The Rosary is our weapon and the Scapular is our shield.”

Knights of Columbus general insurance agent Timothy Nowak

Find out more by seeking out a local council or head on over www.kofc.org for more information. Consider becoming a Knight today.

Emer-Quinn Knights of Columbus Council 3249 is officially 75 years old.
Meeting All Soul’s Day on Saturday, Nov. 2 at newly named All Saints Parish Hall on Stanley’s Third Avenue, the Knights of Columbus Emer-Quinn Council 3249 celebrated three quarters of a century of presence in the area.
Named for Father Peter Emer of St. Anne’s and Father John Quinn of St. Mary’s, two historically feuding Catholic churches that later united, the Catholic men’s fraternal organization was started with 40 charter members back in 1949. Of these, one person, 98 year old Don Simon, is still alive today. Simon recounted via letter how the Council started after prospective members had met at a tavern, but needed another insurance member. He later became that member, in November 1949.
Now three-quarters of a century old, Emer-Quinn Council 3249 is dedicated like the Knights of Columbus to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, starting 71 separate events over its 75 years of existence. Prime examples of recurring events are the Punt Pass, Kick Contest for students and Tootsie Roll Drive for those with mental disabilities.
Preceded by a Mass at Holy Family celebrated by visiting Monsignor Joseph Hirsch of Casa Hogar in which various Knights assisted as altar servers, readers, Eucharistic ministers, and ushers, the celebration got started with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed with a dinner catered by Village Haus of Boyd at 6 p.m.
Event Emcee Gary Krueger welcomed attendees to the events, with fourth degree knight Terry Licht leading those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The National Anthem was sung by special guest Joe Henzel, who also sang many additional songs.
From there the celebration turned back over to Krueger, before an invocation by Father William Felix, current pastor of All Saints Parish and Chaplin for the council.
Dinner catered by Village Haus of Boyd included chicken, sliced beef, potatoes, dressing, cabbage, vegetable, dinner rolls, cake, coffee and milk.
Following the dinner a history was given by Jerry Dirkes, with Knights of Columbus general insurance agent Timothy Nowak giving a speech.
“The Rosary is our weapon and the Scapular is our shield,” Nowak said of Catholic devotional practices, iith emphasis placed on Philippians 3:8 and Jesus as “key” to getting into heaven.
Following Nowak’s address some final comments were given by Knights of Columbus state secretary Ross Larson, who also presented an award to current Emer-Quinn Council Grand Knight Robert Irwin.
Founded by Father Michael McGivney at New Haven, Connecticut in 1882, the Knights of Columbus organization is open to Catholic men who are willing to put themselves at the service of each other and the community.
Find out more by seeking out a local council or head on over www.kofc.org for more information. Consider becoming a Knight today.