OUR HISTORY:
Ask almost any person about the Knights of Columbus and the image that comes to mind is the tuxedoed gentlemen with capes, ostrich plumed chapeaus, and swords. These men represent the Fourth Degree and are often referred to as the “visible arm” of the Knights.The Fourth Degree is the final step in a man’s journey to full Knighthood in the Order founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882. The Fourth Degree, however, did not have its origins that year. In 1886, the Knights of Columbus considered establishing a Fourth Degree to the Order but it was not to happen. It wasn’t until 1899, that a committee was formed by then Supreme Knight Edward L. Hearn to design the new degree. That August, the new ceremonial, exemplifying the fourth point of Columbianism, Patriotism, was approved.
To qualify for this new Degree, a man had to be a member of the Knights of Columbus for three years and serve the Order, the Church, and his community. The new degree was to promote a love of country and impress the duties of citizenship. The first exemplification of the Fourth Degree took place on Washington’s Birthday, February 22, 1900 in New York City. Attending that exemplification was D. P. Dunn from San Jose Council 14 in Willimantic. The following May, Judge James F. Twoomey, Rev. Oliver J. Magnell, Lawrence S. Casey, Dr. D. F. Donohue, Dr. W. F. Lahiff, Dr. John Donohue, and Arthur J. B. Doone attended the second exemplification in Boston, Massachusetts.
The birth of the Fourth Degree brought it tothe City of Willimantic and San Jose Council 14.At that time there were no separate Fourth Degree associations. Fourth Degree members, called Sir Knights, were served by their local Council. However, on Sunday, August 22, 1900,a meeting was held in the Knights of Columbus Hall located in the Holmes Block, 715 MainStreet, Willimantic, to organize the first FourthDegree Assembly in the State of Connecticut. One of the first orders of business was to elect officers for the fledgling organization. Sir Knight John Donohue was elected its first President, Sir Knight James Twoomey becameits Financial Secretary,and Sir Knight D. P. Dunn its Recording Secretary. Some time thereafter, the new Assembly established its regular meeting day as the first Sunday of eachmonth, a tradition that continues. Today, there are 49 active Assemblies throughout Connecticut.
2004 - 2005 OFFICERS:
Faithful Navigator Dennis M. Kuchy
Faithful Comptroller Richard T. Holton Jr.
Faithful Friar Rev Willis West
Faithful Captain Vincent S. Marceno Jr.
Faithful Admiral Daniel A. Leone III
Faithful Purser Arnold J.Cerasuolo
Faithful Pilot Jean- Maurice Soucy
Faithful Scribe Henry J. Riquier
Faithful Faithful Inner Sentinel Louis J. Musinski
Faithful Outer Sentinal Mario FiascanaroColor Corps Commander - Henry J. Riquier
Trustees:
Arnold J. Cerasuolo - 1 year
C. Frank Palmer - 2 years
James W. Ciaglo Jr. - 3 years
To Contact Us:
San Jose Assembly 0121
Knights of Columbus
41 Club Road
Windham, CT 06280
OR
dragonfly5652002@yahoo.com
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