Knights of Columbus Manchester Council Celebrate 60th Anniversary

Former/Current Manchester Grand Knights: Edwin T. Waltz, George Daubner, Thomas M. Burch, Larry Benedict, David W. Roberts, Edward L. Barnard, Bradley Messing, Lawrence Schwab, John J. Ball, William R. Punches, Carl "Joe" Jobkar III, Robert F. Doutre, pictured with Fr. Bosco.

The Knights of Columbus, The Father Edwin Fisher Council of Manchester celebrated their 60th year with a grand party on Saturday February 11th--one day after the anniversary of their official beginning in 1957. The Saint Mary’s parish hall was filled with members and their families.

Since their founding, the Knights of Columbus (KoC) have made their mark on the Manchester area. Within their first year land was purchased and a bid made to build a new post office, which would also serve as the KoC meeting hall. Members cleared the land and did all interior work on the new building. To raise funds, the KoC tore down an old livery stable for the Village of Manchester. When parking at the hall became an issue, the land between the hall and river was purchased and the house on that property demolished by the KoC members and their families. With all the construction work involved, it is fitting they named their council after Father Fisher, who oversaw the building of Manchester’s St. Mary’s fieldstone church in 1911.

Three founding members of the Manchester council were in attendance, and received their 60 year pins: Duane Beuerle, Dick Krzyzaniak, and Jeff Kirk. Duane was in attendance with his son, Eric, and his grandson, John. John is the newest and youngest member (at age 18) of the Manchester council. John joined the KoC because it fits with his desire to help people and “gives him purpose in his future,” which he hopes will be as a nurse. He is currently studying at Eastern Michigan University, where he plans on applying to their nursing program as soon as he is able to do so.

The night’s first speaker spoke highly of the Manchester council for their commitment to the community. Manchester's Father Bosco of St. Mary’s, praised the council for how active they were in the parish, drawing laughter when he said the KoC cleaned the church once a month and were “doing it perfectly.” He also spoke of how active the Manchester council was in the community as a whole, supporting many local organizations like the Manchester Community Resource Center, Gazebo concerts, the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, as well as the Manchester council's own events, like the steak fry and euchre tournaments. Their presence is felt as well in the less visible things, likes two annual $500 scholarships for MHS seniors, and the work they do building handicap ramps / handrails as people express need.

The event’s keynote was delivered by V. Reverend William J. Canon Turner of St. Mary Catholic Church of Chelsea. He again praised the council for its commitment to the Manchester parish and encouraged the men to continue being examples to their family and community.

After awards were presented (see pictures), the formal part of the evening was closed by KoC State Deputy Kenneth Unterbink. He called the men of the council to action, citing the recent passing of the non-discrimination ordinance in Jackson, to keep their families in the tradition of the KoC in these changing times. He also congratulated the Manchester council on all it has accomplished in the past 60 years, but he said he is seeing “the same faces” doing all the work and encouraged them to recruit younger members to keep the work ongoing. As Manchester begins its 150th year, many of Manchester’s community organizations face the same issue of aging members and needing new membership to fill out their ranks.

The ceremony was ended by Father Peter Clark of Clinton, who lead the gathering in singing America the Beautiful. Father Clark then joined his band, Dewey's Ditties, and the trio played into the night for all in attendance to enjoy and dance to.

Original Member Dick Krzyzaniak and wife, Shirley

Master of Ceremonies, Former Michigan State Deputy Tom Clark

Three generations of Manchester's Knights of Columbus; Duane, Eric, and John Beuerle

John Beuerle, 18, youngest member of KoC

Rev. Fr. Paul Ruddy, 94, receives a standing ovation before his closing benediction

Key Note Speaker, V. Rev. William J. Canon Turner, PhD, KCHS

Original member Joe Kirk receives his 60 year pin

The evening was catered by local caterer Stockwells

Dewey's Ditties

Demolition of the old house

Family of the Year Award: Joe & Terri Jobkar

Knight of the Year Award: Martin Brogley

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by Danielle Muntz

Danielle lives in Manchester Township and has many interests which she takes part in with varying degrees of success. She can be reached at Danielle.Does.Stuff@gmail.com.