth Degree that day. J.A. Kelly was later named Faithful Navigator.
These men, according to The Herald of February 23, 1906 were:
John E. Purcell Rev. J.J. Coffee – Cascade J. P. Calnan
James W. O’Neil William H. Calnan Rev. J. Comerford – Cascade
P.J. Cavanah Thomas J. Mooney Joseph A. Kelly
John F. Devlin Rev. E.J. McLaughlin M. J. Melvin
Joseph E. Condon Edmund C. Walsh David J. Hayes
E. G. McMeel – Delmar Joseph E. Moran W. H. Shean – Cascade
Clinton Fourth Degree was in effect for many years, but now the Fourth Degree Members belong to the Loras General Assembly of Davenport as well as DeWitt, Bettendorf, Davenport, Muscatine, Rock Island, Moline and East Moline.
On January 7, 1903, a complete set of Regalia, jewels, flags and other council decorations was purchased for $417.70 less a discount and the price was $370.00. Reports on the June meeting in the year of 1912 stated that the State Convention which was held at Sioux City on May 14 & 15 that there were 41 councils in the State of Iowa with 10,230 members. It was an increase of 1,400 from the last year. There was $3,300 in the State Treasury and a new law was passed at the convention that each council was entitled to have two delegates at the expense of State Council.
Excerpts from the Record Books
1906---St. Edward’s Assembly for the Forth Degree instituted with J. A. Kelley as Faithful Navigator
1908---St. Edward’s Council hosts the State Convention for the Knights of Columbus.
1914---A letter read from the Catholic Citizen Paper in regard to exposing “fake K of C Oath.”
1914---Motion made and seconded that $5 accompany every application for membership.
1915---Donation of $200 to the Belgian relief fund.
1917---Council buys cigars for several occasions—100 cigars for $2.50 paid to Marcucci’s store.
1919---James O’Neil first District Deputy from Clinton appointed.
1919---Degree staff for initiations into the Order began, was noted as one of the best in the state.
1919---Note of thanks for use of the hall during a walkout of shop men from the foreman of the locomotive and bar Department of the Chicago NorthWestern Railroad.
1923---Council had over 500 members with dues at $6.00. Dues were increased to $24 per year, but with the loss of so many members the dues were reduced to $1.00 per month.
1924---Knights baseball team played at Almont field. The Knights had a team in each of the five Parishes and the league played for many years.
1930---Wild rabbit supper was a great success with the cost of $.45 per plate.
1931-32---Works of charity included two funerals for non-members. The Council took charge of the bodies of Catholic strangers. Tried to notify the relatives and were unsuccessful, then provided a Mass and Catholic burial for them.
1936--- Clinton had the great opportunity of hosting the 1936 State Convention here. Brother Paul F. Kamler, who was the First State Warden from Clinton, ran for State Deputy but was unsuccessful in obtaining the position. Brother Kamler, along with Grand Knight Reinhold Hohenhost Sr. and Financial Secretary Thomas L. Glendenning, were some of the Knights responsible for the 1936 State Convention.
1937---Postcard received by financial secretary “Henchmen of the Pope” Justice Black will soon get
You all. KKK
L938---Clergy required to pay$3.00 per capita tax.
1939---By-law changes of salaries. Financial Secretary from $200 to $100 per year. Treasurer from $50 to $25 per year. Recorder from $25 to dues paid per year.
1939 -- Star Council Certificate awarded for Council achievements.
1939 --Special Agent Tushaus from the Supreme Office talked about the debts owed to
The Supreme Office for the past five years. The total debt was $4220.10.
1941---Initiation fee of $5.00 was charged.
1942 – The Daughters’ of Isabella were chartered here in Clinton with Catherine Sloppy, Adeline Wiebolt, Marie Nichols, Dorthey Hayes, and Denise Dunk as their charter members.
1943---Knights helped at Schick Hospital for many years, provided 100 copies of Sunday Visitor.
1950---Pledge made to Mt. Alverno of $300 for improvements.
1950—One of the delightful events during the l950s was K of C dinners saluting the Catholic athletes of Clinton. All-American Ralph Guglielmi, an unerring four -year pigskin marksman for Notre Dame shot an inspiring message straight to the hearts of more than 400 persons in 1955. At the K of C Athletic Banquet in the Hotel Layfayette. The K of C paid tribute to various basketball and football teams of each season.
1951---Daughters of Isabella and K of C work together at dances for youth of the community.
---K of C work with Catholic Youth Organization—skating party and dance.
