Wednesday, January 07, 2009 |
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St. Matthew Council 10852 was established on April 1, 1992 when they received their charter from the Supreme Council. The District Deputy at this time was Richard S. Kopp and the charter chaplain was Rev. Msgr. Joseph Kerin.
At the time of the council’s inception the officers were :
Grand Knight - James S. Nass
Deputy Grand Knight - Michael W. Brannon
Chancellor - William L. McKenna
Advocate - Thomas J. Gorman
Warden - Henry S. McManus
Treasurer - Charles M. Cashio
Financial Secretary - Michael P. Buckley
Recorder - Patrick J. Gallagher
Inside Guard - Anthony W. Palermo
Outside Guard - Doyle D. Coop
Lector - Jerold Decsi
Trustee - Teunis Visser
Trustee - Francis Gill
Trustee - William A. Fox III
When the council was first formed they met at the Family Room of St. Matthew’s church. They currently meet at the Columbus Club of South Charlotte.
Major Accomplishments
1992-1993
With the help of our sponsoring Council, Saint Vincent De Paul (9560), our Council was granted a charter on April 1, 1992, and started with 74 Charter Members. Under the leadership of our Charter Grand Knight, James Nass, we immediately had a strong impact within Saint Matthew Parish and the community at large. During these first fraternal years, the council ran numerous family events such as an Easter Egg hunt, a Halloween Party, and sponsored a successful Parish Carnival to help raise money for Saint Matthew Church.
1993-1995
Saint Matthew Council quickly won the support and praise of the parish and steadily grew in membership and welcomed our 100th Brother Knight during this time. Continuing to build on our many programs we began our: "BREAKFAST WITH SAINT NICHOLAS". This program successfully introduced the children of the parish to the story of the real Santa Claus. During the month of December we combined our Sunday "Pancake Breakfast" with this very popular event. A Brother Knight would be dressed as Saint Nicholas; handout chocolate coins, and poises for free pictures with the children. Our hard work and many accomplishments were recognized when Council 10852 won its first "STAR COUNCIL AWARD" under the direction of our 3rd Grand Knight, Kenneth J. Conroy.
1995-1997
It was during these fraternal years that Saint Matthew Council became recognized as a force with North Carolina. Under the leadership of Grand Knight, Charles B. Bowling, Jr., the Council won its second and third "STAR COUNCIL AWARDS" and membership increased 400% over our goals set by the Supreme Council. The Council had the distinct privilege of having two of its members elected as Faithful Navigators. William L. McKenna was elected as the Faithful Navigator of the George L. Gettier Assembly 780, and Arthur Fitzgerald as the Faithful Navigator of the Msgr. Lawrence C. Newman Assembly 2208. The Council also had the honor of acting as Ushers during Mother Teresa’s visit to Charlotte and saw the beginning of a close relationship with the Sisters of Charity and the support of their House here in Charlotte.
1997-1999
As the Council celebrated its 5th anniversary, it enjoyed explosive growth in membership and greater participation of Knights in the various charitable activities and programs. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Grand Knight, John Norton, Council 10852 could now boast of having more than 225 Brother Knights. Charity continued to be a major theme of the Council and was expanded with the "adoption" of "The Relatives Teen Shelter" as a community outreach program. In addition, one-time fund raising events resulted in the donation of over $10,000.00 given to a leukemia victim and the family of a child needing a bone marrow transplant. On top of this, the Council surpassed its "Operation Lamb" goal by 30%. During this period it became obvious that the Council was outgrowing the facilities of Saint Matthew Council Hall. A building fund began and locations within the vicinity of Saint Matthew Church were sought. In the summer of 1998, property was purchased, in South Charlotte, on Bryant Farms Road, approximately 1 mile from Saint Matthew Catholic Church.
1999-2000
Prior to turning over the gavel to Dr. Timothy Clare in July 1999; Grand Knight, John Norton saw Council 10852 grow to over 300 members and was recognized by the Knights of Columbus, Supreme Council, for having attained more than 100 new members in a fraternal year. Another honor bestowed upon the Council was having our own Past Grand Knight, Charles B. Bowling, Jr., named the North Carolina State "Knight of the Year".
2001-2002
Ed Switzer assumed the position of Grand Knight. As of July 2002, our Council 10852 has grown to over 400 members.
2003-2005
Joe Hughes assumed the position of Grand Knight. In 2004 Council 10852 became the first council in North Carolina to collect over $50,000 for Operation Lamb. Also in the Fall of 2004 the council started construction on out new Banquet facility
2005-2006
SK Greg Argenas assumed the position of Grand Knight. In October of 2005 the Knights opened the South Charlotte Banquet Facility.
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