1952---Holy Hour program started.
1955
1955 – Sixty new members received the 1st Degree Class named in honor of Reinhold B. Hodendorsh.
1956 – Century Club Award for 100+ members.
1963—Following a disagreement with the owner of the Warren building over hall rental for a black family’s wedding, the Knights moved out and met at various locations in the city. The supplies, books and paraphernalia were kept in the back room of Soesbe’s barbershop on Main Street.
1964 – Received “thank you” from Jackie Kennedy for sympathy card.
1964 – William D. Whalen willed property (716 2nd) to Knights of Columbus. Property was cleaned, but was deemed not satisfactory for needs, and sold in 1965 for $6,000.
1964 - St. Edwards council was incorporated as Columbia Club, cert. # 28692. The certificate was signed by the Secretary of the State of Iowa and authorized the council to transact business as a corporation from Oct. 1964 to Oct. 2014.
1968 – Purchased McKinley Street Hall from Ex-Servicemen’s Club for $10,000. After some repairs to the meeting room upstairs, which Joe Dunlavy helped with, the hall was named after Bill Whalen.
1971 – Dues raised from $12 to $15. Attendance prize at meetings started.
1974 –Mentally Handicapped Drive (Tootsie Roll) began as a 4th Degree project.
1975 -- Roof repaired at McKinley St. clubhouse for $900.
1975 – Columbian award presented to Grand Knight, Jim Schwartz for involvement in church, community, and council activities.
1976 – Paid $500 – Pledge to St. Mary’s.
1977 – Air conditioner bought for club.
1977 – 75th Anniversary – held at Shot Tower. Meal was $5 per person.
1979 – Started Mount St. Clare Scholarship Fund.
1980 – the Squires (St. Frances Circle) was formed for boys 13-18 years old. They started with 10 members, charter #2954. Henry Fullick was the Circle’s Chief Counsellor.
1981 – Star Council Award, Columbia Award and McGivney Award received by the Council.
1982 – Bingo license from the state was received.
1982 – Star Council Award. Dues raised from $15 to $21.
1982 – Congratulations from President Ronald Reagan for 100th Anniversary of the Knights of Columbus Organization was received.
1984 – Henry Fullick appointed “State Squires Chairman”.
1984—Karl Schmitz Jr. was awarded “Best Squire of the Year” award.
1985 – Travel gavel presented to 707 for best showing at meetings with other Councils.
1985--Columbian and Founder’s award received.
1985—Annual Knights of Columbus and Masonic potluck dinner.
1985---The flag pole at the clubhouse was painted, Karl Schmitz paid for this as he helped finance several other council projects through the years.
1985--200 year unveiling of Statue of liberty. Knights helped finance restoration of the statue with a one million dollar donation.
1985--Dues raised from $21 to $25.
1986 – Pallbearers committee formed as service to members and community.
1986 – Howard Parker heads crew for painting meeting room and clean up of clubhouse.
1986 – Columbian Award received.
1987 – $25,000 willed to K of C from the estate of Edward (Ed) Sharkey. Motion made to put Estate money into Council Fund and then transfer to proper savings account.
1988 – Vincent Frett resigns as Financial Secretary after serving 30 years in this position.
1988 –Revised Bylaws of Council 707 received.
1988—Basketball Free Throw Contest began for boys and girls ages 10 to 14.
1989—Motion made and passed to present each member of the Confirmation Class with a rosary from Council 707.
1990--Proposal to begin decorating the Vietnam War Memorial in front of the courthouse. $100 was set aside for the planting of flowers, Ray Mantsch as Chairman.
1992 – To celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Columbus’ landing in the New World, an essay contest was held for all school children in grades 5-8, with winners reading their essay on KROS Radio and receiving a $50 savings bond.
1992 – Proposal to enroll all our deceased members in good standing in perpetual memorial with the State – donation of $10 per person.
1992 – Bibles were sold $6, $15, and $25.
1992 – Small Prize Raffle for members only was begun because of the need to raise money for vocations with 2-$50 savings bonds as prizes. $350 collected the first year.
1993 – Pie sales begins for vocation and scholarship funds with Raymond Mantsch as chairman. These sales were held twice a year.
1993—VIP (Very Important Proposer) club began – first members: Vincent Frett, Henry Fullick, Sam Kuhn, Raymond Mantsch, Mark Morrison, James Winkel.
1994 – Edward Nyakundi, first African to join 707, Ed was working at the Arch.
1995 – Corn Boil began with 5th year anniversary of Prince of Peace Parish. The first year we bought 150 dozen ears of corn and had too much “sloppy joe” meat also.
1996 – Easter egg hunt held Easter Saturday at Erickson Center.
1996 –A collection of health supplies along with $50 for the people of Medjugorje was held with Ron Hodges as chairman.
1996 –The Knights of Columbus and the Daughters of Isabella co-sponsored a team for the Relay for Life cancer walk.
1996 – July 13, installation of officers with a Mass and banquet in honor of State Deputy Henry Fullick.
1996 – October 26 and 27-- roses sold after Masses, funds going to Birthright – Right to Life
1996 – District deputy presented Fr. McGivney Award in recognition of outstanding recruitment efforts.
1997 – Big Brothers / Big Sisters --$200 to sponsor of lane and bowling team with Salvador Borja as team captain, and best bowler.
1997 – Begin the $100 scholarship award to an 8th grader entering Mater Dei. (Prince of Peace) High School.
1997 – Raffle to give away lawn tractor – proceeds to Prince of Peace school. Bernie Holtkamp chaired this campaign and we raised 3,103.92. Kara Ford won the tractor.
1997 - $200 to youth group from Prince of Peace Parish for a trip to Kansas.
1998 – $200 to Supreme for disaster relief in New England states.
1998 – Blueprints for a K of C building in Camanche was paid for with $500 from Council 707 and $500 from the Church of the Visitation. The motion to move to Camanche with the new building was voted down 18 yes and 24 no votes.
1998 – $100 scholarship to high school graduate for college.
1998 – Council received John Plunkett Award, Birthright Rose Drive Award, and 1997 Mentally Handicapped Drive Award.
1998 – We invited Fr. James Weyker, a missionary in Tanzania, Africa to give talks to several classes at school and attend our next meeting to tell us of his work. Fr. Weyker helped pick candidates in need of financial help in the seminary in Tanzania, whom we have helped for several years.
1998 – $200 donated to Honduras Relief Fund.
1998 – Motion to proceed with Fish Fry on all Friday in Lent except first Friday and Good Friday. Prices are 6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children and $6.50 for carryouts.
1998 – Motion to pursue the purchase of a headstone in memory of the unborn and find a fitting location for placement.
1999 – Process for the Supreme Council began the Beatification of Father Michael McGivney.
1999 -- Earl Farrell participated in Crisis Pregnancy Walk and raised $100.00.
1999 – Proceeds from Steak Fry to go to upgrades to the Parish Office. $334.58
2000 – Motion made and passed to have the deceased wives of active members enrolled in Perpetual Memorial Society.
2000 – Motion to include Margrette Spalding’s name on a plaque at the “Memorial to the Unborn” in remembrance of her dedication to the cause of the unborn.
2000 – The first three Degrees were conducted here in Clinton at Prince of Peace School by the Cedar Rapids team.
2000 – Council Family Picnic held at Jerome Burken’s farm.
2000 – Set of Bibles for the Third Grade was purchased with half of the money provided by the Ladies’ Auxiliary. $310.56.
2000 – Bibles for high school classes at Prince of Peace from raffle proceeds. $1712.72.
2000 -- Spaghetti Dinner to raise funds for the Parish Youth Group. $492.50.
2001 – “Memorial to the Unborn,” is installed by George Lemke at Sacred Heart Church on the South 4th Street side.
2001 – September 11th Relief Fund (K. of C. Heroes’ Fund) $100.00 donation made.
2001 – Vocation Sponsor’s Award Plaque presented by the District Deputy.
2001 – Thomas Smith, Charter Member and past Grand Knight of the Morrison, IL, Knights’ of Columbus, was honored as a Knight of St. Gregory by the Vatican for his many services to the Church.
2002 – Begin work for Centennial Celebration, Henry Fullick Chairman.
2002 – Tom Rastrelli’s ordination as priest. Ron Hodges becomes a member of Benedictine Order. Jeff Schuetzle ordained a Deacon. All are members of Council 707.
2002—October 12 the Council gathered on the South Side of Sacred Heart Church on South Fourth Street and Fourth Avenue at 2:00 in the afternoon for the dedication of the memorial to the unborn, with Bishop Franklin officiating. Later in the day all Knights and their families were invited to the 4 o’clock Mass at St. Mary’s Church on South fifth Street and Ninth Avenue, with the Fourth Degree Honor Guard and with Bishop Franklin officiating. The day concluded with dinner, speeches and dancing at the Clinton Country Club.